Kaʻū Strong

Community Resiliency in the Wake of Hurricane Lala

Publisher’s Note By Kainoa Tabar

At least one thing is clear in the wake of the recent Hurricane Lala disaster: Kaʻū is not defeated. With the greatest alacrity and care, the community sprung into action highlighting the resiliency and aloha of the people of Kaʻū. The many heartwarming stories have touched us all.

This issue of Kaʻū News was complete on the eve of Hurricane Lala, and we delayed the issue necessarily to include storm coverage as a service to the community. We wish we could do more. Our volunteers have done their very best with the limited time we had to get this issue to press. Below is a photo montage of some of the recovery and relief efforts and we also included our regular columns.

Our loyal advertisers may not be operating as published in their advertisements in this issue, and it is our wish that these businesses be supported by the community they serve. Please lend your continued patronage to them as they rebuild.

Amidst the relief and recovery efforts, we have continued with our plan to ensure that Kaʻū has a newspaper to call its own forevermore. We have officially received federal approval of our nonprofit status and have also launched a brand new website at kaunewshawaii.org.

It is our sincere wish that the community this paper serves recovers quickly, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for all the support as we continue to publish the good news of Kaʻū.

Top 3 Photos Courtesy of Ronit Fahl for The Star Advertiser & The New York Times | Kaʻū Strong Sign Photo by Tim DeLozier

Other Photos from Drew Foster (Ocean View tree clearing and downtown Nāʻālehu) & Marcia Masters (Hongwanji/Hub)