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Hurricane Lala leaves significant damage and infrastructure challenges across the Hawaiian Islands

Hurricane Lala has left extensive damage across the Hawaiian Islands, with residents and businesses facing significant recovery efforts. On Maui, a massive eucalyptus tree collapsed onto the buildings of Haku Maui and Ohana Island Grindz in Makawao, causing severe structural damage to the lei shop and restaurant. Nearby, a 60- to 80-foot-tall eucalyptus tree also crashed into a former convent at St. Joseph Catholic Church, damaging the roof and flooding the interior. On the Big Island, the storm brought heavy rain and mudslides that destroyed approximately a dozen homes in Waiohinu. Several communities, including Pahala and Naalehu, remain largely cut off due to washed-away bridges and flooded roads. While the Hawaii National Guard and local nonprofits like The Food Basket are distributing free food to residents, many areas still lack electricity. Residents in Pahoa and other rural regions are relying on generators and community cooperation to manage the aftermath. Officials have announced that most public schools and government offices will reopen on Tuesday, except for those in the hardest-hit areas.

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