City to open Eight hurricane refuge areas Saturday ahead of Tropical Storm Lala
HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu announced Friday that eight hurricane refuge areas will open Saturday morning ahead of expected severe weather associated with Tropical Storm Lala.
The hurricane refuge areas will open at 8 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the following locations:
• Blanche Pope Elementary School
• Castle High School
• Kahuku Elementary School
• Kapolei High School
• Mililani High School
• Moanalua High School
• Nānākuli Elementary
• Roosevelt High School
The refuge areas will remain open as conditions warrant.
For the most current list of hurricane refuge areas and updates, please visit the City’s hurricane refuge area information page p.veoci.com/hnlshelter.
Hurricane refuge areas provide a safe place for residents and visitors who need temporary protection from severe weather. If you plan to use a refuge area, bring your own food, water, medications, and other essential items whenever possible.
All locations are pet-friendly. Pets must be leashed or secured in a carrier, and owners are responsible for their pets and should bring food, water, and other necessary pet supplies.
The hurricane refuge areas will be operated in partnership with the American Red Cross, with support from City and County of Honolulu departments.
TheBus evacuation service
During an emergency, TheBus may provide evacuation service from affected areas where conditions allow. Buses providing evacuation service will be clearly marked with “Evacuation” signage, and no fare will be required. Individuals needing transportation should flag down the driver to request evacuation assistance. Animals are permitted onboard as long as they can be safely secured or seated and do not interfere with the safety or comfort of other passengers or the driver.
H.O.N.U. operations
As part of the City’s preparations, residents of the Homeless Outreach and Navigation for the Unsheltered (H.O.N.U.) program will be temporarily relocated to the Kapolei High School gymnasium to provide a safe indoor location during the severe weather.
The 63 individuals currently staying at H.O.N.U. will be transported to the gym Saturday morning ahead of the storm. Once residents have been relocated, tents and equipment at the H.O.N.U. site will be taken down and secured until conditions improve.
City officials encourage residents and visitors to continue monitoring weather conditions and official information throughout the weekend. Residents can sign up for HNL Alert at hnlalert.gov or text HNLALERT to 888-777 to receive urgent notifications.
Residents encouraged to be prepared
Residents should not focus solely on the storm’s projected track or intensity. Even if Oʻahu does not experience a direct impact, changing weather conditions associated with the system could bring strong or gusty winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, dangerous surf and coastal conditions, power outages, and an increased risk of wildfires.
Residents should take the following steps now:
• Review and update your family emergency plan, including where you will go if you need to evacuate.
• Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications, and essential items to last at least 14 days.
• Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, portable chargers, and other supplies in the event of a power outage.
• Secure outdoor furniture, equipment, and other loose objects that could become hazardous in strong winds.
• Clear gutters, drains, and areas around your property that could contribute to flooding.
• Use extreme caution with open flames, outdoor equipment, or any activity that could spark a wildfire, particularly during periods of strong or gusty winds.
• Keep vehicles fueled and avoid waiting until the last minute to purchase essential supplies.
• Know whether your home is in a flood, coastal, or other hazard area and be prepared to relocate if necessary.
City officials are asking residents to rely on information from official sources and not individual computer models or unverified information circulating on social media. Forecasts can change quickly, and the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center remain the authoritative sources for weather information.
The City will provide additional updates as the forecast develops and will announce any changes to City operations, facility closures, shelter openings, or other emergency actions if necessary.
Residents can find emergency preparedness information at www.Honolulu.gov/dem.
—PAU—
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