Salvation Army Readies Response as Second Kona Low Impacts Hawaiʻi

The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division has mobilized emergency disaster services across all Hawaiian islands in response to a devastating second kona low storm event.

“At the frontlines: Salvation Army Hilo unit, others statewide stand ready as second kona low impacts islands Committed and dedicated are more than accurate descriptions of The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps connection with its Big Island community; however, there are no words that can speak louder than the Hawaiʻi County unit’s actions, especially its response to emergencies and disasters”

This second storm is impacting communities still reeling from the first storm that occurred just weeks earlier.

The organization has positioned its corps officers, staff, and volunteers on each island to provide immediate assistance.

Particular focus is being placed on Oahu's North Shore, Maui County, and Windward Hawaii Island communities.

Evacuation orders have been issued in some areas due to catastrophic flood waters and dam failure threats.

Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander, emphasized that the organization is readying a nimble response to meet ongoing and emerging situations.

The second kona low brings further damage, dangers, and disruption to areas already saturated and stressed from the previous storm.

On Hawaii Island, the Hilo Temple Corps has been serving at the frontlines of relief efforts.

They continue to welcome houseless individuals seeking shelter from the storms at their Hilo Overnight Safe Space in downtown Hilo.

Maui Now

The unit is planning additional meal services while assessments of community needs are ongoing.

Captain Sam LeMar, Hilo Temple Corps Officer, highlighted the organization's direct impact.

He noted that 'we see firsthand what the right resources at the right time can do for communities navigating a disaster situation.'

The unit has served warm meals to families in areas like Nānāwale and surrounding Puna communities.

These residents were without power for up to a week before restoration on June 19.

The Salvation Army's response extends across multiple islands with coordinated efforts between local units and state agencies.

“At the frontlines: Salvation Army Hilo unit, others statewide stand ready as second kona low impacts islands Committed and dedicated are more than accurate descriptions of The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps connection with its Big Island community; however, there are no words that can speak louder than the Hawaiʻi County unit’s actions, especially its response to emergencies and disasters”

During the first kona low event, the organization swiftly mobilized on March 12.

They provided more than 600 meals to first responders and sheltering community members within just 48 hours.

By the fourth day, units across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii had collectively served more than 1,600 meals.

These meals went to residents affected by floods and power outages from the first storm.

The organization emphasizes partnership collaboration.

They work closely with committed community partners and state agencies to align efforts and maximize resources.

This coordinated approach addresses both immediate crisis and aftermath recovery needs effectively.

As the second kona low storm continues to impact Hawaii, The Salvation Army has issued a call for financial donations.

These donations are needed to amplify storm relief efforts and supplies due to exponentially growing needs.

Maui Now

Captain Sam LeMar emphasized that 'as the crisis continues, so do the needs—and they are growing exponentially.'

The organization's response has included practical support such as distributing Domino's pizzas during meal services.

Volunteers noted heartwarming moments when 'keiki lighting up with a hot meal after days without power.'

They also observed 'parents and grandparents relieved to have something warm and ready.'

The Salvation Army's 130-year history of serving Hawaii communities positions it well to handle the current crisis.

However, the scale of the dual storm events has created unprecedented challenges requiring additional support.