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Tropical Storm Lala Threatens 10-30% Crop & Livestock Losses for Hawaiʻi Island Producers

·10 min read·⚡ Act Now

Executive Summary

Tropical Storm Lala is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and impact Hawaiʻi Island by Saturday, posing immediate threats to agricultural assets. Producers must implement emergency protective measures within 48 hours to mitigate significant losses.

  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Risk of 10-30% loss in crops, livestock, and equipment if protective measures are not taken.
  • Timeline: Action required before Saturday impact.
  • Action: Secure livestock, reinforce structures, and protect crops immediately.

Action Required

High PriorityBefore Saturday

The storm is anticipated to impact Hawaiʻi Island as early as Saturday, requiring immediate action to protect assets.

Hawaiʻi Island farmers, ranchers, and producers must secure livestock, reinforce structures, protect crops, and safeguard equipment before Tropical Storm Lala makes landfall as a hurricane by Saturday, August 15, 2026, to prevent potential 10-30% losses.

Who's Affected
Agriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Significant crop/livestock loss → reduced local food supply → increased consumer prices
  • →Agricultural infrastructure damage → supply chain disruptions → higher export costs
  • →Producer economic hardship → increased demand for disaster relief → strain on state resources
  • →Rebuilding efforts → increased demand for construction materials and labor → rising sector costs
Cows graze peacefully on a green pasture in Hawaii under a cloudy sky.
Photo by Marina M

Tropical Storm Lala Threatens 10-30% Crop & Livestock Losses for Hawaiʻi Island Producers

Tropical Storm Lala is rapidly intensifying and is projected to make landfall on Hawaiʻi Island as a hurricane by Saturday, August 15, 2026. This poses an immediate and severe risk to the island's agricultural sector, with potential losses ranging from 10% to 30% for unprepared farms, ranches, and aquaculture operations. Swift and decisive action is required to protect valuable assets and minimize economic impact.

The Change

The primary change is the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Lala, which is expected to develop into a hurricane before impacting Hawaiʻi Island on or around Saturday, August 15, 2026. While this is a natural event, the accelerated development and potential intensity necessitate an immediate shift from routine operations to emergency preparedness for all agricultural stakeholders on the island.

Who's Affected

Agriculture & Food Producers (Farmers, Ranchers, Food Producers, Aquaculture Operators)

Producers on Hawaiʻi Island face direct threats to their livelihoods. The specific impacts include:

  • Livestock: Potential for injury or death due to high winds, flying debris, and drowning. Loss estimates can range from 5-15% of herds if animals are not properly sheltered.
  • Crops: Significant damage or complete loss of fruits, vegetables, grains, and specialty crops from high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. This could result in revenue losses of 15-30% for the current season.
  • Equipment & Infrastructure: Damage to irrigation systems, greenhouses, barns, fences, and processing facilities from wind and water. Repair costs can be substantial, impacting operational capacity for months.
  • Aquaculture: Loss of fish and shellfish from pond breaches, equipment damage, and potential contamination of water sources. This can lead to the complete loss of stock.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Damage to roads and ports can halt the export of goods, leading to spoilage and missed market opportunities.

Second-Order Effects

An event of this magnitude on Hawaiʻi Island's agricultural sector can trigger a cascade of economic consequences. Significant crop and livestock losses will reduce the local supply of food products, potentially leading to short-term price increases for consumers and impacting the margins of food retailers and restaurants. This reduced agricultural output can also strain export logistics, potentially increasing costs for inter-island or mainland shipments. Furthermore, the economic hardship on producers may necessitate increased demand for disaster relief and insurance claims, placing a strain on state and federal resources. The rebuilding process for damaged infrastructure could also lead to increased demand for construction materials and labor, potentially driving up costs in those sectors.

What to Do

Immediate Action Required (Before Saturday, August 15, 2026):

For Farmers and Crop Producers:

  1. Secure Crops: Harvest mature or near-mature crops immediately. For crops that cannot be harvested, consider covering them with protective netting or tarps if feasible and safe. Prioritize high-value or vulnerable crops.
  2. Reinforce Greenhouses and Hoophouses: Ensure all structures are securely anchored. Remove or secure any loose materials (e.g., plastic sheeting) that could become projectiles.
  3. Drainage and Water Management: Clear drainage ditches and prepare to manage excess water. Shut off irrigation systems to prevent damage and unnecessary water use.
  4. Protect Perishables: Move harvested crops, seeds, and fertilizers to secure, elevated, and weather-proof locations. Ensure generators and fuel supplies are ready for power outages.

For Ranchers and Livestock Owners:

  1. Shelter Livestock: Move all animals to pre-identified sturdy shelters (barns, corrals, reinforced structures). Ensure adequate ventilation but protect from wind and rain ingress.
  2. Secure Animals: If full sheltering is not possible, use stronger fencing and secure animals to prevent them from being swept away or injured by debris. Consider moving smaller, more vulnerable animals to safer locations.
  3. Water and Feed: Stockpile sufficient feed and fresh water for at least 5-7 days. Secure water sources from contamination.
  4. Evacuate High-Risk Areas: If properties are in flood-prone areas or coastal zones, evacuate animals to higher, safer ground.

For Aquaculture Operators:

  1. Secure Ponds and Raceways: Inspect and reinforce levees and pond walls. Ensure drainage gates are functional for emergency water release.
  2. Protect Equipment: Secure pumps, aerators, and harvesting equipment. Consider temporary removal of sensitive components if possible.
  3. Water Quality Monitoring: Prepare to monitor water quality post-storm, as debris and runoff can significantly impact oxygen levels and introduce contaminants.
  4. Emergency Feed: Ensure a supply of feed is protected from moisture and accessible for post-storm feeding.

For All Producers:

  1. Secure Equipment: Move tractors, vehicles, and other movable equipment to higher ground or secure them to prevent wind damage.
  2. Inventory and Documentation: Document the condition of assets (photos, videos) before the storm for insurance purposes. Update inventory lists.
  3. Communication Plan: Establish communication plans with employees and key suppliers. Ensure backup communication methods (satellite phones, two-way radios) are available.
  4. Stay Informed: Monitor official weather advisories from the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.

Insurance Review:

Review your agricultural insurance policies immediately. Understand your coverage for wind, flood, and crop damage. Contact your insurance agent to confirm policy details and claim procedures.

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