Honolulu and the Hawaiian islands are preparing for Tropical Storm Moke as it advances westward through the Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds strengthening to around 50 mph (85 kph) as of Saturday morning. The National Hurricane Center reported that Moke was located approximately 470 miles (755 kilometers) southeast of Hilo, moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).
The storm arrives while the Big Island continues recovering from Hurricane Lala, which caused one storm-related death, widespread flooding, and significant infrastructure damage including downed trees, damaged roads and bridges, and buildings swept off foundations. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and state officials held a news conference urging residents to restock food, medicine, and other essentials ahead of Moke's arrival.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators have emphasized state autonomy in disaster response, arguing that local governments should lead recovery efforts with federal assistance as a supplement rather than a primary mechanism. Some Republican voices have questioned FEMA's responsiveness and called for streamlining bureaucratic processes to accelerate aid delivery. The focus has been on individual preparedness and community resilience rather than new federal programs.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices are using the back-to-back storms to renew calls for increased federal disaster preparedness funding and climate resilience investments. Democratic lawmakers have pointed to the 43.54 inches of rainfall recorded on the Big Island's northeast coast during Lala as evidence that extreme weather events are intensifying. Rep. Jill Tokuda of Hawaii said in a statement that communities need sustained federal support for infrastructure improvements and emergency management resources. Climate advocates argue that warming ocean temperatures contribute to stronger tropical storms, calling for investments in renewable energy and emissions reduction as part of comprehensive disaster policy.
What the Numbers Show
Tropical Storm Moke carries maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph), with rainfall projections of 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 centimeters) expected for the southeast and windward sides of the Big Island through the weekend, and as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters) in isolated areas. Hurricane Lala produced 43.54 inches (1.1 meters) of rainfall on the northeast coast of the Big Island over a multi-day period, according to National Weather Service data. Approximately 9,000 customers on the Big Island remained without power Saturday morning, according to PowerOutage.us. Moke is traveling at 12 mph (19 kph) and expected to pass south of direct impact with the Big Island late Saturday into early Sunday before continuing westward near the island chain through early Tuesday.
The Bottom Line
Tropical Storm Moke is projected to bring significant rainfall and gusty winds to Hawaii's Big Island beginning late Saturday, compounding recovery efforts from Hurricane Lala. State officials are urging residents in affected areas to prepare with essential supplies. There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect as of Saturday morning, though the National Hurricane Center warned of potential dangerous rip currents, life-threatening flooding, and mudslides, particularly in steep terrain and already-saturated ground. Residents should monitor official forecasts and heed guidance from local emergency management officials.