Kindergarten Teacher Found Dead After Destructive Storm. ‘She Was a Fixture in this Community,’ Former Student Says

Authorities in Hawaii are mourning the loss of two individuals whose deaths have been linked to Hurricane Lala, a devastating storm that struck the region in mid-August. Among the deceased is 93-year-old May Doi, a former schoolteacher whose body was discovered on August 17, a day after she was reported missing.

The Hawaii Police Department released a statement identifying the victim as Doi, who lived in the Ka‘ū District. She was last seen at her home on August 14, and concerns for her well-being prompted her family to report her missing to the authorities on August 16. Following her disappearance, emergency responders launched a search operation which ultimately led to the grim discovery of her remains.

Police have not yet determined the exact cause of Doi’s death, although they suspect it may be connected to the severe weather conditions that accompanied Hurricane Lala. An autopsy has been scheduled, and officials remain optimistic that foul play was not a factor in her death.

Local community members remember Doi fondly, with many describing her as a significant figure in their lives. Vice Principal ʻĀina Akamu recalled that Doi had taught both him and his father during her extensive career in education, which included imparting knowledge to the next generation of students in the neighbourhood. “She was a fixture in this community,” Akamu remarked, reflecting on Doi’s legacy as an educator to many families in the area.

The investigation into Doi’s death is part of a larger inquiry tied to Hurricane Lala. Authorities have also reported the death of another individual, a man in his sixties whose remains were discovered in a pasture off Highway 11 in the same district. Police had launched a welfare check for him the previous day. As with Doi’s case, the authorities do not suspect foul play.

Initially forecasted as a Category 1 storm, Hurricane Lala escalated to a Category 3 system by August 19 when it made landfall in southern Hawaii. The storm caused extensive damage, uprooting trees and tearing roofs off buildings, leaving many residents grappling with recovery while facing the threat of further storms.

As the clean-up continues, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed concern about the current situation and the potential for additional extreme weather. “We’ve got to be extra prepared now, while we’re still in recovery. And that’s tough,” he stated, highlighting the community’s heightened sensitivity to weather patterns following the storm.

Governor Josh Green echoed these sentiments in a social media post, urging residents to remain vigilant as they rebuild following Hurricane Lala. The Ka‘ū District faced the brunt of the storm, while services in other areas, including state and county offices and public schools, were set to resume operations on August 20.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, Hawaii has faced significant challenges, including widespread power outages. As of August 20, reports indicated that over 16,000 customers were still without electricity. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz announced that the Transportation Department is allocating an initial $6 million in emergency federal funds to aid in the recovery efforts following the storm.

Residents of Hawaii find themselves navigating a complex recovery process, grappling with the emotional aftermath of the storm as well as the logistical challenges presented by widespread destruction. As efforts continue to rebuild and restore normalcy, community ties and shared experiences will be crucial in moving forward.