Crews have cleaned out the main flood control channel in Naalehu, a good sign for residents who were hit hard by the last tropical storm.

• The channel was cleared to keep water moving during the next big rain.
• The area flooded badly in the last storm and roads and other infrastructure took heavy damage.
• The work is preventative, not repair — the goal is to stop a repeat.
• Locals still face a long cleanup from the earlier storm damage.

Outlook: The cleared channel should ease flooding in the next heavy rain, but more storm season is still ahead.