A Civil Beat series starting today examines the people caught up in Hawaiʻi’s most severe drug problem, how it started and what’s being done about it.

Eight years ago, a Civil Beat investigation found the island’s shelters were unable to withstand even a moderate hurricane. Today, officials won’t say what improvements they’ve made.

A second body was discovered Tuesday. Local businesses remain battered and shuttered as people from around the Big Island step up to help.

The body of a Big Island woman who went missing after the storm was identified Tuesday.

Even as the hurricane settled into a tropical storm, it bore down across the island chain, hitting rural Big Island harder than other areas.

Widespread damage followed the tropical storm, including power outages, road closures and flash floods. Homes were damaged, and trees fell on cars and people.

Latest news from officials across Hawaiʻi as Tropical Storm Lala brings heavy wind and rain.

Last month, the National Park Service started guided tours to Honouliuli, a former World War II internment camp.

Hawaiʻi Republicans also announced Wednesday the party chose tourism executive Kelly Kitashima to run in a special election for state Senate on Nov. 3.

UPDATE: Court filings erroneously suggested popular Hawaiian reggae artist Glenn Awong, known as Maoli, was involved in drug dealing or other criminal activity referenced in Vaituulala’s case.