In the hard-hit southern end of the Big Island, communities were isolated cut off from communication and roads were blocked by debris. Floodwater disturbed some grave sites.

State officials believe a band of ambitious entrepreneurs can seed new industries in aerospace and ocean technologies.

A torrent of water from Hurricane Lala carried rocks, trees and mud down the road that leads toward Naalehu Cemetery on Hawaii’s Big Island, leaving the area impassable. Headstones, caskets, and human remains were among the debris.

Tropical Storm Lala has moved away from Hawaii after bringing destructive flooding and strong winds over the weekend.

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda said Wednesday that the destruction in Ka‘u after Hurricane Lala underscores the need for Hawaii to rethink how it prepares for, responds to and recovers from natural disasters.

State officials believe a band of ambitious entrepreneurs can seed new industries in aerospace and ocean technologies.