Native Hawaiian families cut off in remote Kaʻū are getting emergency food, water, and fuel by helicopter — good news for hard-hit communities, though access problems will last for weeks.

• The Office of Hawaiian Affairs called an emergency board meeting Monday and had supplies on the ground by Tuesday.
• Helicopters flew 1,500 pounds of essentials into Wood Valley and other spots roads can't reach.
• Landing pads had to be built first, and getting in and out will stay hard for weeks.
• Home Depot, KTA Superstores, a local aviation company, and Three Mountains Alliance are all pitching in alongside the county.
• Damage goes beyond Hawaii Island — Oahu has blown-off roofs and homes still without power.

Outlook: More storm systems are brewing, and OHA is opening a disaster relief page to route further money to nonprofits and other affected communities.