The Welcome Mat: May/June 2026

I drove through torrential rain with near-zero visibility on March 13 to attend the Building Leaders Summit at the Building Industry Association of Hawaii’s headquarters in Waipahu. The first of two major Kona low storms was in full-effect this day, with schools closed statewide due to forecasted high winds and flooding. Weather analysts said “stay home, if can” — but I was looking forward to the summit, so no can.

Jonathan Falk, director of disaster operations for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), was among the great people I met at the conference. It was nice to chat with him in person; we previously corresponded by email when I did a disaster preparation guide at my last magazine job.

During a quick breakfast before sessions, Falk and I talked story about his experiences as NAHB’s disaster expert traveling across the country to emergency preparedness trainings and disaster relief sites. I asked him how emergency teams would prepare for a situation like the Kona low.

Falk, calm and gracious, explained that when unpredictable events happen, people generally try to stay flexible and make the best decisions they can based on the circumstances and resources they have.

This perspective stuck with me as our Ku‘u Home team wrapped our May/June edition. Photos and stories came together while our Trade Media Hui ‘ohana navigated the effects of two Kona lows on our homes and communities. We learned lessons on pivoting and patience while navigating an unprecedented magazine production cycle and supporting our neighbors rebuilding after the storms.

Our May/June issue includes a News Briefs section focused on preparing your home for hurricane season, which starts June 1. We also have stories to remind those who are storm-weary that summer is on the horizon — maybe planning a field trip to the Liljestrand House or colorful project ideas can serve as glimmers of inspiration after a dreary few months.

“Above the clouds, the sky is always blue,” goes one of my favorite quotes by Saint Therese of Lisieux. May brighter days meet us all ahead.

Aloha nui,

Darlene Dela Cruz
Senior Editor, Ku‘u Home

---

This story appears in the May/June 2026 print issue of Ku‘u Home magazine.