(ABOVE) Residents of hurricane-lashed Puna dig in to some ice made available by the County of Hawaii on Saturday at the Pahoa Fire Station.

UPDATED: Hawaii County Civil Defense message (Aug. 10 at 12:45 p.m.)

PUNA, Hawaii – As thousands of Big Island residents remain without power – many of them in the Puna district – the Hawaii County Civil Defense is announcing more water, ice and tarp handouts.

A new distribution point has been established at the Mountain View Gym, set to open at 11:00 a.m.

“Due to lack of electrical power,” stated Civil Defense in its latest Community Assistance information update, “the Department of Water Supply is hauling water to Paauilo, Kalapana, and upper Ola’a-Mountain View. Consumers are requested to continue restricted water use. Call 961-8379 for any emergency water concerns.”

Civil Defense issued a more detailed Community Assessment and Assistance information update earlier in the morning on Sunday.

Post storm impact operations are continuing today. The community’s patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Hurricane Julio continues to pass north of Hawaii Island and is located approximately 330 miles north northeast of Hilo. Presently the only forecasted hazard for Hawaii Island is high surf along the east facing shores. Surf heights of 10-15 feet are expected and a High Surf Warning remains in effect through 6:00 am tomorrow Monday, August 11th.

In addition to the primary goals of restoring power to all areas and the clearing of all roads, the following actions and operations will be ongoing:

1. The Department of Public Works and Hawaii National Guard will be continuing with debris clearance and road clearing operations to reestablish access and egress into the affected areas. The community is thanked for their help and assistance with the clearing of the roads and the removal of trees and debris. Everyone is reminded that all downed powerlines should be treated as energized and avoided to insure safety.
2. HELCO crews will continue to work on restoring power in the affected areas and again we thank the community for your patience and understanding with this effort. Please do not interfere with the operations of the HELCO crews.
3. Residents are advised to not eat any refrigerated foods that have not been kept cool.
4. A community assistance Point of Distribution or POD will be set up at the Pahoa High School Gym effective 10:00 am this morning to provide area residents affected by the hurricane with water, ice, and tarps. This will be an ongoing operation and we ask everyone for your patience and understanding. Please listen to the local radio stations for further updates and instructions.
5. Residents who sustained damage to their homes and who would like to proceed with repairs are advised to make contact with their insurance provider and to photograph and document all damage and repairs to aid with possible recovery and in the event government assistance programs are made available.
6. Please monitor your local radio stations for continued updates and information.Hawaii County Civil Defense message