Devastation Grips Hawaii Amid Series of Kona Storms
Hawaii is currently facing a significant crisis following a series of Kona storms that began affecting the islands on March 10. The situation has raised alarms about ongoing evacuations, extensive damage, and even potential dam failures.
Two low-pressure storms struck Oahu’s North Shore within a week, resulting in severe flooding in already saturated areas. The impacts have been felt across the region, severely harming farmers’ crops, homes, schools, and hospitals.
The first storm hit from March 10 to March 16, followed by another from March 19 to March 23.
As damage estimates soar beyond $1 billion, Governor Josh Green has formally requested a disaster declaration from the White House to secure federal assistance. This move is crucial for allowing the state to receive recovery funds necessary for rebuilding infrastructure.
The extent of the destruction is shocking. Governor Green noted that every county in Hawaii has been significantly affected, with catastrophic landslides on Hawaii Island and a major dam on Oahu nearly collapsing.
“These storms are impacting every county in the state and are straining our emergency response capabilities,” Green stated. “This request is aimed at getting our community the help it needs to recover quickly and safely.”
He added, “This will have very serious consequences for us as a nation.”
Green mentioned that his chief of staff is keeping in direct contact with White House officials to ensure federal support for the islands. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling the floods as the worst the state has faced since 2004—a year marked by significant flooding at the University of Hawaii Library and other locations.
Kona Storm Timeline
- October 2004: A significant flash flood caused $85 million in damages, especially in Manoa Valley and the University of Hawaii campus.
- May 2024: Although another major storm hit, it didn’t reach the severity or damage levels of the current situation.
- March 2026: The recent storms have broken all records, with damages now estimated to exceed $1 billion.
As residents wait for federal assistance, local officials report that community aid organizations and nearby residents are working hard to provide food, medical care, and temporary housing for those displaced.
“So many families have been displaced, homes have been damaged, and communities are facing urgent needs,” said Kuhio Ruiz, CEO of the Hawaiian Council. “The road to recovery begins now. We cannot wait.”
On the North Shore, famous for its big-wave surfing, the flooding has been so extensive that houses were lifted off their foundations and cars were swept away.
In addition, officials warned that the aging Wahiawa Dam, which is 120 years old, was at immediate risk of collapse. Last Friday, around 5,500 residents in the Waialua and Haleiwa areas were ordered to evacuate. Although those orders have since been lifted and water levels have stabilized, concerns about “high-hazard” structures persist.
To aid agricultural recovery, the Hawaii Farmers Association Foundation has teamed up with the Hawaii Farm Bureau to establish the Hawaii Flood Response Fund. This initiative aims to support local producers whose crops and infrastructure were devastated, with agricultural damages already estimated at over $15 million statewide.
In response to health concerns, organizations like Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and the University of Hawaii’s HOME Project have introduced a mobile clinic on the North Shore. These services are vital for providing care—such as treating wounds, administering tetanus shots, and distributing purification supplies—to prevent disease outbreaks in flood-affected areas.
