Catastrophic Damage on Oahu
Hawaii is experiencing its worst flooding in over 20 years, impacting Oahu and Maui and prompting Governor Josh Green to warn, "Don't take this storm lightly." Heavy rains have saturated soil already soaked from a winter storm the previous week, with more rain expected. The flooding has been described as "catastrophic" by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
Muddy floodwaters have engulfed Oahu's North Shore, known for its big-wave surfing. Rising waters have lifted homes and cars, leading to evacuation orders for 5,500 people north of Honolulu, though those orders were later lifted. Authorities are also monitoring a 120-year-old dam for potential failure.
Rescues and Damage Assessment
Over 230 rescues have been conducted so far, according to Blangiardi. About 10 people were taken to a hospital with hypothermia. The National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department airlifted 72 children and adults from a spring break youth camp at Our Lady of Kea'au.
"This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state," Green said. He added that his chief of staff has spoken to the White House and received assurances of federal support.
Dam Concerns and Rainfall Totals
Officials have been closely monitoring the Wahiawa dam, located about 17 miles northwest of Honolulu, due to its "high hazard potential." The state has sent Dole, the dam's operator, four notices of deficiency since 2009 and fined the company $20,000 five years ago for failing to address safety deficiencies. The state passed legislation in 2023 authorizing the dam's acquisition and allocated $5 million to buy the spillway and $21 million to repair and expand it.
Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches of rain, while Kaala, the island's highest peak, received nearly 16 inches. Green stated that some areas of the state have received between 40 and 50 inches of rain. Meteorologist Tina Stall with the National Weather Service in Honolulu cautioned, "Don't let your guard down just yet. There's still potential for more flooding impacts."
Maui Impact and Future Concerns
On Maui, authorities upgraded an evacuation advisory to a warning for parts of Lahaina due to retention basins nearing capacity. Hawaii News Now reported that a 71-year-old woman reportedly fell into the Iao Stream and was swept away.
Molly Pierce, a spokesperson for Oahu's Department of Emergency Management, noted substantial flooding in residential parts of Honolulu. "We're seeing the waters receding in a lot of places, but again with that saturation, just the smallest amount of water can bring those raging back up," Pierce said.
The sources also report that Governor Josh Green estimated the storm's cost at over $1 billion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital.