Hawaii is resilient in the face of severe flooding across its islands following two back-to-back storms with heavy rainfall.
The flooding has been marked as Hawaii’s worst in 20 years. The low-pressure storms that hit the state this month are known as “kona lows.” The storms’ impacts are statewide, including flooding in Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.
Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds people to “stay away from all forested and coastal areas.” Also important to know, through March 23, all state parks in Oahu are closed. The island itself has been hit by severe flooding. Local emergency management on Hawaii’s third-largest island believes the over-century-old Wahiawa Dam “is at imminent risk of failure.” Post the rain, many roads are impassable, and floodwater completely surrounds homes. In Honolulu, thousands of North Shore residents evacuated, but were able to return home over the weekend.
According to Hawaii News Now’s March 20 coverage, Dole Food Company Hawaii, the owner of the Wahiawa Dam, issued a statement. In part, the company said, “Wahiawa Dam has not failed. The system continues to operate as designed. The dam has been continuously monitored, and there are no signs of damage. The dam remains stable and structurally sound.”
Conditions across Hawaii are expected to continue improving. Sources note the incoming of less harsh weather starting March 23.
What About Currently Visitors And Travel?
Airports and harbors are operational. Still, travelers may face delays or cancellations. Hawaii Tourism Authority says there’s “no reason to cancel or postpone trips.” Though there’s concern over flooding “in low-lying areas,” the source also notes that “flash flood warnings have expired.”
“Visitors should continue to exercise caution near streams, drainage ditches, and low-lying roads, and avoid the ocean where water appears brown or murky,” the organization said March 22. “As always, after significant rainfall, wait 48-72 hours after rain stops before swimming in the ocean.”
A spokesperson for Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines told the Aloha State Daily last week that six round-trip Neighbor Island flights were canceled.
“We are continuing to evaluate our schedule and will notify guests of any changes to their flight,” the spokesperson added. “We encourage guests to regularly check their flight status and to check in online before arriving at the airport to save time. Guests should also monitor app push notifications for real-time updates.”
What Else Is There To Know About The Flooding In Hawaii?
On March 22, the state’s Governor’s Office, the Tourism Authority, and the respective Departments of Health and Transportation jointly posted updates on Instagram. The authorities noted that Hawaii’s National Guard has assisted in evacuations, and Department of Law Enforcement sheriffs are providing “security and support at storm shelters.” Across the state, crews are working to address “road damage, landslides, and drainage issues.” Additionally, Hawaii’s emergency operations and healthcare systems are reportedly stable. As of that update, no “catastrophic injuries” were reported in association with the storms.
Locals and visitors are urged to be aware of brown water advisories. Staying away from contaminated floodwater and other environmental hazards is critical. Everyone should sign up to receive emergency alerts from the county they’re visiting.
In a March 22 update, the office of Governor Josh Green said, “Residents are reminded to remain cautious as conditions stabilize, particularly in areas still experiencing flooding, road closures, or infrastructure damage. The public is encouraged to continue monitoring official updates and to avoid entering floodwaters or unsafe areas.”
