Hawaii Flooding: Oahu and Maui Residents Urged to Evacuate as Storms Intensify
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii is grappling with its most severe flooding in over two decades, prompting urgent evacuation orders for more than 5,500 residents across Oahu, and Maui. The deluge, fueled by heavy rainfall on already saturated land, has inundated communities, damaged infrastructure, and raised concerns about the stability of a 120-year-old dam.
Widespread Flooding and Evacuations
Muddy floodwaters have overwhelmed large areas of Oahu’s North Shore, a region renowned for its big-wave surfing. The rising waters have displaced homes and vehicles, leading authorities to issue evacuation orders for communities north of Honolulu. On Maui, evacuation advisories were upgraded to warnings for portions of Lahaina, still recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires, due to retention basins nearing capacity.
Dam Concerns and Rescue Efforts
Officials are closely monitoring the Wahiawa dam, an earthen structure built in 1906, which is considered “at risk of imminent failure.” Even as water levels in the dam fluctuated overnight, concerns remained high. The emergency alert system warned that the remaining access road out of Waialua was at high risk of failure if rainfall continued.
Rescue operations have been extensive, with over 200 people pulled from the rising waters. The Honolulu Fire Department and National Guard airlifted 72 children and adults from a spring break youth camp, Our Lady of Kea’au, on Oahu’s west coast, despite the camp being on high ground.
Impact and Recovery
Governor Josh Green estimates the storm’s damage could exceed $1 billion, impacting airports, schools, roads, homes, and a hospital in Kula, Maui. He confirmed receiving assurances of federal support from the White House. Racquel Achiu, a Waialua farmer, recounted harrowing scenes of her livestock and dogs threatened by the floodwaters, requiring a rescue by her nephew and son-in-law.
Weather Forecast and Continued Risks
Despite receding waters and glimpses of blue skies Saturday morning, meteorologists warn of continued risks. “Don’t let your guard down just yet,” said Tina Stall of the National Weather Service in Honolulu. “There’s still potential for more flooding impacts.” Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches of rain, contributing to the widespread flooding.
Historical Context and Contributing Factors
This flooding is the most significant Hawaii has experienced since 2004. Experts attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of heavy rains in Hawaii to human-caused global warming. The current conditions are linked to “Kona lows,” winter storm systems that bring moisture-laden air.
Wahiawa Dam History and Safety
The Wahiawa dam was originally constructed to support sugar production for the Waialua Agricultural Company, later a subsidiary of Dole Food Company. It was reconstructed after a collapse in 1921. The state has identified the dam as having “high hazard potential,” indicating a failure could result in loss of life. Dole has received multiple notices of deficiency regarding the dam’s safety since 2009 and was fined $20,000 five years ago for delayed safety improvements. In 2018, Dole proposed donating the dam to the state, contingent on an agreement to repair the spillway and maintain safety standards.
Dole stated, “The dam continues to operate as designed with no indications of damage.”