Hawaii Declares State of Emergency Amid Worst Flooding in Decades
Hawaii is confronting its most severe flooding event in more than two decades, as relentless torrential rains continue to batter the islands, already saturated from a recent winter storm. Officials have issued urgent warnings, with further downpours forecast throughout the weekend, exacerbating the crisis.
Catastrophic Damage and Mass Evacuations
The iconic North Shore of Oahu, world-renowned for its big-wave surfing, has been submerged under thick, muddy floodwaters. The deluge has dislodged homes and vehicles, leading to evacuation orders for approximately 5,500 residents north of Honolulu. Authorities are also on high alert due to the potential failure of a 120-year-old dam, adding to the emergency.
Governor Josh Green has stated that the storm's financial impact could surpass $1 billion, encompassing extensive damage to critical infrastructure. This includes airports, schools, roads, numerous homes, and a hospital in Kula, Maui. "This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state," Green emphasized during a news conference.
Widespread Flood Warnings and Rescue Operations
Most of Hawaii remains under a flood watch, with specific flash flood warnings in place for Haleiwa and Waialua in northern Oahu, according to the National Weather Service. Despite the severity, no fatalities have been reported, and all individuals are accounted for. However, about 10 people were hospitalized with hypothermia.
Rescue efforts have been intensive but hampered by unauthorized drone flights obstructing aerial searches. The National Guard and Honolulu Fire Department successfully airlifted 72 children and adults from a spring break youth camp on Oahu's west coast, though the camp was on high ground, authorities opted for precautionary evacuation.
Governor Green noted this flooding is the state's most serious since the 2004 Manoa floods, which inundated homes and a University of Hawaii library. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi reported that dozens, if not hundreds, of homes have been damaged, with full assessments pending. "There's no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic," he stated.
Record Rainfall and Climate Context
The devastation is attributed to extreme rainfall over saturated land. Parts of Oahu received 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) of rain overnight, with Kaala, the island's highest peak, recording nearly 16 inches (40 cm) in the past day. Forecasts predict an additional 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) on Oahu in the coming days.
This event is driven by "Kona low" winter storm systems, characterized by southerly winds bringing moisture-laden air. Experts highlight that the intensity and frequency of such heavy rains in Hawaii have increased due to human-caused global warming, underscoring a broader environmental trend.
Critical Concerns Over Aging Dam Infrastructure
Officials are closely monitoring the Wahiawa dam, built in 1906, which has been deemed "at risk of imminent failure." Water levels receded slightly by late Friday but remain precarious with more rain expected. The dam reached 84 feet (25.6 meters), just 6 feet (1.8 meters) below its capacity overnight.
Waialua resident Kathleen Pahinui expressed ongoing concerns, telling The Associated Press, "Just pray for us. We understand there's more rain coming." The state classifies the dam as having "high hazard potential," meaning a failure could result in probable loss of life.
Historically used for sugar production, the dam has a troubled past, including a collapse in 1921. Since 2009, the state has issued multiple deficiency notices to Dole Food Company, which owns it, and fined the company $20,000 for delayed safety improvements. In 2023, legislation authorized acquisition and allocated $26 million for repairs, but the transfer is pending a state board vote next week. Dole maintains the dam operates as designed with no damage indications.
Hawaii regulates 132 dams, many built for the sugar cane industry, highlighting aging infrastructure challenges as detailed in a 2019 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
