Hawaii Flooding Threatens Dam, Forces Evacuations and Repairs
Kona low storms drenched islands, prompting evacuations, dam concerns and about $1 billion in estimated damage.
Overview
By Sunday afternoon Hawaiian Electric restored power to about 1,200 people in Waialua and said it expected to return power to 2,000 more later Sunday, company officials said.
Heavy rains from a series of Kona low storms produced the worst flooding in more than 20 years and could top $1 billion in damage, Gov. Josh Green said.
Officials monitored the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam after warning it was at imminent risk of failure and the Hawaii National Guard was stationed there, officials said.
Evacuation alerts affected roughly 5,500 people north of Honolulu, roughly 200 to 230 people were rescued statewide and about 2,000 people remained without power on Sunday, officials said.
The National Weather Service kept flood watches in place into the evening of March 22 and warned additional isolated flooding and possible landslides could occur, forecasters said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the coverage neutrally, relying on authoritative sources (National Weather Service, Gov. Josh Green) and attributing evaluative phrases like "worst flooding" to officials. They emphasize factual details—rain totals, evacuations, rescues, dam risk—and practical guidance, avoiding editorialized speculation or partisan framing.
FAQ
The Wahiawā Dam is a 120-year-old earthen structure built in 1906 on Oʻahu, northwest of Honolulu, owned by Dole. It does not meet modern safety standards, has a high hazard potential with probable loss of life if it fails, and water levels reached over 85 feet during the floods, nearing its 88-foot crest.[1]
Heavy rains from Kona low storms caused the worst flooding in over 20 years, leading to evacuation alerts for about 5,500 people north of Honolulu, rescues of 200-230 people, and concerns over the Wahiawā Dam's imminent failure.
Governor Josh Green estimated the storm damage could top $1 billion, affecting airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital.[3]
Water levels peaked above 85 feet but dropped to about 81.5 feet by Saturday; Hawaiian Electric restored power to 1,200 people in Waialua and expected to restore to 2,000 more, though 2,000 remained without power on Sunday.
The state issued Dole four notices of deficiency since 2009, fined them $20,000 five years ago, and allocated $5 million to buy and $21 million to repair the spillway; legislation in 2023 authorized acquisition, with a vote pending.
