Kona Low Storm Recovery
The City and County of Honolulu is actively working to support residents as they clean up and recover from the impacts of the March 2026 Kona Low flooding. City departments and partner agencies are collaborating to assess damage, address safety concerns, and connect residents with available assistance.
Report Storm Damage:
Sign up for Oʻahu’s Mass Notification System at hnlalert.gov. Learn more or get resources for HNL Alert at honolulu.gov/dem/hnl-alert.
Health and Safety Information:
Boil Water Notice LIFTED
UPDATE Wednesday 3/25: The boil water notice for all North Shore residents served by BWS has been lifted.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) test results of water samples collected from Pupukea Road to 68-431 Farrington Highway in Waialua received today were negative for bacteriological contamination and verified safe to drink. The boil water notice for all BWS customers is lifted for the following areas:
All of Haleiwa
All of Waialua
All BWS North Shore customers from Turtle Bay to 68-431 Farrington Highway are free to consume the water without boiling it first.
The BWS water tankers available at the following locations will be removed.
- Waialua Community Association at 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy.
- Waialua District Park Recreation Center at 67-180 Goodale Ave.
More information: boardofwatersupply.com/storm
Monitor Your Health Following Exposure to Floodwater
Please monitor your health for the following risks that can appear in the days following exposure to floodwaters:
1. Wound Care and Skin Infections
Floodwaters and debris carry significant risks for injury and infection!
- Wound Care: If you sustained any cuts or abrasions, ensure they are washed immediately and treated with daily wound care.
- Tetanus: Ensure your tetanus vaccinations are up to date, especially if you suffered a puncture wound or deep cut while working in contaminated water.
- Infections to Watch For: Be alert for contact dermatitis caused by chemicals or allergens in the water. Cellulitis and deeper skin infections typically peak three-to-four days after a flooding event but can remain a risk for weeks. If a wound becomes increasingly red, painful, or swollen, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Potential Illnesses (Leptospirosis and GI Issues)
Exposure to contaminated water and mud increases the risk of specific diseases.
- Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a particular concern in flood zones, as it is carried by animals and can cause high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, and red eyes.
- Gastrointestinal Illness: Contaminated food or water can lead to gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
3. Respiratory and Environmental Hazards
- Mold and Dust: As areas dry out, mold and dust can trigger asthma or COPD exacerbations. If you are entering “musty” smelling buildings or continuing clean-up, it is highly recommended to wear an N95 respirator.
When to Seek Medical Attention
You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- Fevers.
- Symptoms that do not rapidly improve within 1–2 days.
- Any wound that shows signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or pus).
How To Stay Safe Following Floods
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear Protective Clothing: Always use protective clothing, gloves, and a mask while participating in cleanup activities.
- Respiratory Protection: It is highly recommended to wear an N95 respirator or another high-quality mask when entering any room that smells “musty” or when actively cleaning up debris to protect against dust, mold, and other allergens.
Wound Care and Hygiene
- Immediate Treatment: Wash any wounds immediately. Follow this with strict wound care and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Tetanus Vaccination: Ensure your tetanus vaccinations are up to date if you are participating in cleanup or have sustained a wound.
- Hand Hygiene: Practice frequent hand hygiene and clean all utensils thoroughly to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses.
Environmental and Equipment Safety
- Carbon Monoxide Prevention: Never use equipment such as pressure washers or generators inside closed spaces, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Mold Remediation: Be proactive about mold prevention and remediation to avoid respiratory issues like asthma or COPD exacerbations.
How Can I Get Help?
How Can I Help Others?
More Resources:
Community Assistance Center Waialua District Park Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will provide information and support for emergency permitting needs.
- Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) will assist residents by providing information on available housing options in City properties.
- Department of Customer Services (CSD) will assist with the replacement of lost driver’s licenses and state IDs, and provide information about registration fees for damaged or destroyed vehicles.
- Department of Community Services (DCS) will offer kūpuna resources and handbooks, down payment and rental assistance, and other home support services.
- The Board of Water Supply (BWS) will provide information on billing in impacted areas.
- Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) will offer assistance for businesses and farmers, along with language access support.
- State Department of Health, Vital Records office will assist residents in replacing lost documents, including birth, marriage, and death certificates.
- State Department of Health, Environmental Health will answer questions and provide information about safe clean up.
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Residents impacted by the Kona low storm encouraged to apply for real property tax relief
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Budget and Fiscal Services is notifying residents whose properties were impacted by the Kona low storm that they may be eligible for a tax break. A downloadable form is available at the Real Property Assessment Division website. Once completed, residents are asked to mail or hand deliver it to these addresses:
- Department of Budget and Fiscal Services’ Honolulu Office: 842 Bethel Street, Basement, Honolulu, HI 96813
- Department of Budget and Fiscal Services’ Kapolei Office: 1000 Uluʻōhiʻa Street, Room 206, Kapolei, HI 96707
The form is fast and easy to fill out. Residents are asked to include supporting documentation, including photographs, repair estimates, and insurance claims.
Real property tax remission means that City and County of Honolulu residents who had their real property damaged or destroyed as a result of a natural disaster could have property tax relief for that tax year. The deadline to file the form is June 30. Anyone with questions can visit one of the offices listed above or contact the Real Property Assessment Division at (808) 768-3799.
For more information, review the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu § 8-4.2
Temporary storm debris storage – Central Oʻahu Regional Park (FAQ)
The City has prepared a list of frequently asked questions about the temporary storm debris storage site at Central Oʻahu Regional Park, including information about environmental protections, site operations, and restoration plans. Residents are encouraged to review the full FAQ document below for more information.
Storm Debris Cleanup
City crews are being deployed to the North Shore beginning Monday, March 23, 2026, to conduct debris pickup operations in impacted areas. To ensure efficient removal and proper disposal, all debris materials set aside for pickup must be separated into separate piles for the following categories:
- Green Waste: Tree branches, logs and other vegetation. Green waste items must be cut to eight-foot lengths for smaller pieces, or two-foot lengths for logs and branches greater than nine inches in diameter.
- Appliances and White Goods: Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners and water heaters.
- Mud and Rocks: Must be placed in a separate pile.
- General Cleanup Debris: Any mixed storm-related waste not included in the list above should be placed in a separate pile.
For more information, visit the Department of Environmental Services website.
Cancelled DMV, Satellite City Hall Appointments
The City’s Department of Customer Services has contacted all residents whose AlohaQ appointments for Satellite City Hall and Driver Licensing Center services were canceled on March 20, 2026 and has advised those residents to do one of two things:
- Reschedule their canceled appointment at AlohaQ.org; or
- Return to the same Driver Licensing Center or Satellite City Hall location any day this week with proof they had scheduled a scheduled appointment, and the canceled reservation will be honored.
In addition, the following DMV-related services will be offered Saturday, March 28, 2026:
- Driver license renewal will be available at the Kapālama Driver Licensing Center and the Pearlridge Satellite City Hall;
- Behind-the-wheel exams will be available at the Kapahulu Road Test Office.
For more information, visit the Department of Customer Services website.
Permitting Information For Emergency Repairs
The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) advises residents that emergency repair work needed due to the recent Kona Low Storms may begin immediately without a building permit, subject to specific safety requirements.
Emergency repair work may proceed without a permit provided that a permit application is submitted on the next working day after work begins, and must meet the following conditions:
- Work must not expand the size, height, or area of the structure;
- Repairs must not make the structure less safe than it was prior to the damage;
- Materials used must be similar to the original construction; and
- All work must comply with applicable city ordinances and building code safety requirements.
This provision allows property owners to take immediate action to stabilize and secure structures, while ensuring that proper review follows promptly.
Beyond emergency repairs, DPP reminds property owners that most storm-related repair work still requires a building permit, particularly for:
- Structural repairs (e.g., walls, roof framing, foundations)
- Electrical system repairs or replacements
- Plumbing or gas system work
- Major reconstruction or demolition
Some minor work may not require a permit, including cosmetic repairs, limited “like-for-like” work, and small repairs under certain cost thresholds. However, all work, whether exempt or not, must comply with applicable codes and safety standards.
For more information, please visit the Department of Planning and Permitting website.
Beach Safety Reminders
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Department (HOSD) is urging residents and visitors to stay out of the ocean following recent heavy rains, especially while the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Brown Water Advisory remains effect for the island of Oʻahu.
Runoff from heavy rains can carry bacteria, pollutants and debris into nearshore waters, creating potential health and safety hazards that may not be visible from shore.
Key Safety Reminders:
- Avoid brown or murky water, as it may contain harmful bacteria and contaminants that can cause illness or infection;
- Be alert for debris in the water, including floating or submerged objects that can cause injury;
- Be mindful of marine life activity, as runoff and debris entering the ocean may attract sharks and other marine life.
There are currently no beach closures, and ocean conditions may appear calm. However, HOSD strongly encourages the public to make informed decisions and prioritize safety while the advisory remains in effect.
Report Agricultural Damage
The City and County of Honolulu is encouraging farmers and ranchers impacted by the Kona low 1 and Kona low 2 weather events to apply for emergency relief and to self-report agricultural damage from the recent disasters.
Farmers who sustained damage to agricultural operations during the Kona Low flood events should report damage to https://report.agstewardshiphawaii.org/.
After a disaster, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and to experience instability and loss. In the days and weeks that follow, recovery can happen step by step, starting with documenting what was impacted and gradually connecting with support as it becomes available.
Lost and Found Pet Reunification
Residents impacted by flooding and severe weather who have been separated from their pets should visit the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Lost and Found Pet website and search for Pets In Community Care or Pets at Hawaiian Humane.
Pet owners should file a Lost and Found report and include a clear photo of their pet, along with any microchip number, if applicable.
If a pet is found and has a microchip, call Hawaiian Humane Dispatch at (808) 356-2250 between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
City’s Junk Vehicle Program
City’s Junk Vehicle Program Can Help
The Department of Customer Services urges residents to help keep Oahu clean by accepting the City’s offer to take away their unwanted vehicles for free.
The City’s Junk Vehicle Program is designed to reduce the number of unwanted cars, trucks, motorcycles and mopeds across Oahu. It’s easy and free.
Visit https://www.honolulu.gov/csd/junk-a-vehicle/ to get started. Complete the junking a vehicle form, and make an appointment at www.AlohaQ.org to visit a satellite city hall to submit the form, the vehicle’s license plates and title papers.
Instructions will be provided at that time for vehicle pick up and disposal. The vehicle must be free of trash, accessible to a tow truck, and have at least two inflated tires to be towed.
Remember, surrendering a vehicle for junking does not relieve the owner of any financial responsibility such as liens, criminal charges, or citations.
Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide
The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Insurance Division has created a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and an instructional video to help residents through the insurance claims process. The City and County of Honolulu has worked with the DCCA Insurance Division on flood insurance and FIRM updates, and their team has been a helpful and knowledgeable partner in helping residents understand insurance coverage and disaster recovery resources.
Insurance Claims Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqE3LzsafFk
Hawaiʻi Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide (PDF): https://cca.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/hi-post-disaster-claims-guide.pdf