HONOLULU — The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Department of Design and Construction (DDC), and Department of Community Services (DCS) are conducting an island-wide damage assessment today across areas impacted by last week’s Kona low storm.
Nearly 70 inspectors have been deployed as part of this coordinated, multi-agency effort. This force is led by more than 50 personnel from DPP, working alongside teams from DDC and DCS. Inspection teams are surveying affected communities such as Waialua, Haleʻiwa, Mānoa, Waianae, Nanakuli, Wahiawa, Kunia, and all other areas across Oʻahu that reported damage.
This effort represents the City’s final push to document residential storm damage ahead of a scheduled review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this weekend. FEMA will evaluate the number of properties categorized as “major” and “minor” damage to determine whether the City qualifies for federal disaster assistance.
“This is an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ effort across our City departments to ensure our neighbors get the support they need,” said DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna. “Our shared goal is to advocate for Oʻahu’s families and secure every available resource for our island’s recovery.”
This comes as the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) received more than 100 new reports of property damage in just the past 24 hours. Inspectors will assess these newly reported sites while also canvassing surrounding areas for unreported impacts from the storm.
Officials emphasize that this initial assessment is not intended to determine the amount of assistance for individual homeowners. Instead, the data collected will help evaluate the overall impact on the community and inform eligibility for federal support.
The damage assessments determine whether a residential property is classified as “destroyed”, “major”, “minor”, “affected”, “inaccessible”, or “no visible damage”. “Major” damage may include a flood waterline in a home at or above eighteen inches, or a waterline above an electrical outlet, as well as mud entering the dwelling.
Residents should be aware that inspectors will be photographing properties as part of the assessment process. All personnel will carry official City identification badges. Residents are advised to request proper identification before allowing access to their property.
Residents can find a full list of DPP Storm Response FAQs online by visiting www.honolulu.gov/dpp/dpp-storm-response-faqs/
Important Reminder!
Residents who sustained damage to their homes are strongly encouraged to report it to the City by visiting: www.honolulu.gov/dem/homedamage/
For other resources, please go to www.honolulu.gov/dem/storm-recovery-information/
City officials encourage residents to stay up to date on future weather and shelter updates through HNL Alert. Residents can register online at hnlalert.gov to receive emergency information and regular storm updates. To receive urgent alerts only, text HNLALERT to 888-777 to quickly subscribe and receive the most important notifications by text message.
