HONOLULU — Recovery efforts continue across Oʻahu following the recent Kona Low storms, with several key milestones reached this week, including the transition of the Sugar Mill Distribution Hub to Waialua District Park and additional disposal and public health resources now available to support impacted communities.
Waialua Community Assistance Center (CAC)
The Waialua Community Assistance Center (CAC) remains open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Waialua District Park gymnasium. Parking is available at Waialua District Park, with additional parking available at Waialua Elementary School on days when school is not in session. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signage for parking and shuttle information.
The community-led Sugar Mill Distribution Hub has completed its transition to Waialua District Park and will begin operations at the park starting Friday, April 3. The Distribution Hub will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the parking lot along Goodale Avenue.
Community Assistance Fair at BYUH in Lāʻie on Saturday
On Saturday, April 4, the City and County of Honolulu’s Community Assistance Center (CAC) will host a Community Assistance Fair from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi Gymnasium in Lāʻie to support Windward and North Shore residents.
The one-day fair will bring together City agencies and nonprofit partners to provide recovery resources and services, including financial assistance, food distribution and SNAP enrollment support, vital document replacement, insurance guidance, agricultural support, shelter and housing assistance, permitting and utility assistance, and other government services.
The CAC and Distribution Hub at Waialua District Park will remain open on Saturday, with several services continuing in Waialua, including a free medical clinic and support from nonprofit partners. The CAC and Distribution Hub will both be closed Sunday, in observance of the Easter holiday.
Debris/Cleanup Removal
Debris hauling operations remain ongoing at the temporary debris storage and reduction site at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park (CORP). As of Thursday, April 2, crews transported 11 loads (approximately 60 tons) of debris from Waialua to CORP. An additional 19 loads (approximately 170 tons) were transported from CORP to the landfill, 3 loads (approximately 9 tons) were transported from CORP to a metal recycler, and one load of tires were transported to H-Power.
ENV is continuing to support storm recovery efforts by accepting storm-damaged drywall at select disposal facilities starting Friday, April 3. Residents may drop off storm-damaged drywall only, cut into pieces no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, at the Lāʻie Convenience Center, Wahiawā Convenience Center, and Kawailoa Transfer Station.
This temporary measure is intended to help residents safely and efficiently dispose of materials damaged during the recent Kona Low storms as recovery efforts continue. All drywall brought to these facilities will be separated for proper disposal, and on-site attendants will be available to direct residents to the appropriate drop-off area. Only storm-damaged drywall meeting the size requirement will be accepted.
Curbside storm debris collection in Waialua will take place on Monday, April 6, 2026. This is a one-day collection for Waialua residents only. Residents are asked to place storm debris at the curb by Sunday evening, April 5, to ensure pickup. Crews will conduct this collection while continuing regular operations and supporting ongoing recovery efforts.
Department of Health Environmental Monitoring Update
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has released preliminary environmental sampling results from flood-impacted areas. Testing detected the presence of bacteria commonly associated with floodwaters, including E. coli, Enterococcus, and Salmonella, in select mud and soil samples. DOH officials note that these findings are expected following major flooding events and are typically caused by stormwater runoff and possible sewage contamination. Hepatitis A was not detected in the samples tested so far, and additional test results are still pending. Slightly elevated bacteria levels were also detected at several North Shore beach sites, and brown water advisories remain in effect for impacted areas.
DOH continues to advise residents to take the following health precautions when working or spending time in impacted areas:
• Avoid contact with standing water, mud, and wet soil when possible
• Keep keiki and pets out of standing water and muddy areas
• Wear protective equipment such as gloves, boots, masks, and eye protection during cleanup
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water after contact
• Clean and cover any cuts or wounds
• Shower as soon as possible after exposure
• Avoid entering brown or murky ocean water following storms
With proper precautions, the presence of these bacteria in floodwater and mud is unlikely to cause increased illness for people working or living in affected areas. DOH will continue environmental monitoring and will share additional updates as more results become available.
OneOahu.Org
The City has re-launched OneOahu.org, a centralized website serving as the hub for all storm recovery information following the recent Kona low event.
The site brings together critical resources, updates, and services in one easy-to-navigate location, ensuring residents impacted by the storm can quickly find the help they need. Information available on OneOahu.org includes debris removal updates, recovery timelines, assistance programs, community resources, and important contacts.
The website will be continuously updated as recovery efforts progress and additional services become available. Residents are encouraged to check the site regularly for the latest information.
For more information, visit www.OneOahu.org.
