HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu’s intensive cleanup efforts continue today in Waialua, as additional resources were made available for North Shore residents impacted by the catastrophic Kona low storm.
Debris Removal/Cleanup : The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) crews were out in force in Waialua today, operating 20 dumps trucks, two vacuum trucks, three loaders, and two backhoes.
The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) team has received more than 200 truck loads of debris from the Waialua area, weighing in at an estimated 5,200 tons, since Monday. This debris is being collected at the temporary debris storage and reduction site at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park. City disaster debris management contractors will soon begin to sort and dispose of this material.
The contactor is currently hiring debris monitors for immediate work. No experience necessary but a valid driver’s license is required. Email tdrjobs@TetraTech.com or visit www.disasterrecoveryhiring.com for more information.
Community Assistance Center : The City and County of Honolulu’s new Community Assistance Center (CAC) is now open at Waialua District Park. This facility will assist residents impacted by the Kona low storm. The center is located in the park’s gymnasium and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ample parking is available at Waialua District Park. Additional parking is available at Waialua Elementary School today (Thursday), Saturday, and Sunday. TheBus is offering a free direct route to the center: Route 521 Waialua–Hale‘iwa. Check TheBus.org for the timetable and map.
This morning, Mayor Rick Blangiardi visited the CAC to see first-hand the help and resources being offered to residents. Ten City departments are on location, along with multiple State departments, utility providers, and community partners.
Self-Report Damage Assessment: Those impacted by the Kona low storm flooding are urgently asked to fill out a damage assessment report at honolulu.gov/homedamage.
The Oʻahu Department of Emergency Management (DEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) remind everyone to document the damage to your home carefully with photos. Note the height of the waterline in your home. That could help determine whether the flood damage is considered “Minor” or “Major” by FEMA guidelines. Also, note whether you have a septic tank on your property because that could impact how the damage is designated.
Fill out the damage report as soon as possible at honolulu.gov/homedamage.
Farmers Relief Program: Farmers and ranchers impacted by the Kona low are strongly encouraged to apply for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s Emergency Farmer Relief Program. The program will provide eligible farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses with a one-time grant of $1,500 to address immediate needs resulting from the storms. Applicants who complete and submit applications by Friday, March 27 will be prioritized for funding. Awards are expected to be announced during the week of March 30.
Brown Water Advisory Reminder: Residents and visitors are being reminded to stay out of the ocean following recent heavy rains as the weekend approaches. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Brown Water Advisory for Oʻahu, recommending that the public avoid entering ocean waters for at least 72 hours after the last rainfall. Even after that period, ocean users should continue to avoid areas where the water appears brown or murky.
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