On this week’s episode of the One O‘ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi joins host Brandi Higa to discuss the recent severe Kona Low storms, steps the City is taking to help communities recover, and the decision to use Central O‘ahu Regional Park as a temporary debris field following the damaging floods.
2026 Kona Low storms
In March of this year, O‘ahu was impacted by severe back-to-back Kona low systems. Catastrophic flooding and wind caused damage across the island. Dozens of homes are being considered a total loss with hundreds more suffering major damage. Cleanup and recovery efforts in the days following the storms had community members coming out in droves to help remove debris and mud, and provide everything from food to cleaning supplies.
“That kind of strength, that kind of character is really exceptional,” explained Mayor Blangiardi.
For resources on storm relief and recovery, including ways to help, visit OneOahu.org
Road to Recovery
Hawai‘i has received federal approval to recoup at least 75% of the money it needs to recover and rebuild following the recent storms. FEMA on April 15 announced that President Donald Trump had approved a Major Disaster Declaration to provide Individual Assistance and Public Assistance funding to help residents statewide.
“Don’t give up hope,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “There’s plenty of resources out there. We’re trying to help people in every way we can.”
To apply for disaster assistance or small business assistance, visit https://www.oneoahu.org/help
Temporary Debris Field
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) hired a contractor – DRC Emergency Services – to sort and manage the debris from the catastrophic Kona low flooding that struck Waialua and Haleʻiwa. Storm debris that has been building up throughout the month of March was hauled to a temporary debris storage/reduction TDSR site at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park (CORP).
“We knew we had to get the trash out of the neighborhoods,” added Mayor Blangiardi. “It was piling up, and piling up really fast. And so, under emergency proclamation, we’re able to do that. We selected that site for access, close proximity, if you will, especially to the Wahiawā areas.”
As of April 9, all storm debris previously staged at Central Oʻahu Regional Park (CORP) was fully cleared. Now, restoration efforts at the park include post-site testing to ensure safety, removal of any contaminated soil if necessary and restoration of the area with clean soil and new grass.
