HONOLULU — One week after devastating flooding from the recent Kona low storm, Mayor Rick Blangiardi conducted an aerial assessment of impacted communities across Oʻahu to evaluate ongoing recovery efforts and remaining challenges.
Accompanied by the Honolulu Fire Department Air 1 helicopter crew, HFD Fire Chief Sheldon Hao, and Chief of Staff Any Sugg, the mayor surveyed areas across the Leeward and North Shore, including Waiʻanae, Nānākuli, Waialua, Haleʻiwa, Kahuku, and Lāʻie. The flight also included a pass over the debris collection site at Patsy T. Mink Central Oʻahu Regional Park, where storm-related waste continues to be processed.
From the air, the mayor observed both the scale of damage left behind by the storm and the significant progress made over the past week, including debris removal operations, clearing of waterways, and ongoing work in some of the hardest-hit communities.
“This flyover provided a clear view of both the devastation this storm caused and the incredible work that is happening on the ground every day,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “We have made meaningful progress in a short amount of time, but there is still more work ahead. Our focus remains on supporting these communities, clearing debris, and helping residents recover as quickly and safely as possible.”
At Central Oʻahu Regional Park, thousands of tons of debris collected from across the island continue to be consolidated, highlighting the magnitude of the cleanup effort now underway.
City crews remain fully engaged in recovery operations, with multiple departments continuing debris removal, infrastructure assessments, and direct support to impacted residents. The City’s Community Assistance Center in Waialua also remains open daily, providing critical services and resources to those affected.
Officials emphasize that recovery is ongoing and will take time, and they encourage residents to continue utilizing available resources, including damage assessment reporting and assistance programs.
The City and County of Honolulu will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts progress.
To download photos and videos from today’s flyover, click here.
To download photos and videos from the March 21 tour, click here.
Please credit all photos and videos to the City and County of Honolulu.
—PAU—
