Cleanup and repairs continue across the entire state after days of intense rains and winds from a Kona low storm.
The National Weather Service said waves of rainfall are still possible through Monday night and into Tuesday morning, but the intensity will be lower than previous days. Grounds are already saturated and additional rainfall can lead to more flooding.
Hawaiian Electric said customers with prolonged outages should prepare to be without power, possibly for days. The utility said crews may not be able to work on repairs because of weather conditions and safety concerns.
Crews with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation and contractors have been working to clear trees, rocks, and other debris from roadways on all islands. Some roadways are closed due to flooding or other weather-related conditions.
The DOT said the public can report debris on roadways and shoulders at the following contacts:
- O‘AHU – 808-831-6714. After hours: 808-485-6200. Email: complainthighwayoahu@hawaii.gov
- MAUI – 808-873-3535
- KAUA‘I – 808-241-3000
- HAWAI‘I ISLAND – 808-933-8866
On Hawaiʻi Island, a water tanker has been set up in Kealakekua Ranch Center after a water main break in the South Kona area. Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply customers in Konawaena and Nāpōʻopoʻo are affected.
The Maui Department of Water Supply set up drinking water tanks in several parts of Upper Kula late Saturday after a mainline break impacted water service. Severe weather caused a water mainline break, resulting in low pressure and water outages. Due to inclement weather, it's unclear when the repairs can be made.
The Honolulu Department of Environmental Services asked residents to conserve water to help reduce strain on the wastewater system. Heavy rains are causing inflow and infiltration into the wastewater system, placing additional pressure on pump stations and treatment facilities. Conserving water helps lower the risk of sewer system overflows.
Maui also advises all residents and visitors to conserve water due to potential power and electronic system disruptions. Non-essential water use should be limited until weather conditions improve.
On Kaua‘i, nearly 286,000 gallons of wastewater spilled between approximately Friday night and Saturday morning. The spill at the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant was due to high flows from the heavy rains and high infiltration and inflow from the storm. Officials say future spills may occur until the storm passes.
HECO said as of Monday afternoon, about 940 customers were without power on Oʻahu, significantly fewer than at the height of the storm; 3,600 customers in parts of Maui County; and 8,000 customers on Hawaiʻi Island. HECO said the numbers remain fluid.
Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island and Maui Nui residents can track Hawaiian Electric power outages here. Kauaʻi residents can track KIUC outages here.
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The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has an online form for Oʻahu residents to self-report damage to their homes. The purpose of the form is to collect information that will help local officials understand the damage and impacts the storm had on the community. The city will also use this information to determine whether it can request assistance from federal programs.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division is reminding residents to review their insurance policies and to file claims quickly. Starting claims promptly helps ensure coverage is applied correctly and delays are avoided. It has a post disaster claims guide and a video on how to file an insurance claim for additional help.
On Kauaʻi, county officials said they’ve received multiple reports of price gouging. Hawaiʻi law prohibits price increases during a state of emergency, and anyone caught doing so may be fined up to $10,000.
“These protections are meant to ensure that families can still access necessities like food, water, fuel, and other important supplies when they need them most,” Alden Alayvilla, the communications officer for Kauaʻi County, said in a statement.
Maui and Honolulu counties have not received reports of similar activity. Reports can be made to the state DCCA. Officials recommend taking photos of the price or keeping the receipt.
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said his office was in contact with state and local leaders and monitoring the impacts of the storm.
“The priority right now is keeping people safe and supporting first responders. We will continue working with federal, state, and county partners to ensure Hawai‘i gets the federal resources it needs in the days and weeks ahead,” Schatz said in a statement.
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