Hey, I know, it’s not a Tsunami or a Katrina…but this should make those of you who wish you were in Hawaii glad to have not been here for the past three weeks. The rain just doesn’t seem to stop and now even beautiful Kailua Bay is unswimmable because of the overflowing sewage…This is the longest I’ve gone without getting in the water since I’ve been here…makes me wonder why I left the Northwest…but then I realize it isn’t cold….
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Rains Leave Path Of Destruction
Forecasters canceled flash flood advisories for the islands Friday afternoon, but the damage was done for many communities on Oahu’s Windward side.
The state Department of Transportation announced Friday afternoon that it would keep the Pali Highway closed in the Kailua-bound direction because of hazardous road conditions. Officials instead used the Honolulu-bound lanes of the Pali Highway for travel to the windward side. Honolulu-bound traffic from Kailua was be diverted from Castle Junction to Likelike Highway, officials said. Read more.
Officials issued warnings that about 100,000 gallons of raw sewage overflowed. Health officials posted warning signs at nearby beaches. Read more.
Oahu Civil Defense reported that flooding damaged 21 homes. Of those, 15 are slightly damaged and six suffered moderate to severe damage. Some areas still have not been assessed.
Aloha United Way activated its 211 line for the disaster. Anyone on Kauai, Oahu and Maui County who sustained damage from heavy rains, flooding and mudslides can call 211. The information provided by residents will be passed on to state Civil Defense and relevant state agencies, according to AUW.
Gov. Linda Lingle has signed an emergency proclamation for Oahu, Maui and Kauai after widespread flooding from a storm that passed through the islands this week. The emergency declaration opens up the state’s Disaster Relief Fund and spurs other financial help, including state tax relief and the services of Hawaii’s Air and Army National Guard. Read more.
Officials said the conditions should begin to dry out Friday evening. Normal trade wind weather is predicted for the weekend with light windward and mauka showers.
Storm Rainfall Totals (Feb. 28, 5 a.m.-Mar. 2, 2 p.m.):
Oahu:
# Punaluu 22.84 inches
# Hakipuu Mauka 16.02 inches
# Kahuku 12.26 inches
# Poamoho 9.75 inches
# Kailua 7.47 inches
# Mount Waialeale 20.61 inches
Maui:
# Kaupo 14.64 inches
Big Island:
# Glenwood 7.6 inches
The city will provide sandbags to residents whose homes are still in danger of flooding. To request the sandbags you can call 247-3553 or 293-5657.
