Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Always Ready, Always There: Hawai‘i National Guard Stands Strong Through Spring Storms

Across three major storms in March and April 2026, citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard and Hawai‘i Air National Guard (HING) demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities and ‘ohana. In the aftermath of each weather event, the Guard supported state and county officials with high-water rescues and evacuations, dam observation, traffic control points, medical transport, freshwater support via large water tank trailers, debris clearance teams, damage assessments and aerial support.

They also distributed over 8,600 gallons of clean water, cleared more than 3,700 cubic yards of debris and helped 164 homeowners begin the long road to recovery. The Guard also assisted Maui County with over 68 damage assessments.

HING, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Veterans’ Services and Civilian Military Programs are a part of the Hawai‘i Department of Defense (HIDOD). HIDOD’s purpose is to be responsive in times of need and to provide safety and security. This applies to disaster preparedness, response and recovery.

 

HIEMA Interim Disaster Recovery Case Management Program Launched

In this recovery stage of the March Kona Low Storms, HIEMA opened an interim Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP), which connected affected residents with trained Disaster Case Managers (DCMs) who were available to facilitate disaster recovery plans and address needs.

The program is free of charge and is led by the Global Empowerment Mission in coordination with community-based organizations to deliver services, including housing support, financial assistance, critical resources and damage assessments.

Residents impacted by the Kona Low disaster are able to reach out to the interim DCMP by calling 211 to begin the enrollment process. This allows DCMs to reach out to assess their needs and begin providing disaster recovery services. DCMs ensured language access services were available as well as coordinated with counties to ensure a cohesive and trauma-informed disaster response for residents.

HIEMA plans for and responds to both natural and human-caused emergencies. More information is available at ready.hawaii.gov.

 

DCCA Provides Educational Video, Assists People Filing Damage Claims

The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) developed a Post-Disaster Insurance Claims Guide and instructional video on how to file an insurance claim.

The video was intended to help residents navigate the claims process after the March Kona Low Storms. People may also contact the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit http://cca.hawaii.gov/ins for additional claim-filing tips, disaster recovery resources and assistance with insurance-related concerns.

 

DOTAX Secures Tax Relief for Residents and Businesses

The Kona Low Storms caused many disruptions, one of which was preventing people from filing their tax forms. In response, Governor Green and the Department of Taxation (DOTAX) secured state and federal tax relief for affected residents and businesses.

Federal tax returns and tax payments originally due on or after March 10, 2026 are now due July 8, 2026. The state deadline to file taxes was changed from April 20, 2026 to July 20, 2026. Those who were affected by the storms may request a waiver of late file and/or late pay penalties and interest by completing and filing Form L-115, Tax Relief Request for State Declared Disasters. The department will accept Form L-115 until July 20, 2026, but taxpayers are urged to file their requests as soon as possible.

 

Damaged Roads Under Repair

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has been conducting various post-storm work, such as pavement repair, drainage culvert, slope repairs and road restoration across Oʻahu and other islands. Additionally, HDOT has asked the Legislature to provide $15 million in emergency funding to clear streams throughout Oʻahu and to focus on clearing the rivers to prevent further flooding while in this period of recovery.

HDOT remains diligent about infrastructure repairs, including this work remaining from the Kona one and two and April severe weather event:

• Construction of a 300-linear-foot glass polymer reinforced retaining wall next to Kamehameha Highway in ʻAiea. Estimated completion is May 4.
• Dredging of Kaukonahua Stream to restore original capacity. Estimated completion is mid-May.
• Draping of rockfall protection fencing over the slope above Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay. This is anticipated to continue through late summer.
• Culvert repair under Kiona‘ole Road and the ramp to the H-3 from Kamehameha Highway in Kāne‘ohe. Expecting to restore access to Kionaʻole Road by mid-May, access to the ramp by mid-June and overall completion of the repairs by mid-August.
• Rockfall mitigation work along Honoapiʻilani Highway near Honolua Bay on Maui. It began in early April and will last through the summer. This was the area of several rockfalls during the storms.
• Guardrail repairs on the state roads in Upcountry, Maui along with tree removal in Kula. All are currently ongoing.

 

BLNR Action on Wahiawā Dam and Reservoir

The Wahiawā Dam water levels elevated to alarming heights during the heavy rains in March. Coupled with age and poor maintenance, there were major concerns of a dam failure which would have risked the lives of many residents, their homes and businesses.

After the March Kona Low Storms, the Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to approve the acquisition of the parts of the Wahiawā Irrigation System that comprises the Wahiawā Reservoir for the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). If the transaction is successful, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity will be able to improve the irrigation system to fit modern standards.

The DLNR is responsible for managing public lands, water resources, ocean waters, navigable streams, coastal areas (except commercial harbors), minerals and further related matters.

 

DOH Provides Medical Assistance Across the Islands

After a storm, floodwater, flood-carried mud and nearshore waters increase the risk of contamination as well as infection after skin contact. The DOH has been testing sediment samples from the North Shore and recently confirmed that dangerous levels of pesticides or heavy metals were not present.

DOH previously announced the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterococcus, Salmonella and Leptospira bacteria in the same samples. In addition to testing water, the Department’s Vector Control Branch has also been trapping and testing mosquitoes for disease risks.

For people who have come into contact with contaminated water or participated in post-storm clean-up, the DOH issued safety guidelines for proper gear and clean-up: https://health.hawaii.gov/konalowstorm/.

The DOH has also been providing additional medical support as public health nurses are providing care at North Shore, other locations on Oʻahu and in East Molokaʻi. For residents who lost their records in the flood, the DOH is expanding its services for people to request one free copy of birth, death, or marriage certificates using online services at vitrec.ehawaii.gov. During this time of great loss for residents, the DOH also has mental health guidance and references to services available on its website.