After two back-to-back Kona Low storm systems battered the Islands in as many weeks — bringing heavy rains, flooding and destruction across the state — the National Weather Service in Honolulu says a "gradual return to a more typical northeast trade wind pattern" is expected by midweek.
"A lingering moisture axis over the eastern end of the state, combined with an upper trough, will support periods of locally heavy showers and storms today, mainly over Maui and the Big Island," a NWS forecast shared just after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday noted. "Thereafter, a drier, more stable trade wind pattern is expected from late week through the weekend and into early next week."
A flood watch, however, remains in effect until 6 p.m. for Maui and 6 a.m. Wednesday for Hawai‘i Island.
Additionally, a small craft advisory remains in effect for all Hawaiian waters until 6 a.m. Wednesday. The NWS advisory notes that water conditions will be hazardous to small crafts and inexperienced mariners, "especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions."
Gov. Josh Green has previously said that storm damage could top $1 billion in and that $40 million of roads will need to be replaced following last weekend's storm.
Following the first Kona Low storm system, Aloha State Daily spoke with the Hawai‘i Insurance Division to learn more about filing insurance claims after the storm. Read more about that here.
Other storm-related updates:
- The state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, or DAB, has established an Emergency Farmer Relief Program for farmers and ranchers statewide affected by the recent Kona Low storm systems.
"Farms, ranches and businesses may apply to receive a one-time grant of $1,500 to address immediate needs resulting from the storm," an announcement from DAB says.
A total of $500,000 has been authorized for the emergency grant program from DAB restricted funds.
“Our farmers are a crucial lifeline for our food security and sustainability efforts,” Green said in the announcement. “As we work to increase our islands’ independence from offshore food imports, we must support the farmers and ranchers who supply healthy and nutritious produce and meats for our local people through grocery stores, schools and restaurants. This emergency funding for our agriculture communities emphasizes their essential role in our state’s food security and our commitment to aid in their recovery.”
Applications for the Emergency Farmer Relief Program opened Tuesday, March 24, and those who complete and submit applications by Friday, March 27, will be prioritized for funding, the announcement notes. Awards will be announced the week of March 30.
Find the application online here. According to the announcement, applicants must have experienced damage or losses from the storms and must provide a General Excise Tax license, proving they conduct business in the state.
Any questions about the program or application should be sent to dab.efr@hawaii.gov.
You can also find a list of frequently asked questions here. - The City and County of Honolulu, in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi’s John A. Burns School of Medicine and its Hawaiʻi H.O.M.E. (Homeless Outreach & Medical Education) Project, will open a free mobile outreach medical clinic to serve North Shore residents affected by recent catastrophic flooding.According to an announcement from the city, the clinic will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Haleʻiwa Aliʻi Beach Park.Medical services will be provided by paramedics from Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Medical Technicians, and a nurse from the Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement program, alongside physicians and medical students from the H.O.M.E. Project.The clinic will offer basic medical assessments, medications, and wound care, including treatment for minor injuries, the announcement notes.
- The University of Hawai‘i Foundation is working with UH to provide financial assistance for members of the UH community affected by the recent flooding across the state.
"In the wake of this disaster, members of the UH ‘ohana are facing urgent, everyday challenges: finding a safe place to stay, securing a hot meal and replacing basic day-to-day necessities," a recent announcement notes. "Furthermore, they are struggling to replace laptops, textbooks and other materials they rely on to stay in school."
Those interested in donating can do so here. Gifts can also made by check, payable to the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation and mailed to:
University of Hawai‘i Foundation
P.O. Box 11270
Honolulu, HI 96828-0270.
Indicate in the memo portion of your check the fund you’d like to support (Help Students, Help Faculty/Staff). - The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division is expanding its Emergency Disaster Services response to include community distribution hubs with vital supplies for affected families in need.
"Working in partnership with community organizations and corporate supporters, the nonprofit will set up sites across Oʻahu to provide direct financial assistance through gift cards and cleaning supplies," a recent announcement noted.
Nearly 500 families are expected to be assisted between March 25 and 27, the announcement says, "with the potential for more dates and locations as needs evolve and resources expand."
Those impacted are asked to schedule an appointment at one of four island-wide locations. The call line at 808-841-5565 was set to start taking inquiries today. Appointments may also be made by emailing aloha.hawaii@usw.salvationarmy.org.
The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Services team will assist with the transportation of goods and set-up at distribution sites located in Waialua, Wahiawā, Kapolei and Kāneʻohe.
To support disaster relief statewide, please visit Hawaii.SalvationArmy.org
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
