Hawaii is grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented flooding, triggered by two consecutive Kona low storms that inundated the islands in recent weeks. The deluge has caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands, prompting a massive relief effort. Governor Josh Green has estimated the total damages could exceed $1 billion and has formally requested a major disaster declaration from President Biden to unlock federal resources for recovery.
The storms, which struck roughly a week apart, overwhelmed already saturated soil, leading to devastating flash floods and landslides. Communities across all of Hawaii’s counties have been impacted, stretching emergency response capabilities to their limit. Beyond the immediate dangers of rising waters, residents are now facing displacement, loss of property, and disruptions to essential services. The scale of the disaster has spurred a wave of support from nonprofits, mutual aid networks, and individuals eager to help those affected.
The agricultural sector has been particularly hard hit. Farms across the state have reported significant crop losses, threatening local food supplies and the livelihoods of farmers. Preliminary estimates from Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii place farm damages at over $15 million, and that number is expected to rise as assessments continue. The flooding also impacted one hospital and numerous schools, further compounding the challenges facing communities.
Immediate Relief Efforts Underway
As communities begin the long process of recovery, numerous organizations are working to provide immediate assistance. The Lahui Foundation, a nonprofit focused on Native Hawaiian advancement, is distributing supplies and financial aid to families on Oahu’s North Shore. Musician Jack Johnson, a North Shore native, highlighted the foundation’s efforts in a recent Instagram post, encouraging his followers to contribute. The foundation is also coordinating volunteers to help residents with the arduous task of cleaning out damaged homes and neighborhoods.
Aloha United Way on Oahu has activated its Community Relief Fund to provide direct assistance to individuals and families, as well as support for nonprofit organizations on the front lines. Neighboring islands are also mobilizing support. Maui United Way is focusing on communities on Maui and the smaller island of Molokai, while Hawaii Island United Way is collecting donations specifically for those impacted on the Massive Island, requesting donors specify “flood relief” in their contributions.
The Hawaiian Council has launched the Kako’o Oahu initiative, offering housing stability services and financial assistance to residents. Notably, the council is matching donations up to $200,000, effectively doubling the impact of contributions. The Hawaii Community Foundation has activated its Stronger Hawaii Fund, aiming to deploy resources statewide for both immediate response and long-term resilience building.
Supporting Farmers and Animals
Recognizing the critical impact on the agricultural community, the Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation established the Hawaii Flood Response Fund. The fund aims to help farmers recover, rebuild, and restore Hawaii’s local food system.
Animal welfare is also a key concern. The Hawaiian Humane Society on Oahu is responding in flooded areas, providing pet food and supplies to displaced families. They are accepting monetary donations and maintaining an updated Amazon wishlist with needed items. On Maui, the Maui Humane Society is collecting donations to support remote communities, including Hana, which was temporarily cut off due to washed-out roads, and the island of Molokai.
Finding Verified Donation Opportunities
For those seeking to contribute, several platforms are compiling verified fundraisers. GoFundMe has created a hub of verified fundraisers for those impacted by the floods. Help Maui Rise is also maintaining a spreadsheet of vetted donation opportunities, ensuring funds reach those directly affected.
In addition to financial contributions, medical aid is being provided through mobile health units on Oahu’s North Shore. The Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii and Hawaii H.O.M.E Project are working with partners like Direct Relief to distribute essential medical supplies, including water purification tablets, antibiotics, and tetanus shots.
The recovery from these devastating floods will be a long and challenging process. Governor Green’s request for a major disaster declaration is currently under review by the Biden administration. A decision is expected in the coming days, which will determine the level of federal assistance available to support Hawaii’s communities. Updates on the disaster response and recovery efforts can be found on the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency website: https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/.
If you have been affected by the flooding, or are looking for ways to help, please reach out to the organizations mentioned above. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, can make a significant difference in the lives of those impacted by this unprecedented disaster.
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