Technology and Science22 March, 20263 min read
Honolulu Officials Lift Evacuation Orders as Wahiawa Dam Stabilizes
3outlets comparedA wider view of the story
1 Other1 West Asian1 Western MainstreamThis article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Evacuation orders for Waialua and Haleiwa were lifted. Wahiawa Dam levels stabilized overnight, prompting lifted evacuations.
Evacuation Orders Lifted
Honolulu officials lifted evacuation orders for Otake, Waialua, and Haleiwa on Saturday as flood concerns eased following stabilization of the Wahiawa Dam.
“HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Evacuation orders for Waialua and Haleiwa were lifted Saturday afternoon as flood concerns eased, officials said. The city lifted all evacuation orders for the area at 2:41 p.m.”
The city lifted all evacuation orders for the affected areas at 2:41 p.m., allowing thousands of residents to return to their homes after being forced to evacuate.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi confirmed that first responders had conducted 233 rescues during the storm, with no reported fatalities.
Gov. Josh Green noted that approximately 5,500 people had been evacuated from the North Shore communities.
The evacuation came as Hawaii experienced its worst flooding in 20 years, with roadways and buildings remaining submerged in some areas.
Dam Conditions Stabilize
The Wahiawa Dam, which had been trending up toward 85 feet over the previous day and a half, stabilized overnight at 81.83 feet by 6:30 a.m.
Officials were taking readings every two hours to monitor the critical infrastructure.
Gov. Josh Green explained that the dam represented a significant safety concern, stating "At 85 feet, everyone's got to be out of there" and warning that "At 88 feet, it becomes perilous".
Green noted that at 90 feet, there would be serious risk of "the water going over the top of the dam and cause damage and, God forbid, cause a catastrophic failure of a dam."
Despite the stabilization, authorities maintained vigilance as more rain was expected across the island on Saturday, bringing the continued risk of additional flooding.
Emergency Response Deployed
More than 200 National Guard members were activated during the storm to assist with rescues, road closures, door-to-door checks, and other public safety needs. Guard leaders were specifically positioned at Wahiawa Dam to provide "extra readings and extra eyes" as officials closely monitored conditions. On Saturday, Guard members trekked through mud to check on residents in the outskirts of Waialua, demonstrating the extensive emergency response efforts.
“More than 200 National Guard members were activated during the storm, assisting with rescues, road closures, door-to-door checks and other public safety needs, Green said. He said Guard leaders have also been positioned at Wahiawa Dam to provide 'extra readings and extra eyes' as officials monitor conditions.”
Randy Collins, director of the Department of Emergency Management, reported that most shelters were closing Saturday evening. Shelters at Kaneohe District Park and Nanakuli High and Intermediate would remain open for residents who continued to need services.
Dam Safety Review
Hawaii has 122 dams statewide that are monitored by the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Dam Safety Program. Governor Green announced that the state will reassess its overall approach to dam safety following the recent flooding crisis. The governor specifically mentioned plans to add more visual monitoring, such as cameras, and to accelerate structural improvements like spillway projects.
Green stated "It's just too big a deal to see a disaster like that happen" and emphasized the need for "extra resources, both visually — we're putting more cameras on them — and also structurally." Green noted that he has already spoken with Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen about advancing spillway work "just to make it safer."
Federal Support & Damage
Green confirmed that the White House reached out to him "preemptively," describing the federal response as supportive as teams prepare to assess the extensive damage. The governor stated that "FEMA is reaching out, and our teams will be working together this coming week to begin to assess the full scope of the damage," indicating a coordinated federal-state response. Green revealed that some areas have seen as much as 50 inches of rain across two storms, with damage potentially exceeding $1 billion.
“Green said the White House reached out to him 'preemptively,' and described the federal response as supportive as teams prepare to assess the damage. 'FEMA is reaching out, and our teams will be working together this coming week to begin to assess the full scope of the damage,' Green said.”
Officials urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads, and follow alerts as heavy rain and flash flooding remained possible through the weekend. Authorities emphasized that "we're not out of the woods yet" despite the improving conditions.