Hawaii Flooding & Kona Low Updates: Hospital Impacts, Road Closures & Safety Alerts (March 2026)
O‘ahu’s North Shore bore the brunt of a second kona low storm this week, triggering widespread flooding and prompting emergency responses across the state. Drone footage captured by the Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement on March 20, 2026, revealed extensive inundation, as state departments and federal partners worked to assist with cleanup on O‘ahu and prepare for the storm’s continued path toward the eastern Hawaiian Islands.
The Department of Health reported no catastrophic injuries as of Saturday, and statewide hospital bed capacity remained within normal limits. However, several healthcare facilities experienced disruptions. Kahuku Medical Center remained open but closed its Hale‘iwa outpatient clinic due to hazards. Queen’s Health System relocated 18 psychiatric patients from Queen’s Kahi Mohala to Queen’s Manamana due to flooding and dam failure concerns, with no reported delays in psychiatric transfers statewide. Water intrusion affected two Emergency Department rooms at Queen’s Wahiawā, but operations continued. Queen’s Medical Center (Main) treated 10 non-critical hypothermia patients early in the event. Adventist Health Castle reported water damage but remained operational, while the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center kept its emergency department open but closed 24/7 clinics for safety. Clinics in Kahuku and Hau‘ula operated by Ko‘olauloa Community Health Center were closed due to severe flooding and staff evacuations.
On Maui, Kula Hospital faced major constraints, closing its Emergency Department and relocating 99 patients over two days. The Hawai‘i National Guard was placed on standby for potential interisland evacuations. Lāna‘i Community Hospital reported staffing impacts due to weather and canceled flights, but current on-island staffing was deemed sufficient. Moloka‘i General Hospital was also being closely monitored.
Air medical transport remained fully operational statewide, with no patient holds or storm-related transport failures. Honolulu EMS was the most impacted, assisting with numerous rescues and evacuations, and lost one ambulance to flooding, though the crew was safe and a backup unit deployed. Anticipated increased EMS demand is expected on O‘ahu’s North Shore during the recovery phase. The Department of Health has contacted five states, which are standing by to provide support if needed.
Public health actions are focused on coordinating with the Department of Education regarding cleanup guidance due to flooding and sediment contamination at Konawaena Schools, monitoring water quality, and deploying public health nurse and Medical Reserve Corps teams to O‘ahu shelters for first aid and assessments. A behavioral health team of five personnel is conducting shelter rounds for crisis and distress support. Public health messaging continues to warn children and young adults to stay out of contaminated floodwater. Monitoring for waterborne disease, sanitation issues, and preparing for recovery-phase threats – including drinking water safety, air quality, food handling, and vector control – are ongoing. Coordination with ESF-10 is underway to address environmental hazards and brown water issues.
Active brown water advisories are in effect for all of O‘ahu, all of Maui, all of Kaua‘i, and portions of Hawai‘i Island, including areas from Ki‘ilae Bay to South Point, ʻAlula Beach to Hōnaunau Bay, Pauoa Bay to Honokōhau Harbor, and Pololū Valley to Holoholokai Beach Park.
Several sewage spills were reported on O‘ahu, including incidents at Puha Stream and Waimānalo Bay Beach Park, Ahuimanu stream, Nu‘upia Pond, near 2527 Kalihi Street, the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, Kawa Stream near the Kāne‘ohe Tunnel Influent Facility, 111 California Ave, and 580 Lunalilo Home Road.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Dam Safety team is following up with dam owners to ensure safe operations and coordinate repairs, and will focus on developing real-time monitoring capabilities. The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is monitoring debris in the Ala Wai Canal and working to remove stored debris from the previous storm. All marine event permits for this weekend on O‘ahu have been canceled. DOCARE officers have demobilized from the Waialua rescue operation and are on standby for further assignment. DOFAW personnel will initiate damage and safety assessments on Monday, anticipating downed trees and washed-out trails, and urging the public to avoid forested and coastal areas.
All state parks on O‘ahu are closed until Monday for safety and damage assessment. Tree contractors are still addressing removals from the previous kona low storm (March 10-13, 2026). The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) has received reports of unauthorized stream channel alterations and reminds landowners to follow emergency authorization procedures for any substantial work.
The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) utilized drones to identify search and rescue operations and assess storm damage. DLE sheriff patrols supported Honolulu Police Department (HPD) in evacuating Waialua communities and provided security for storm shelters. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) began preparations before the first kona low, clearing drainage culverts and trimming trees. Kawaihapai (Dillingham) Airfield is closed to all except military and emergency operations through Tuesday, March 24. HDOT reports several highway closures and repairs on O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, and Hawai‘i Island, including issues with the H-1 freeway, Kamehameha Highway, and Honoapiʻilani Highway.
The US Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry and Hollyhock are patrolling off the north shore of O‘ahu, and the Harriet Lane is patrolling between Maui, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe. Coast Guard and Navy aircrews rescued seven people and one dog from floodwaters on O‘ahu Friday. All ports in Hawai‘i remain open and fully operational.
The US Army Hawai‘i and the 25th Infantry Division provided a medium tactical vehicle to the ‘Aikahi Fire Station for high-water evacuations and has a company-sized Immediate Response Force on standby. The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency has established a kona low resources page at ready.hawaii.gov/konalow.
The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and its partners are sharing guidance with visitors and the industry, advising against canceling or postponing trips and urging vigilance. Direct messaging is being disseminated through GoHawai‘i social media, website alerts, the GoHawai‘i app, and the 1-800-GOHAWAII call center.