EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS
HONOLULU

DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR

REQUEST FOR PRESIDENTiAL DISASTER DECLARATION

May 2.2018

The Honorable Donald Trump
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Through:

Regional Administrator Robert Fenton
FEMA Region IX
Oakland, CA 94607-4052

Dear Mr. President:
Under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert I. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act and implemented by 44 CFR § Section 206.36, I request that you declare a
Major Disaster for the state of Hawai’i as a result of the severe weather, flooding, and
landslides beginning April 13, 2018, through April 16, 2018. I request that this declaration
include two counties: the City and County of Honolulu and Kaua’i County. I request that the
declaration authorize the Public Assistance Grant Program, the Individual Assistance
Program, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance program for the
two counties. In addition, I request the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide.
This disaster is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the
capabilities of the State and the affected local governments; federal assistance is necessary.
Emergency Proclamations

The Mayor of Kaua’ i proclaimed an emergency on April 14, 2018 and signed a
Supplementary Emergency Proclamation on April 22, 2018. I took the appropriate action
under state law and proclaimed an emergency for the County of Kaua’i on April 15, 2018. The
Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu proclaimed an emergency on April 18, 2018. In
response, I signed a Supplementary Proclamation on April 18, 201$, to expand the emergency
proclamation to include the City and County of Honolulu. furthermore, I directed the

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May 2,2018
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execution of the State of Hawai ‘i Emergency Operations Plan in accordance with Sectio
n 401
of the Stafford Act.
Description of Event

Flooding occurred across four counties with the damages focused in the City and County
of
Honolulu and Kaua’i County. According to the National Weather Service, an upper level
lowpressure system produced torrential rainfall over portions of the state from Friday, April
13,
201$, through Monday, April 16, 201$, resulting in severe flooding.
From Hä’ena to Koloa on Kaua’i and Waimänalo to East Honolulu on O’ahu, homes
,
businesses and farmlands were flooded and inundated with knee-deep mud. Landslides
blocked major thoroughfares, cutting off residents. On O’ahu, over 600 tons of debris covere
d
state and county roads. Kaua’i continues to clear dozens of landslides blocking roads and
isolating communities.
City and County of Honolulu
The charts below show 4$-hour rainfall totals for impacted communities across the City
and
County of Honolulu and Kau&i County. Around 8:00 p.m. Hawai’i Standard Time (FIST)
on
Friday, April 13, 2018, the National Weather Service warned that the storm was nearly
stationary over East Honolulu, with frequent cloud to ground lightning and winds in excess
of
40 miles per hour. Rain totals speak to the severity of the storm, but do not tell the whole
story. The five-inches of rain in Waimanalo fell within a one-hour period. Additionally there
,
are no rain gauges in Hawai’i Kai, the worst hit area in the City and County of Honol
ulu.
City and County of Honolulu,
Community
Manoa Lyon Arboretum
Niu Valley
Maunawili
Waimanalo
Source: National Weather Service

Rainfall during the 48-hour period ending at
6 PM HST on Sunday April 15, 2018
1 1.96 inches
5.64 inches
5.58 inches
5.02 inches

The flooding closed the only major artery through East Honolulu, the Kafanianaole Highw
ay
and fast-rising flood waters trapped drivers. The Honolulu Fire Department responded
to 42
weather-related emergencies. including 32 water evacuations.
The flooding left behind over 900 tons of debris on the roads as well as inside homes
and
schools. The photographs below are of a mud-filled home in East Honolulu and of a floode
d
home in Waimanalo.

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May 2, 201$
Page 3 of 16

(Source: Hawaii News Now)

Over 280 homes were damaged and approximately 180 families received services at the
county’s Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). With repairs only beginning, the county has
already removed 335 tons of additional bulky household waste and over 475 white goods and
appliances.
Kauai County
Kaua’i County suffered the worst impacts in the state. Multiple landslides isolated
communities west of Princeville from the rest of the island; the communities of Ha’ena and
Wainiha continue to be isolated. Flooding, landslides, and sinkholes damaged homes,
businesses, and roads island-wide.
Kaua i County, Community
.

Wainiha
Hanalel
Mount Waialeale
Princeville Airport
Kilohana
North Wailua Ditch
Kapahi
Wailua
Anahola
Source: National Weather Service

.

Rainfall during the 48-hour period
ending at 6 PM HST on April 15, 2018
32.35 inches
28.41 inches
22.34 inches
14.60 inches
13.19 inches
10.62 inches
10.12 inches
8.21 inches
3.20 inches

The peak 24-hour rainfall at Hanalei was 28.15 inches as of 2:00 a.m. HST when the rain gage
stopped reporting. A volunteer with the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow
Network (CoC0RaHS) reported 36.49 inches in Wainiha during the 24-hour period ending at
7 a.m. HST on April 15, 2018. Additionally, a rain gage operated by the Waipia Foundation in
Waipia, just west of Hanalei, recorded 49.69 inches of rain during the 24-hour period ending

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May 2,2018
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at 12:45 p.m. H$T on April 15, 2018. This total, pending verification, would be higher than
the current national 24-hour record by more than six (6) inches.
Due to ground saturation, the situation rapidly deteriorated: water entered homes; homes
collapsed and were washed off their foundations; multiple floods, landslides, and sinkholes
made roads impassable. There were also island-wide power and water disruptions.

nalei during my first visit to the area

Kãhiö Highway, in the vicinity of Hanalel Bridge,
became flooded and impassable early Saturday
morning, isolating Hanalei and all towns to the west.
All told, there were over a dozen landslides along a
2-mile stretch of Kühiö Highway.
Kühiö Highway is the only road into these
communities. The road is being cleared of the
landslides but there are also at least two portions of
the highway which are structurally damaged.
Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT)
crews are working with HDOT contractors and
personnel from the Hawai’i Department of Land and

Image: Partially cleared landslide on
Kuhiö Highway
(Source: Associated Press)

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May 2,201$
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Natural Resources (DLNR) to clear Kãhiö Highway. HDOT does not expect KUhiö Highway
to be open to normal vehicular traffic until late July or early August 2018.
Initially the two (2) communities of Hã’ena and Wainiha were without first responders or
access to medical assistance. Off-duty personnel from Kaua’i Fire Department and American
Medical Response who live in the isolated areas were initially asked to assist, but had only the
supplies from their own homes and the lifeguard towers.
Between April 15 and April 21, 2018 the U.S. Army,
Hawai’i National Guard, and county assets airlifted
residents and visitors who needed rescue or wanted to
evacuate. These air assets have also assisted, and
continue to assist with the transport of supplies,
emergency vehicles, and work crews into the area.
Search and rescue has also been conducted via swift
water rescue teams, door-to-door checks, and
helicopter. To date, over 475 people have been
evacuated via helicopter with an undetermined number
by boat.

(Source: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt.
Keith Anderson, 25th Infantry Division
Public Affairs)

U.S. Army helicopter crews delivered approximately 43,000 pounds of food, water, and
clothing to distressed areas across the island between April 16 and 17, 2018. The photograph
above shows Soldiers loading a law enforcement vehicle laden with water onto a CH-47
Chinook on April 17, 201$.
Supplies, personnel, and equipment were also brought in by state, county. and voluntary
organizations. The communities continue to be resupplied by air and sea. Kaua’i County has
contracted for the use of a Landing Craft Mechanized (LMZ) barge to continue to supply and
move heavy equipment into and out of the isolated areas.
Other communities across the island were impacted as well. On the north shore, the town of
Hanalei, just east of the isolated area, was flooded and isolated for approximately 41 hours.
Hanalei Elementary School was opened as an emergency shelter.
Reports of flash flooding also occurred on the east and south sides of the island. Flooding in
these areas required the use of two (2) additional elementary schools as emergency shelters.
Both Ka Loko Reservoir and Kalihiwai Reservoir reached warning levels. Kalihiwai
Reservoir was near overtopping and lowering the water level was difficult due to the
continuous rain. As a precautionary measure. the residents below the reservoir were evacuated
on two (2) separate occasions.

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May 2, 2018
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Kaua’ I Fire Department (KFD) responded to 15 weather-related emergencies, including 12
swift water rescues. One such rescue occurred in the afternoon of April 15, KFD rescued a 24year-old woman and a 2-year-old child who were trapped in their vehicle: their truck was in
three (3) feet of water, surrounded by class III rapids; and they were only 10-feet from a
power line. KFD had to utilize their helicopter with the Billy Pugh net to extract the victims.
The flooding left behind tons of debris on the roads as well as inside homes and schools. Over
350 homes were damaged and an unknown number of businesses were impacted. The
photographs below are of two homes destroyed by the flooding and landslides.

(Source: Hawaii News Now)

Response and recovery efforts are on-going.
Community Overview
City and County of Honolulu
The most impacted communities are in the East Honolulu Census Designated Place (CDP)
and Waimanalo CDP. East Honolulu consists of the area directly east of the center of
Honolulu, beginning at the Wai’alae Country Club and extending east to Makapu’u Point.
Waimanalo CDP is a small community located near the eastern end of the island. Both
impacted areas are largely residential and consist of mostly single-family homes.
East Honolulu CDP is relatively affluent. In contrast, Waimanalo is an area of highsocioeconomic need. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has
designated Waimanalo as an area that is medically underserved. Approximately 22% of the
population lives below the federal poverty line.

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May 2, 2018
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•

.

Population

.

.

Jurisdiction

I

City and County
of Honolulu

953,207

.

Per Capita
Income 2
$ 32,194

Individuals
Below the
Poverty_Line

Native
Hawaiian
..

.

Unemployment
Rate

9.5%

19%

5.1%

$22,975
22%
49,914
$50,925
3.7%
1: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
2: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey Estimates

50%

3.5%

12%

2.7%

WaimanaloCDP
East Honolulu CDP

5,541

Kaua’i County
While the severe weather, flooding, and landslides impacted the entire county of Kaua’i,
damages were concentrated in three (3) areas: the north shore, consisting of Hã’ena, Wainiha,
and Hanalei CDPs; Anahola CD? located on the east side; and the KOloa CDP on the south
shore.
All of the Kaua’i County communities impacted by the event meet FEMA’s definition of
small impoverished communities. As illustrated by the chart below, each community: is less
than 3,000 people; is economically disadvantaged, with residents having an annual per capita
income less than 80% of the national per capita income; and has an unemployment rate that
exceeds the national unemployment rate by 1 percentage point or more.
.

.

.

Jurisdiction

National
Kaua’i County
Hã’enaCDP
Wainiha CDP
Halalei CDP
Anahola CDP
KOloa CD?

Population I
.

Per Capita Income 2

308, 745,538
67,091
431
31$
450
2,223
2,144

1: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
2: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey Estimates

$29,829
$28,791
$21,280
$12,844
$19,203
$22,395
$22,793

Unemployment
Rate2

4.1%
5.1%
7.5%
unknown
14.3%
5.5%
8.2%

Wainiha has the highest poverty rate at 40%. Over 37% of all households in the county are
housing insecure, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. In
Hanalei, almost 75% of households are housing insecure. In the isolated communities of
Hã’ena and Wainiha, housing insecurity is upwards of 79% for renters and 63% for all
households. Many lack the necessary capital to recover from the social and economic impact
of this disaster.

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May 2, 2018
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Jurisdiction

Populatio&

National
Kaua’i
County
Hä’enaCDP
Wainiha
CDP
Halalei CDP
Anahola
CDP
Kö1oaCDP

308,745,538

Individuals
Below the
Poverty
Line2
15%

67,091

8%

63%

37.8%

42.6%

431

19%

66%

62.9%

66.7%

318

40%

66%

49.1%

78.6%

450

20%

82%

74.4%

2,223

16%

79%

32.4%

66.7%
41.2%

2,144

14%

33%

35.4%

41.3%

Owner
Occupied
Housing
Units2
63%

Housing
Insecure3
Households

32.4%

41.2%

1: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
2: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey Estimates
3: Households spending more than 30% of their income on rent or mortgage

Housing
Insecure3
Renters2

2

Dama%es and Community Impact

Concentration of Damage
The concentration of damages within these small communities and the geographical realities
of volcanic, mountainous islands means the affected individuals and households cannot be
simply absorbed into larger adjacent areas.
The impacts of the damages were concentrated in small communities. The Waimanalo and
Kaua’i communities are extremely tight-knit; the disappearance of families will not only
affect those leaving but those staying as well. Their potential relocation out of the area
threatens both the fabric of these communities and their long-term economic health.
Housing Shortage Impacts
The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JDPA) found 516 primary residences that
sustained damage. Housing and labor shortages will pose challenges to the ability of these
households to make repairs and/or find long-term accommodations to relocate to.
The rental housing market in Hawai’i was severely constrained even before this event. As of
2015, the rental vacancy rate in Hawai’ i was approximately 1%. State. county, and
community resources will be stretched thin trying to absorb the influx of newly “homeless”
families into the existing local housing stock.

 Honorable Donald Trump
May 2,201$
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The demand for qualified and licensed contractors will likely exceed the supply, prolonging
the duration of displacement and recovery. Additionally, construction cost are approximately
$760 per square foot for single family homes, which is nearly double any other U.S. city.
Without federal support, families may be forced to leave the area and/or become homeless.
There are no additional state or county housing programs or financing available for
individuals. Homelessness in Hawai’i is a real and constant threat for our families. According
to a 2014 Hawai’i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice report, 15% of all
households reported that if they were forced to move out of their current housing situation,
they would have nowhere else to turn.
Trauma
Due to the unprecedented levels of rainfall over such a short-period, county officials did not
have sufficient time or resources to implement evacuation protocols. After the event, over 475
people were evacuated by helicopter and an untold number were evacuated by boat.
The flooding and landslides have also caused disruptions to most normal community functions
in Hã’ena and Waihina. There is no post office, school, hospital, grocery store, or gas station
in the isolated communities. Mail delivery has ceased and the U.S. Postal Service has no plans
for resuming mail delivery until Kãhiö Highway is reopened.
In addition to their homes, some have lost their vehicles and many of their possessions,
including heirlooms and vital records (birth and death certificates, passports. driver licenses.
etc.). Families have also reported losing pets, drowned in the flood waters.
Particularly for children, quickly resuming normal pre-disaster routines is extremely important
to their mental and emotional well-being. Children in the isolated communities on Kaua’i
have been prevented from doing so as they are unable to attend their normal schools or
participate in extra-curricular activities.
The signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are becoming evident. DOH deployed a mental
health worker to the isolated communities of Hä’ena and Wainiha after several reports of
unmet mental health needs.
Public Health
Flooding of this magnitude poses public health risks. Increased demand for the full breadth of
public health and mental health services is anticipated.
Health care access is a particular challenge for the communities that are isolated by the
landslides. The State of Hawai’i Department of Health (HDOH) and Hawai’i Healthcare

 Honorable Donald Trump
May 2, 2018
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Emergency Management Coalition (HHEM) deployed a medical response team to the isolated
community that included a physician, registered nurse, paramedic, pharmacist, and mental
health professional. The team opened a one-room clinic, staffed for 12-hours a day with
personnel on-call afierhours. A paramedic from the county EMS agency is visiting
homebound residents.
The team is providing health care for acute flood-related needs such as injuries, infections,
gastroenteritis, respiratory illness, and tetanus immunization. HDOH is working with local
pharmacies to provide prescription medications for acute needs and refills of chronic
prescription medications. In support of the clinic, local hospitals and pharmacies have
provided medication and medical supplies. To date over 260 individuals have been treated at
the clinic.
Mold growth is inevitable after extensive flooding. This growth is exacerbated in our humid
climate, with growth beginning within the first 24 hours after flooding. Exposure to mold can
cause severe respiratory illness and allergies. Mold poses acute and long-term health risks,
especially vulnerable are children and the elderly. Additionally. mold is extremely challenging
to remove, often requiring professional services. The HDOH clinic has treated several patients
for allergy issues likely related to mold exposure. Two (2) cases were so advanced that the
patient and their families were evacuated out of the isolated area.
Standing flood water and coastal storm water runoff contain hazards from overflowing
cesspools. sewers, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals. pathogens, chemicals, and
associated flood debris. While the public is warned to stay out of flood and storm waters. the
recovery effort necessitates that many people cannot avoid exposure. “Brown water
advisories” indicating contaminated coastal waters remain in effect for many island beaches.
Beaches around the island require ongoing inspection and testing to provide accurate water
quality information to residents and visitors.
Exposure to contaminated water and debris poses heightened risk of injury and infection.
Wound infections, including with highly pathogenic bacteria, can cause life- or limbthreatening illness. Tetanus may occur in individuals who experience wounds and are not up
to date with their vaccinations. Leptospirosis is endemic and the risk of exposure and illness is
heightened by the flooding.
Gastrointestinal illness can also occur as a result of accidental ingestion of contaminated water
or by consumption of contaminated or spoiled food. food safety was threatened by power
outages and water service disruptions. Additionally, the great majority of affected
communities rely on private septic tanks or cesspools. Appropriate clean-up and repair or
replacement of these systems requires the close involvement of wastewater experts. The
HDOH clinic has treated several patients for acute diarrhea.

 Honorable Donald Trump
May 2,201$

Page 11 of 16

Vector control becomes increasingly critical as water and debris collect. Standing water
attracts mosquitoes and cause “mosquito blooms.” Mosquitoes carry the risk of diseases such
as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Similarly, rodents are attracted to and thrive in
accumulations of organic waste and pose threats to human health including leptospirosis,
murine typhus, and rat lungworm disease.
Special Populations

Jurisdiction
City and
County of
Honolulu
Wairnanalo

Populatio&

Native
Hawaiia&

Individuals
Below the
Poverty
Line2

Children
under 52

Over 652

Disabled2

953,207

19%

9.5%

7%

16%

11%

5,541

50%

22%

6%

15%

9%

49,914

12%

3.7%

5%

24%

9%

67,091

24%

8%

7%

17%

10%

431

22%

19%

7%

10%

7%

25%

40%

15%

22%

8%

17%

20%

8%

36%

21%

70%

16%

5%

13%

13%

25%

14%

10%

14%

12%

CDP
East
Honolulu
CDP
Kaua’i
County
HaenaCDP

Wai niha
318
CDP
Halalei CDP
450
Anahola
2.223
CDP
KoIoaCDP
2,144
I: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census
2: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American

Community Survey Estimates

Native Hawaiians

Native Hawaiians are among the most socioeconomically disadvantaged ethnic groups. Native
Hawaiian mean family income is approximately 16% lower than other ethnic groups in
Hawai’i. Based on the 2000 census, Native Hawaiians had the highest percentage of
individuals living below the poverty line. Native Hawaiians face significant socioeconomic
hurdles, with below average income, health, and educational attainment.
Almost 18% of Native Hawaiian households within the City and County of Honolulu are
female headed with no husband present and 3% of all Native Hawaiian adults are the primary
caregiver for their grandchildren. The unemployment rate for Native Hawaiians within the

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May 2,201$
Page 12 of 16

City and County of Honolulu is 6.4%, substantially higher than the county rate of 5.1%.
Unfortunately the Census Bureau has not published similar numbers for Kaua’i but one can
assume they are similar.
Substance use represents a significant health disparity among minority populations. Native
Hawaiian youth tend to be early substance users and have higher use rates relative to their
non-Hawaiian peers. One symptom of trauma is substance abuse and as discussed above
substance abuse is increasing in the flood affected communities.
Poverty

and Income

Poverty affects all aspects of a person’s life and the concentration of poverty in neighborhoods
creates a vicious circle of negative externalities. Hawai’i has the ninth highest rate of poverty
in the country, with over 17% of residents struggling in poverty. Additionally, nearly 33% of
households in Hawai’i are considered asset poor, meaning they do not have sufficient liquid
assets to cover the cost of rebuilding, a break in employment, or a medical emergency.
On April 1, 201$ the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) updated
its income limits that determine eligibility for HUD’s assisted housing programs. HUD
income limits in Hawai’i have increased substantially in recent years. While more people are
qualifying for HUD assistance there has not been an increase in available housing units.

Children
Children are an inherently vulnerable group. Children are more vulnerable to malnutrition,
disease, and abuse than adults, and are over-represented among the poor. This abuse is often
directed at women and children. According to a recent University of Hawai’i study, youth
between the ages of 12 and 17 are at a higher risk than adults of becoming homeless. Many
youth are homeless because of abusive home environments. Children are also more
susceptible to disaster related trauma than adults, as previously discussed.

Jurisdiction

Children under

52

Children under 182

CityandCountyof
7%
Honolulu
Kaua’i County
7%
2: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey Estimates

Children Living in
Households Below
the Poverty Line2

6.3%

15.4%

23.4%

9.6%

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May 2.2018
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Economic Impacts

Agriculture
The storm caused major to total crop losses on at least four (4) farms within the City and
County of Honolulu. Nab Farms, located in Waimanalo. reported that the torrential rains put
their farm entire 12-acre farm under four (4) feet of water destroying their entire crop. Nab
Farms is an important supplier of locally grown produce, servicing over 80 restaurants and
stores.
On Kaua’i. farms continue to feel the effects of crop losses, damaged irrigation infrastructure,
and broken fences. The 917-acre Hanalei River Valley is a verdant valley with crops including
rice and taro. Bison from the Hanalei Buffalo Ranch were washed down to the beach. Many
local residents and paniolo (cowboys) helped roundup the animals.

Image: Hanalei Valley Farms, pre-event
(Source: Wikipedia)

We are currently conducting our agricultural damage assessments. We are working closely
with the Hawai’i Farm Bureau and the Hawai’i Farmers’ Union to collect damage information
from affected farms. I have instructed the Hawai i Department of Agriculture to: prioritize
low-interest loans to help get damaged farms back into production; defer loan payments until
production is restarted; and provide technical assistance to farmers.
Tourism
Tourism is a major economic driver for the state. Tourism directly supports approximately
200,000 jobs statewide and generates a large portion of our tax revenue. The effects to tourism
from this disaster are widespread, with many hotels and tour operators reporting cancelations
even outside of the impacted areas.
In Kaua’i, the average daily visitor population in 2017 was 26,275; about 25% of everyone on
Kaua’i’s is a visitor. According to the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, tourists spend on average

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May 2, 2018
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$206 per person per day. Tourism is particularly important on the north shore of Kaua’i where
nearly 80% of the business in the area serve tourists. A recent needs assessment by Hale
Halawai, found that 85% of affected households have experienced loss of work or income
since the flooding.
June and July are the busiest months for visitors to Kaua’i. The continued closure of Kãhiö
Highway through the end of July will have impacts for the economic health of the north shore
in general and the communities of Ha’ ena and Wainiha in particular.
Over 85 vacation rentals in Hã’ena, Wainiha, and Hanalei are unable to accommodat their
e
current bookings due to the flooding and landslides. The Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant, Fish
Market and Sushi House is the single largest employer in Hanalei. The restaurant is closed
due
to flood damage. The owners do not anticipate re-opening until July 1, 2018. They currently
employ 110 people, all of whom will be without work for at least two (2) more months.
Two (2) important tourist destinations on the north shore remain closed: Limahuli Gardens
and the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. The Kalalau Trail is in Napali Coast State
Wilderness Park. This trail is a major destination for hikers; for many it is the main reason
they come to Kaua’i.
The disaster has impacted small business providing water-based and other recreational
activities to tourists. The closure of Weke Road and the road to Black Pot Beach has cut off
the main access point to Halanlei Bay and Hanalei Pier, preventing businesses from resuming
operations in these areas. On the east side of the island, many small businesses canceled
popular hiking and kayak tours along the Wailua River.
Environmental Impacts

Aquatic Resources
Although long-term reef monitoring sites on Kaua’i have not been visited to assess the extent
of damage to coral reefs by the recent floods, we suspect that sediment, debris, and other landbased sources of pollution may have impacted the reef through smothering and abrasion. In
addition, large pieces of debris deposited into the ocean may have also damaged reefs adjacent
to river mouths. A large amount of debris was also deposited on beaches which may pose a
risk of being washed back onto the reef during high tides. Streams suffered a large amount of
erosion during the event and will need considerable re-vegetation and bank stabilization to
repair the damage.
Coastal water quality remains in flux from on-going rains, flood water mn-off, and recovery
efforts. Regular monitoring and public information are required to protect public safety.

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May 2,2012
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Seabirds
There was significant damage to some of the known breeding areas of federally threatened
Newell’s Shearwaters and endangered Hawaiian Petrels due to landslides in Kauai. An area
particularly badly affected was Upper Manoa valley (O’ahu), with lots of landslides there. as
well as the lower reaches of Upper Limahuli (Kaua’i). There were multiple landslides in
Lumahai valley (O’ahu) as well. Department of Land and Natural Resources staff is checking
all of the montane seabird monitored colonies, a process that will several weeks. So far we
know at least one Hawaiian Petrel burrow was destroyed by the flooding and landslides.
Preliminary Damage Assessment Results

Individual Assistance
A Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (JPDA) was performed in by state, county, SBA.
and FEMA representatives from Sunday, April 22, 2018 to Friday April 27, 2018. The JPDA
team validated 532 homes impacted by the flooding and landslides, only five (5) of which are
second homes. A table of their findings is in Enclosure A.
Of the 348 homes in Kaua’i County identified as impacted by the JPDA. the team only
collected insurance data on 98. Of these, 38% have no insurance at all and only 17% have
flood insurance. Assuming this is a representative sample, we can anticipate that over 132 of
the damaged properties have no insurance coverage at all. Of those properties that are insured,
we anticipate a large number with over 40% uninsured loss.
Public Assistance
A Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment was performed by state, county, and FEMA
representatives from Monday, April 23. 201$ to Thursday, April 26, 2018. The total verified
costs from the JDPA was over $19 million. A table of their findings is in Enclosure B. Again,
these numbers do not capture the extent of the damages. Many costs were not included in the
JPDA because the responsible agency could not provide a cost estimate in the timeframe
required of the JPDA team.
State and Local Response

State and local response actions began on April 13, 2018. There have been no state or federal
disaster declarations within the past 12-months.

 Honorable Donald Tnarnp
May 2,201$
Page 16 of 16

Voluntary agencies have been supporting the impacted communities in a variety of ways.
They have done everything from: providing food and water; transporting supplies via zodiac
to the isolated communities; and assisting individual families clean flooded homes. This
support is invaluable; however, the needs of our state from this disaster far exceeds the
combined efforts of the counties, the state. and voluntary organizations.
Enclosure E provides information on the nature and amount of state and county government
resources that have been used to alleviate the conditions of this disaster.
Sincerely,

Governor, State of Hawaii
Enclosure:
FEMA Form 010-0-13
Enclosure A: Individual Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment
Enclosure B: Public Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment
Enclosure F: State and Local Response

 Enclosure A: Individual Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment
Homes:
Date: April 22-27. 201$

City and
County of
Honolulu
Kauai
County
Category
Totals:
Total
Verified:

Destroyed

Major

Minor

Affected

Not
Primary

0

45

94

45

0

7

65

119

152

5

7

110

213

197

5

532

 A
DEBRIS

$1,890,748
9.55%

2.32%

$1,122,706

$743,042

$25,000

C
ROADS
AND
BRIDGES

$459,482

$30,000

$423482

$6000

B
EMERGENCY
PROTECTIVE
MEASURES

21 .09%

$4,174,099

$4,174,099

D
WATER
CONTROL
FACILITIES

U.S. Bureau of Census 2010 State or Tribe population: 1.427,538
Statewide/Tribal Per Capita Impact indicator: $1.46
Countywide Per Capita Impact indicator: $3.68

County of Kauai
(Kauai)
KCCC (Kauai)
DLNR-State
Parks (Kauai)
DOD (Kauai)
C&C Honolulu
DLN R-DOFAW
(Kauai)
DLNR-DOBOR
(Kauai)
DLNR
Engineering
Dept. of Parks
and Rec.
(Kauai)
$620,000
Dept. of Public
Works (Kauai)
$6,100,000
Hawaiian
Homelands
(Kauai)
$650,000
Dept. of Water
fKauai)
KIUC(Kauai)
TOTALS
$7,370,000
Percentage of
Total
37.24%

IMTV

CATEGORY
APPLICANT

2.03%

$1,407,500
7.11%

F
UTILITIES

$275,000
$126,724
$401,724

$8,200

$1,360,000

$39300

E
PUBLIC
B” IN

Enclosure B: Public Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment

$1,405,318

$1,405,318

20.66%

$4,089,318

$3.81
$1.76

$9.01

$650,000
$275,000
$126,724
$19,792,871

$100.21

$44.35

$19.48

$20.09

$10.91

$0.35
$5.87
$4.38

$0.08
$0.54

Per
Ca ita b ‘
°w’

$7,230,906

$3,200,000

$1,450,000

$1,450,000

$1,190,000

$787,042

$25,000
$423,482
$4,174,099

$6,000
$39,300

TOTAL

$44,000

G
RK.?,
RECREATION
OR OTHER

72,159
72,159

72,159

72,159

72,159

72,159

72,159

72,159

72,159
72,159
953,207

72,159
72,159

County
population

 Enclosure F: State and Local Response

Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA)
• Implemented the Hawai’i Emergency Operations Plan (HI-EOP), activating the State
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to Level III
• The following State Emergency Support Functions were activated:
o SESF #1: Transportation
o SESF #2: Communications
o SESF #3: Public Works & Engineering
o SESF #5: Information & Planning
o SESF #6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing & Human Services
o SESF #7: Logistics Management & Resource Support
o SESF #8: Public Health & Medical Services
o SESF #10: Oil and HAZMAT Response
o SESF #12: Energy
o SESF #13: Public Safety and Security
o SESF #15: External Affairs
o SESF#16:finance
o SESF #20: Military Support
• Over 36 HI-EMA employees staffed the SEOC on 12-hour shifts 24-hours a day
• Deployed eight (8) HI-EMA staff to support the Kaua’i Emergency Management Agency
to coordinate response and facilitate information sharing
• Coordinated SESF #6 Mass Care
• Worked with the DAGS, HDOH, and HDOT in support of debris management issues
• Facilitated Hawai’i Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (HVOAD) coordination
calls to identify self-activated community based organizations, unmet needs for early and
long-term recovery planning
• Staffed private sector requests for information and offers of assistance.
• Supported long-term re-supply and logistics planning into the isolated communities
• Produced public information, news releases, and briefings; monitored social media and put
out social media messaging
• Staffed the City and County of Honolulu Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)
• Conducted Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage
Assessments in conjunction with the City and County of Honolulu, Kaua’i County,
DAGS, DHS, FEMA, and SBA
Attorney General
• Provided legal support to the SEOC and counties
• Provided Law Enforcement Officers under SESF #13 to support Kaua’ i Count
Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS)
• Provided staff to support the SEOC for SESF #3
• Assisted with cleaning and repaired the Hanalei Elementary School after it was damaged
in the flood, in conjunction with DOE
• Ordered and delivered sandbags to mitigate potential additional flood damage at the

 •

Hanalei Elementary School
Five (5) staff conducted Public Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in
conjunction with the City and County of Honolulu, Kaua’i County, HI-EMA. and FEMA

Department of Business. Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT)
• Provided staff to the SEOC for SESF #12
• Maintained situational awareness of energy supplies, including fuel, gas, and electricity
• Worked with private vendors to ensure adequate fuel supply availability throughout
Kaua’i County
• Supported electricity restoration efforts
• Coordinated with Kaua’i County Department of Water (DOW) to assess potential fuel
needs for backup generator at the municipal Wainiha water well
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
• Staffed the City and County of Honolulu’s DRCs
• Provided guidance to the public on how to file insurance claims and answer general
insurance questions
Department of Education (HDOE)
• Provided three (3) schools as Emergency Shelters
• Opened three (3) satellite classrooms for 51 students (K-12) in Hã’ena and Wainiha
• Cleaned and repaired the Hanalei Elementary School after it was damaged in the flood, in
conjunction with DAGS
• Social/Emotional and mental health service will be provided by a school psychologist
once a week for the reminder of the School Year or when Kuhio Highway is opened again
Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DRilL)
• Staffed the City and County of Honolulu’s DRCs
• Supported the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment teams with information on damages
to DHHL lands
Department of Human Services (DHS)
• Provided staff to the SEOC for SESF #6
• Supported the Individual Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments with four (4)
staff
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
• Provided support to the SEOC for SESF #1, #3, and #13
• Provided over 35 staff to assist with debris removal and site security
• Provided Law Enforcement Officers under SESF #13 to support Kaua’i County
• Provided heavy equipment, including a dozer, excavator, and tandem dump truck to assist
with debris removal
• Provided three (3) personnel to Princeville Airport to assist with helicopter operations
• Provided one (1) LNO to the Kauai EOC
• Supported the Individual Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments with flood

 •
•

insurance information
Published information on flood insurance on the DLNR website
Staffed the City and County of Honolulu’s DRCs

Department of Public Safety
• Provided Law Enforcement Officers under SESF #13 to support Kaua’i County
Department of Taxation
• Extended the tax filing deadline for residents of Kaua’i County
• Staffed the City and County of Honolulu’s DRCs
• Provided tax related information to affected residents and businesses at the DRCs and on
their website
Hawai’i Department of Agriculture
• Staffed the City and County of Honolulu’s DRCs
• Provided information on agricultural loans and other assistance
• Providing low-interest agricultural loans
• Deferring loan payments for impacted farms until production is restarted
• Providing technical assistance to impacted farms and farmers
Hawai’i Department of Defense National Guard
• Provided staff to the SEOC for SESF #20
• The Joint Operations Center (JOC) increased its activation level to “Tier I plus” operating
24-hours a day; 2$ staff worked in the JOC and Joint Staff
• Deployed over $0 National Guard personnel to Kaua’i to support response and recovery
efforts
• Provided site security to two Landing Zones in Kaua’ I
• Deployed two (2) HING UH-60 helicopters to airlift evacuees, supplies, emergency
vehicles, and work crews into the isolated area
—

Hawai’i Department of Health (HDOH)
• Provided staff to the SEOC for SESF #8, #10 and #15
• Provided one (1) LNO to the Kaua’i EOC, to include serving as the group supervisor for
the health and community concerns branch
• Deployed a state disaster medical assistant team to the isolated area to ensure access to
medical services; to date this team has treated over 250 residents
• Monitored water quality island-wide by collecting samples and conducting laboratory
testing
• Department of Health vector control staff conducted mosquito abatement activities,
including surveillance and treatment
• Environmental health sanitarians ensured that commercial food facilities resumed service
only when it was safe to do so
• Published Brown Water Advisories, vector control information, personal hygiene, and
other public health advisories
• Provided messaging about flood water safety, mosquito control, drinking water and other

 •

•
•
•
•
•

public health issues
Providing ongoing mental health services including access to counseling services inperson and by telephone; door-to-door outreach is being initiated for the most severely
affected communities; a mental health counselor was deployed with the medical team
Provided consultation on home septic and cesspool issues
Implemented active surveillance for flood-related illnesses and injuries
Continue to participate in public outreach meetings to discuss health-related issues
associated with the flood response as well as information on services HDOH can provide
Processing additional vital record requests as a result of people losing government issued
IDs and other records
HDOH-contracted EMS provider for Kauai County, America;; Medical Response,
supported 24/7 response in the isolated area by equipping a paramedic with advanced life
support equipment including a cardiac monitor and advanced airway equipment including
intubation equipment and having that paramedic doing weliness checks throughout the
community daily

Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT)
• Inspected bridges in the flood-affected areas on Kaua’i
• Worked with City and County of Honolulu and Kauai County on extensive debris
clearance operations
• Over 23 HDOT staff and 20 contractors working to clear Kãhiö Highway and other sites
on Kaua’i
University of Hawai’i at Manoa
• Staffed the City and County of Honolulu’s DRCs
Local and Mutual Aid Activities

City and County of Honolulu
• Honolulu Fire Department responded to over 42 weather related emergency calls the night
of April 13, 2018, including 32 water evacuations
• City and County of Honolulu Department of facility Maintenance (DfM) and HDOT
conducted extensive debris clearance operations for county roads and state highways
respectively immediately after flood waters receded
• As of April 25, 2018, DFM collected approximately 451 tons of mud and sediments from
roads as well as residences
• DFM anticipated colleting an additional 160 tons of mud and debris from county roads
• The City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services (ENV) collected
approximately 335 tons of additional bulky waste from area residents and businesses as a
result of the flooding
• ENV collected approximately 475 units of white goods and appliances from the affected
areas
• Established two (2) Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)
• DRCs staffed by the following county agencies: Department of Emergency Management,
Budget and Fiscal Services Department, and Department of Plaiming and Permitting, and

 •

•

•

Department of Community Services.
The DRCs were also staffed by the following state and non-governmental
agencies/organizations: State Department of Land and Natural Resources, State
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State Department of Taxation, Hawai’i
Department of Health, Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai’i Department of
Agriculture, Department of Hawaiian Homelands, University of Hawai’i at Manoa.
American Red Cross, Building Industry Association of Hawai’i, Hawai’i Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disasters, Hawai’i Small Business Development Center, and
others.
The county is offering both low interest disaster rehabilitation loans and expedited disaster
related building permit and fee waivers. The county is offering real property tax remission
for homeowners who sustained damages
Although Honolulu was affected by the incident, they assisted Kaua’i Emergency
Management Agency with over 30 incident management team (IMT) members to work in
the Kaua’i County EOC

Kaua’i County
• County EOC at full activation
• Coordinated with county, state, federal, and non-governmental partners for response and
recovery efforts
• Opened five (5) emergency shelters, in conjunction with the Red Cross
• Conducted extensive debris clearance operations for county roads and parks
• County of Kaua’i employees and American Red Cross volunteers went door-to-door
conducting weliness checks and documenting damages
• Kaua’i Police Department (KPD)
o Inserted personnel to continuously provide immediate security 24/7 in the isolated
communities
o Provided security and assistance at the landing zones as well as the Camp Naue
Point of Distribution
o Managing the roadblock at Waikoko to prevent unauthorized vehicles or people
from traveling on the highway into the isolated communities
• Kaua’i Fire Department (KFD)
o Responded to 15 weather-related emergencies, including 12 swift water rescues
between April 14 and April 15
o Performed search and rescue in the isolated communities
o Provided helicopter assets to airlift evacuees, response personnel, and supplies into
the isolated communities
o Provided personnel to assist with the air operations in the EOC and at the
Princeville Airport and three (3) landing zones in the isolated communities
o Provided multiple LNOs to Kauai EOC, including positions in the Incident
Management Team
o Providing personnel in the isolated communities for emergency and medical
response 24/7
• Transportation Agency
o Provided free bus shuttle to over 120 evacuees from the Hanalei Elementary
School shelter to Princeville

 •

•

•
•
•

Department of Water (DOW)
o Repaired the damaged main line along Weke Road in Hanalei
o Activated its generator at the Wainiha Pump Station
o Airlifted staff and supplies into the isolated communities to repair and maintain the
Wainiha Pump Station
o Provided a trailer-mounted water tank with potable water for residents and visitors
who were out of water
Department of Public Works
o Increased curbside refuse and bulky item collection;
o Extended the hours of the Princeville refuse transfer station
o Provided additional refuse bins in other affected areas of the island
o Conducted household waste collection in the isolated communities
o Coordinated for an emergency access road for residents affected by the Kahuliholo
Road closure
Office of Economic Development supported Donations Management operations
Director of the Planning Department deployed to the isolated communities as the face of
the county
Kauai Humane Society is providing free veterinary services daily in the isolated
communities

Maui County
• Assisted Kaua’ i Emergency Management Agency with two (2) staff to work in the county
EOC
• Deployed technical assistance to Kaua’i County to develop and oversee Kaua’i’s Initial
Damage Assessment process
Federal Support

Federal Aviation Agency (FAA)
• The FAA issued a Temporary Flight Restriction for areas in the Hanalei and Wainiha area,
particularly restricting all aircraft and UAS (drones)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Deployed an LNO to the SEOC
• Deployed technical assistance to Kaua’i County to support logistics planning and
voluntary agency coordination
• Conducted Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage
Assessments in conjunction with the City and County of Honolulu, Kaua’i County,
DAGS, DHS, HI-EMA, and SBA
Federal Highways Administration (fHWA)
• Supporting HDOH on debris clearance and road repairs
Small Business Administration
• Conducted Individual Assistance Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in conjunction
with the City and County of Honolulu, Kaua’i County, DHS, HI-EMA, and FEMA

 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• Provided the SEOC imagery, landslide susceptibility data, and rainfall totals
The National Weather Service (NWS)
• Provided a daily weather update to the governor. SEOC. and counties
U.S. Coast Guard
• MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews and a Coast Guard cutter supported search and rescue
operations
• Assisted with command and control, and air space deconfliction
U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Supporting the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture provide assistance to farmers
U.S. Military
• U.S. Army helicopters and crews: evacuated tourists and residents; delivered food, water,
equipment, and work crews
• LMZ landing barge is a U.S. Navy vessel; assisted with permission to move through
controlled waters