Governor Says Severe Flooding Could Surpass $1 Billion in Damage
Over the last two weeks, Hawaii was hit with heavy rainfall that caused the state's worst flooding in decades.
The flooding was caused by back-to-back low-pressure storm systems that forecasters called Kona lows. The first storm struck Hawaii on March 10, beginning an extended period of heavy rainfall.
Many locations in Hawaii experienced record rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.
The damage caused by flooding was extensive. Homes were swept off foundations and cars were lifted off the street as roadways became engulfed by water. Homes and roads were covered by a thick layer of reddish volcanic mud, according to a report from the Associated Press.
No deaths have been reported, but more than 230 people had to be rescued as the state deployed its National Guard on Friday morning.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green says the destruction caused by this historic flooding could ultimately exceed $1 billion, citing damage to airports, schools, roads, homes and a Maui hospital in Kula.
The strength of Hawaiʻi is in our people and communities. I saw that firsthand on the North Shore — neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping up and our response teams working around the clock to support families impacted by the flooding and severe weather. pic.twitter.com/dnHP8sJAEF
— Governor Josh Green (@GovJoshGreenMD) March 24, 2026
On Tuesday, Green submitted a formal request to President Donald Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration to "support statewide recovery efforts."
“These storms have impacted every county in our state and stretched our emergency response capabilities,” Green said in an official press release. “This request is about getting our communities the support they need to recover quickly and safely.”
“The scale of damage we are seeing — from washed-out highways to overwhelmed water systems — makes clear that federal partnership is essential,” he added. “We are doing everything we can at the state and county level, but this is exactly the type of event where FEMA support is critical.”