NEWS RELEASE: Hawaiʻi National Guard Wraps Up Kona Low And Severe Weather Support On Maui; Continues Support On Oʻahu

STATE OF HAWAI'I

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

HAWAI'I DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

KA ʻOIHANA PILI KAUA

OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

MAJOR GENERAL STEPHEN F. LOGAN

ADJUTANT GENERAL

KA ʻAKUKANA KENELALA

BRIGADIER GENERAL PHILLIP L. MALLORY

DEPUTY ADJUTANT GENERAL

KA HOPE ʻAKUKANA KENELALA

The Hawai'i National Guard (HING) has wrapped up recovery efforts on Maui after three storms hit Hawaiʻi within a month. Recovery efforts on Oʻahu by the HING are currently expected to continue to mid-May.

The HING has activated as many as 500 Soldiers and Airmen at a time on State Active Duty, to provide response efforts throughout the storms.

"Our Soldiers and Airmen answered the call to service, putting community first in support of response and recovery efforts during these back-to-back-to-back storms," said Hawaiʻi State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan. "Their commitment to helping neighbors in need, from lifesaving rescues to supplying potable water, reflects their dedication to help families begin recovery."

Since the first Kona Low storm in mid-March, the HING has supported state and county officials with high-water rescues and evacuations, dam observation, traffic control points, medical transport, freshwater support via large water tank trailers, debris clearance teams, damage assessments, sandbag preparation, National Guard Liaison Officers for county Emergency Operations Centers and aerial support.

After the second storm passed, the HING assisted Maui County with 68 damage assessments. On Oʻahu, the HING distributed over 8,600 gallons of clean water and teams cleared more than 3,700 cubic yards of debris, helping 164 homeowners begin their road to recovery.

In preparation for the third storm, over 4,400 sandbags were filled by Guardsmen and distributed to community members, while High Water Vehicle Teams and Blackhawk helicopters were on standby.

The HING is currently providing potable water to residents in Waialua following a boil-water notice amplified by the Department of Health late Friday. Potable drinking water is available in Wailua at Otake Camp and Mill Camp. The filling stations are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Kamaʻāina should bring their own containers and drink the water within 24 hours. Service members are available to help operate the portable water tanks and distribute water. Since Saturday, 2,273 gallons of water have been provided, and 156 people have been serviced.

The Hawaiʻi National Guard will continue to work with the counties and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency for any future requests for assistance.

Additional images and video are available here; credit Hawai'i National Guard

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Media contact:
Retired Maj. Jeffrey D. Hickman
Director, Public Affairs
State of Hawai'i, Department of Defense
Office: 808-441-7000
Direct: 808-779-8008
[email protected]