NORTH SHORE, Hawaii (Island News) — An evacuation warning was issued for the Haleiwa and Waialua communities due to the possible Wahiawa Dam failure on Friday for flood dangers.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management issued an evacuation warning for communities downstream of the dam, including portions of Haleiwa and Waialua.
Officials said no evacuations have been ordered at this time, but conditions exist that could potentially lead to a dam failure, which would cause catastrophic flooding in nearby areas.
The evacuation zone includes all of Haleiwa between Puuiki Street and Kamehameha Highway, as well as areas of Waialua from Kukea Circle to Otake Camp.
City officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas of Oahu’s North Shore to leave now and prepare for worsening conditions as a powerful storm continues to move across the islands. During a briefing with the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, officials warned residents in areas including Otake Camp, Waialua, and Haleiwa to prepare for possible evacuations as flooding concerns increase.
“Leave now,” said Randal Collins, Director of the Department of Emergency Management, during a city briefing, warning that the order includes families with small children, people with disabilities, and anyone needing assistance with transportation or medical equipment.
Residents who remain in the area were told to prepare to move quickly if conditions worsen.
The Oahu Department of Emergency Management recommends advised the following:
- Make sure your Go-Bag of emergency supplies is ready, including medications, important documents, and hygiene items. Put your Go-Bag by the door or in your car.
- Locate any pets and be prepared to crate or leash them.
- Share information and offer to help if they will need assistance evacuating. Ask them for help if you need assistance.
- Leave now if you need extra time to evacuate or feel unsafe.
Officials also stressed the importance of avoiding flooded areas.
“Stay off flooded roads and do not drive through water,” emergency managers said, noting that rainfall rates could increase quickly as thunderstorms move through the area.
Authorities said the evacuation order was issued out of an abundance of caution, as heavy rainfall could cause water levels to rise rapidly in nearby reservoirs and streams.
Officials said conducting an evacuation requires several hours to position emergency crews and ensure residents can safely leave the area.
Emergency managers said they hope to begin evacuations at least two hours before any potential threat to infrastructure or reservoirs, though the exact timing depends on rainfall totals and how quickly water levels rise.
Forecasters said the storm system could bring several inches of rain, with thunderstorms making conditions unpredictable.
Residents are urged to monitor trusted sources for updates, including the city’s emergency alert system HNL Alert.
Officials said more information will be provided as conditions continue to develop.