Gov. David Ige issued an emergency declaration for the state of Hawaii, citing the heavy rains brought by the Kona Low weather system that has caused flooding and property damange across the state.

According to a post on Twitter, Ige notes that the emergency declaration will allow the state to use funds to "support state and county efforts in providing quick and efficient relief of suffering, damage and losses caused by flooding and other effects of heavy rains."

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. David Ige signed an emergency declaration for all islands that extends through Dec. 10
  • Four emergency shelters opened Sunday night at Kalakaua District Park, Makaha District Park, Kailua District Park and Sunset Beach Recreation Center

  • Emergency Management Services, Ocean Safety and the Honolulu Fire Department have all been busy responding to storm-related calls

The emergency relief period will extend through Dec. 10.

Earlier Monday, a flash flood warning and a wind advisory were issued for the island of Oahu as heavy rains continued to fall. Both the warning and the advisory have been extended through 7:15 p.m.

Monday afternoon, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi advised the public on weather conditions during a press conference. “I do want to stress the fact that this is a very serious storm,” he said. “We ask everyone to use caution and common sense.”

The mayor asked people to stay home and off the road unless they are coming home from work and to be mindful of his and emergency personnel’s recommendations.

“We’re surrounded by a lot of water,” Blangiardi said of the storm. 

Department of Emergency Management Director Hiro Toiya said at the press conference that they expect the heavy rains to flood urban Honolulu. He also anticipates a flood advisory to continue through the night as they still expect up to 15 more inches of rain.

Toiya told people to “stay vigilant” and not to take any chances on the road.

“If there’s any non-essential activities that you can curtail please do so,” Toiya said.

The City and County of Honolulu opened four emergency shelters Sunday night at Kalakaua District Park, Makaha District Park, Kailua District Park and Sunset Beach Recreation Center. These spots were strategically chosen as they are located throughout the island, according to Toiya. He said that 19 people were using the shelters as of Monday afternoon. 

Department of Emergency Services Director James Ireland said EMS and Ocean Safety have been busy. Although many calls to EMS have not yet been storm-related, he said more “slip and fall” related calls have been made. While Ocean Safety has also been busy, he said on Monday “ocean use has been down,” which he praised.

He warned that it was “not a good day for hiking,” and said they were in the midst of a rescue for a hiker, which would tie up emergency services while other rescues might be necessary.

Honolulu Fire Department Acting Deputy Fire Chief Sheldon Hao said as of Monday afternoon that they have responded to 47 storm-related events, including downed trees, arching wires, and road obstructions.

Ireland, the director of the Department Emergency Services, reiterated what the mayor had said, which was to use common sense.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to include Gov. Ige's state of emergency declaration. (Dec. 6, 2021)