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Hawaii Faces Worst Flooding in 20 Years, Dam at Risk
Evacuations ordered as heavy rains overwhelm Oahu, raising concerns over aging dam's stability
Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:35pm
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Hawaii is enduring its worst flooding in more than 20 years as heavy rains have saturated the soil, leading to muddy floodwaters that have smothered vast stretches of Oahu's North Shore. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for 5,500 people and warned that a 120-year-old dam could fail, potentially causing further devastation. The flooding has already caused an estimated $1 billion in damage, including to airports, schools, roads, and homes.
Why it matters
The intense flooding in Hawaii highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events driven by climate change, which can overwhelm aging infrastructure and pose serious risks to communities. The potential failure of the Wahiawa dam, which has been deemed vulnerable for decades, underscores the need for investment in upgrading and maintaining critical water management systems.
The details
The flooding was triggered by heavy rains that fell on soil already saturated by a winter storm a week earlier. Raging floodwaters lifted homes and cars, prompting the evacuation of 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Authorities are closely monitoring the Wahiawa dam, a 120-year-old earthen structure that has been deemed at risk of failure. The dam's water levels rose rapidly, reaching just 6 feet shy of its capacity before receding slightly. However, more rain is expected in the coming days, raising concerns about the dam's stability.
- The flooding began on March 21, 2026, after heavy rains fell on Oahu.
- The Wahiawa dam's water levels peaked at over 85 feet overnight into Friday, March 21, 2026.
- By early Saturday, March 22, 2026, the dam's water level had dropped to 81.5 feet.
The players
Josh Green
The governor of Hawaii, who said the cost of the storm could top $1 billion.
Rick Blangiardi
The mayor of Honolulu, who said the damage done thus far has been catastrophic.
Wahiawa dam
A 120-year-old earthen dam in Oahu that has been deemed vulnerable and at risk of failure.
Dole Food Co.
The company that owns the Wahiawa dam and has been fined for failing to address safety deficiencies.
Kathleen Pahinui
A Waialua resident who said the aging dam is a concern every time it rains.
What they’re saying
“This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state.”
— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii
“There's no question that the damage done thus far has been catastrophic.”
— Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of Honolulu
“Just pray for us. We understand there's more rain coming.”
— Kathleen Pahinui, Waialua resident
What’s next
A state board is due to vote on the acquisition of the Wahiawa dam by the state next week, which could pave the way for needed repairs and upgrades to the aging structure.
The takeaway
The devastating flooding in Hawaii underscores the urgent need to invest in modernizing critical infrastructure, such as dams, to withstand the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change. This disaster also highlights the importance of proactive emergency planning and community preparedness to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters.
