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Honolulu EMS Rescues Dozens from Oahu Floodwaters
Emergency crews used specialized vehicles to transport people to safety
Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:08am
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The Honolulu Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responded to multiple flood-related rescue operations across Oahu early Friday morning, helping to evacuate a total of 42 people, including 14 adults, 6 children, 2 dogs, and 2 cats, from high floodwaters in Waialua and Wahiawa. Later, EMS and Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) personnel transported 20 people, including 12 children and 8 staff, from a mental health facility in Ewa Beach to a hospital in Honolulu due to the threat of nearby flooding.
Why it matters
Severe flooding can pose serious risks to public safety, especially for vulnerable populations like children and those in medical facilities. The quick response and specialized rescue efforts by Honolulu EMS helped ensure the safety of dozens of residents and prevented potential injuries or worse outcomes.
The details
Honolulu EMS crews used a specialized vehicle capable of traversing high floodwaters to reach and evacuate the impacted residents in Waialua and Wahiawa. The rescued individuals were then transported to designated shelter sites where they were evaluated by CORE medical personnel. Later, EMS and CORE responded to Kahi Mohala mental health facility in Ewa Beach, where they transported 20 people, including 12 children and 8 staff, to a hospital in Honolulu due to the threat of nearby flooding.
- At 1 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2026, EMS responded to rescues in Waialua and Wahiawa.
- At 1 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2026, EMS and CORE responded to Kahi Mohala in Ewa Beach.
The players
Honolulu Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
The emergency medical service for the city and county of Honolulu, responsible for providing emergency medical care and transportation.
Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE)
A medical team that provides evaluation and continuation of treatment for individuals evacuated from emergency situations.
Kahi Mohala
A mental health facility located in Ewa Beach, Oahu.
The takeaway
Honolulu's emergency response teams demonstrated their preparedness and capability to safely evacuate vulnerable populations during severe flooding events, highlighting the importance of having specialized rescue equipment and coordinated medical support to protect public safety.
