Hawaii Department of Health Offers Flood Cleanup Tips

Guidance on safely recovering from recent devastating floods across the islands

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:35pm

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The Hawaii Department of Health is urging residents impacted by recent flooding to take precautions during cleanup and recovery efforts to protect their health and safety. The department provided guidance on avoiding contaminated floodwater, properly cleaning up mold and mildew, and safely handling damaged or contaminated items.

Why it matters

Floodwaters can contain hazardous debris, bacteria, and other contaminants that pose risks to public health. Proper cleanup and safety measures are crucial to prevent the spread of diseases like leptospirosis and rat lungworm that can occur after major flooding events in Hawaii.

The details

The Department of Health advised avoiding entering or playing in floodwater whenever possible. If exposed, they recommended washing skin with soap and clean water, cleaning and covering any wounds, and seeking medical care if needed. For cleanup, the department said to remove all floodwater, dirt, and debris as soon as possible, discard contaminated porous materials, and thoroughly clean and dry walls and other surfaces. They also provided tips on mold remediation, food safety, and controlling mosquito populations to prevent the spread of diseases.

  • The flooding occurred across Hawaii in March 2026 after two Kona low weather systems hit the islands.
  • Cleanup and damage assessments are ongoing following the devastating floods.

The players

Hawaii Department of Health

The state agency responsible for protecting public health and providing guidance on emergency response and recovery efforts.

Randy Morris

A resident of Kealakekua whose home was flooded during the recent storms.

Gov. Josh Green

The governor of Hawaii who announced that mud from the floods will be tested with partner organizations.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This guidance from the Hawaii Department of Health highlights the critical importance of proper cleanup and safety measures following major flooding events to protect public health and prevent the spread of dangerous diseases in the aftermath.