Residents near Waiawa Stream brace for potential flooding

State crews and neighbors work to clear debris ahead of next storm system

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a sweeping view of Waiawa Stream surrounded by lush, tropical foliage. The scene uses deep perspective and dramatic lighting to convey the overwhelming scale and sublime power of the natural environment, dwarfing any visible human structures or activity.As residents near Waiawa Stream brace for potential flooding, the natural landscape's overwhelming scale and power serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather in Hawaii.Pearl City Today

Residents in Pearl City, Hawaii, near Waiawa Stream are preparing for potential flooding as the next storm system approaches Oahu. State crews have been clearing debris and vegetation from the stream, while neighbors from the nearby ABC Junkyard have also pitched in to help improve water flow. Residents say they are still recovering from damage caused by recent Kona low storms, which flooded homes and caused costly water line breaks.

Why it matters

Flooding from Waiawa Stream has been an ongoing issue for Pearl City residents, causing significant property damage and financial hardship. With the next storm system on the way, these preemptive cleanup efforts aim to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and prevent a repeat of the previous disaster.

The details

Residents said state crews were out on Thursday clearing debris and vegetation from Waiawa Stream in preparation for the next storm system. Neighbors from the nearby ABC Junkyard also stepped in to help with the cleanup, hoping improved water flow could reduce flooding impacts. For families living just steps from the stream, memories from the last storm are still fresh, with one resident losing around $3,000 worth of property. The flooding also caused damage to underground water lines, leaving residents responsible for costly water bills while still recovering from the storm damage.

  • The last major flooding event occurred during recent Kona low storms.
  • State crews were out on Thursday, April 10, 2026, clearing debris from Waiawa Stream.

The players

Albert Kim

A resident who lives near Waiawa Stream and experienced significant property damage during the last flooding event.

Corrie Young

A resident who lives near Waiawa Stream and is facing high water bills due to damage to underground water lines caused by the flooding.

ABC Junkyard

A local business located near Waiawa Stream that has assisted with cleanup efforts to help improve water flow and reduce the impact of potential flooding.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'It flooded out everything, lost a lot of my fight gear, personal items, clothes, maybe close to $3000 worth of property.'”

— Albert Kim, Resident

“'Our water bill came in March, and our water bill was $2,891.80. There's gonna be another big bill because the water line actually broke. We're stuck here, can't shut off the water line. I'm scared for the April bill.'”

— Corrie Young, Resident

What’s next

Residents and officials will continue to monitor the weather and water levels in the Waiawa Stream as the next storm system approaches. If heavy rain returns, they hope the cleanup efforts will help mitigate the impact of potential flooding.

The takeaway

The ongoing struggle with flooding from Waiawa Stream highlights the need for proactive measures to protect Pearl City residents and their property. While the community is taking steps to prepare, the long-term solution may require more comprehensive infrastructure improvements to address the underlying issues and prevent future disasters.