Hawai'i Begins Cleaning Up After Historic Flooding

[Photos of flood damage to Kauaha'ao Congregational Church property on Hawai'i Island and flood waters crossing over Highway 11 onto the same property on March 15, 2026. Photos used with permission from Kahu Debbie Wong Yuen.]

Via the Coconut Wireless, March 25, 2026

After two back-to-back Kona low storms pummeled the Hawaiian islands relentlessly over the past two weeks, bringing heavy rains, damaging winds, and massive flooding, residents are now facing the overwhelming tasks of cleanup and damage assessment. With the devastating flooding throughout the State of Hawai'i, recovery costs are estimated to be approaching $1 billion-plus and we are looking at a long period of recovery. 

While the Conference is still receiving updates from various congregations and several roads around the state are still impassable, we do know that a number of churches had roof damage, water intrusion with damage, downed trees, as well as muck and debris on their church property. Countless families in our congregations and in the surrounding communities have suffered immeasurable losses.

A Pastoral Letter was sent to our clergy and congregations yesterday; read it in its entirety HERE.

The Hawai'i Conference would like to be proactive for all those who are in need of assistance, from food and loss of personal belongings to housing.

For those churches wanting to send material help, we remind you that cash is best as it provides more flexibility, doesn't require storage or transport, and supports local economies more than clothes and used furniture. Also see this reflection by Associate Conference Minister Jonathan Roach.

UCC National Appeal

A national appeal has been made through the UCC national office for assistance. You can read more about this effort and donate HERE. We encourage you to donate directly to the national appeal, as the Conference Office will not be setting up a separate fund to receive donations. Once that appeal is well underway churches will be able to apply for grants focused on community assistance and family-targeted ministries.

Congregations also have the opportunity to assemble work groups that can assist with cleanup efforts. Each congregation is encouraged to ask for volunteers willing to be part of cleanup teams. We do not know the timing for groups to muck out homes and businesses, but we know the need is present. We ask participating churches to consolidate their list of volunteers and submit it to Danny Tengan, Hawai'i Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at 808-620-5403. Danny is also available to provide clarification and to answer questions your congregation might have.

Katie Howe, Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery for UCC's Global H.O.P.E., reminds us that anything that flood water has touched is contaminated, so appropriate precautions (wearing masks, gloves, boots, etc.) must be taken by anyone working in areas that were flooded. It is essential to try to dry water-logged items out as quickly as possible to minimize the development and spread of mold. Danny Tengan has provided two resources for dealing with mold:

• "Effective Mold Removal Techniques"

• "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" (from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Remember that skies may be clearing, but there are those who are suffering with losses. 

We want to thank all of you in Hawai'i and on the continent who have reached out to the Conference Office with concern, prayers, and words of encouragement and support. Thank you to our local UCC churches who have sprung into action, serving as emergency shelters and distribution centers to help those in need. We especially want to acknowledge and thank Andrew Long-Higgins and the staff of Global H.O.P.E. for their quick action and partnership with the Hawai'i Conference in addressing any immediate needs and for issuing an appeal to support those who have been impacted by this recent disaster. We feel all of your aloha and want you to know how cared for and blessed we feel.