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Update 03/20/26: Another Kona low storm event with heavy rains over saturated ground is producing emergency conditions, including evacuation orders for some areas (e.g. an Oahu North Shore zone in the Haleiwa/Wailua area). The Wahiawa Dam is at risk of failure. Some local roads are impassable due to flooded conditions. The Emergency Information page on Hawaii.gov provides links to county emergency management pages and disaster preparedness info.

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March 19, 2026

Temples around the state experienced varying impacts from the recent “Kona low” storm event from March 10-16, 2026, and the “peak rain” around March 13.

Kahului Hongwanji was particularly hard-hit, as its preschool experienced floodwaters in its classrooms up to the height of benches. Flooring, furniture, and supplies were damaged and community cleanup and fundraising efforts are underway. (An independent GoFundMe fundraiser is active.) Hawaii News Now covered the recovery effort in a March 17 video story:

As temples assess leaks, water intrusion, and damage, leaders and sangha members are mindful of another Kona low event expected Thursday night March 19 through the following Sunday.

The statewide Committee on Social Concerns is gathering information on impacts to Hongwanji temples across the state. The committee has resources to help provide some limited relief thanks to its annual Social Concerns Fund collections. The specifics of relief gifts for temples and the wider community will be determined pending more complete information.