HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Dozens of Oahu residents impacted by recent storms gathered Saturday at Waialua District Park, where a community recovery event aimed to help families continue rebuilding after months of flooding damage.
The “Rebuild Oahu” event, organized by the city’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), brought together nearly two dozen city agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses offering appliances, permitting guidance and cleanup resources, all under one roof.
Inside the park gymnasium, residents moved from table to table, meeting directly with service providers, many still navigating repairs weeks after heavy rains flooded homes across the island.
“It makes me emotional. It was some of these families lost everything,” said Lianne Cameron, business development director with Pacific Home and Appliance Distribution (PHAD) Home Appliance.
Cameron said flood damage often leaves homes unlivable without basic appliances, prompting the company to assist families trying to restore daily routines.
“We have a 40,000 square foot warehouse that is packed to the brim of everything,” Cameron said. “Not just for the flooding, but for all of the different businesses and construction industry that we support here in Hawaii.”
Organizers said recovery requires coordination beyond supplies alone. Representatives from multiple agencies scheduled one-on-one appointments with residents seeking help with rebuilding, drainage concerns and permitting questions.
DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna said many residents remain uncertain about their next steps.
“I’ve talked to a few, and they still are kind of in a state of figuring out what’s next,” Apuna said. “How do I make sure that the drainage that’s affecting my property is taken care of? And so we’re trying to help them.”
Among those attending were Pupukea residents Jerin and Amari Kelly, whose home sustained significant damage during the storms.
“Our house flooded… there were leaks in every aspect of our house,” Jerin Kelly said. “We had leaks in the roof, leaks through the windows. We had to spend a couple days cleaning up, drying up, taking the drywall down and replacing it.”
The couple said power outages and food loss added to the challenges, but community support has helped.
“We lost a lot of food. Electricity was out for a couple of days, but the community outreach here has been absolutely amazing,” Amari Kelly said.
They added they attended not only for their own recovery but to gather information for neighbors and friends still struggling after the floods.
Officials said steady turnout throughout the day highlighted the ongoing need for recovery assistance across Oahu. While Saturday’s event was limited to Waialua, organizers plan to expand outreach to other communities.
“We probably will have another ‘Rebuild Oahu’ event in Laie coming up and maybe other parts of the island,” Apuna said. “We’re really happy with today’s turnout and hope that we’re helping people one by one.”
DPP encourages the public to visit their website or contact their offices for additional assistance and information.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.