2001 Big Island Floods

Presidential Disaster Declared. Over Oct. 28 – Nov. 2, 2000, Hawaii County recorded some of the heaviest rains and flooding in its history. Twentyfour hour rainfall totals reported record numbers from Hilo to Pahala, with the Hilo Airport recording nearly 28 inches and Pahala over 36 inches. The steady downpour caused widespread damage to roadways, bridges, homes and businesses. After a prolonged period of drought, the rains came suddenly, produced by the remnants of a tropical depression. While Hawaii County was the most severely impacted, portions of Maui and Moloka’i also reported minor damages.

The storm caused an estimated $88.2 million in damages, resulting in a presidential disaster declaration, and approving federal disaster assistance. Highways, roads, bridges, and drainage systems sustained heavy damages, making up 71 percent of the total. Repairs to state and county infrastructure and facilities totaled over $4.5 million. Small Business Administration loans of over $5 million and agricultural loans of $2.5 million were made to local businesses and farmers. Over $1.4 million in direct grants to individuals and $2.3 million in temporary housing funds were used to meet the critical unmet needs of disaster victims. Also, American Red Cross services nearing $500,000 were utilized in the community to provide food, shelter, clothing and household goods in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

From the beginning, State Civil Defense worked closely with Hawaii County officials to coordinate response and recovery efforts, the declaration process for federal assistance, and the setup and operation of the Disaster Recovery Centers. Hawaii National Guard units supplied personnel, equipment and logistics support for cleanup and debris removal, Disaster Recovery Center operations, and community outreach activities.

In November 2000, State Civil Defense established a Disaster Recovery Branch to manage the recovery efforts of the Hawaii Flood Disaster. The Disaster Recovery Branch is comprised of five individuals with the responsibility to assist Hawaii County in regaining normalcy and pre-disaster status in the aftermath of the disaster. The Disaster Recovery Branch is 75 percent funded by FEMA, and 25 percent funded by the State.

– 2001 Annual Report pp. 23-24

Disaster recovery. Twenty months after the Hawaii 2000 Flood (FEMA-1348-DR-HI), the Disaster Recovery Branch continues to administer the Public Assistance Program for repair of state and county infrastructure. Of the $4.5 million made eligible by FEMA, over $1.9 million has gone to repair projects. All state projects have been completed and the last of the five large county projects are slated for completion in January 2004. The final phase will involve disbursement of the remainder of the federal funds.

Big Island record rains and flooding caused an estimated $100 million in damages. Roadway and bridge washouts accounted for a major portion of that amount.

– 2002 Annual Report pp. 20