Kauaʻi Flood Relief Continues After Rains Subside

A Hanalei Bay house severely damaged during the April 14 flood. Photo by Léo Azambuja

The extreme rainfall on Kauaʻi during the month of April caused devastating flooding and mudslides, with severe erosion in many areas. The floods washed away roads and small bridges, including a portion of the main road on the North Shore.

At least four homes were washed away, and dozens of homes had water intrusion. Thankfully, there were no injuries during the event. Local and national emergency crews reportedly rescued approximately 340 people by helicopter, boat and bus. The Red Cross shelter in Kilauea housed numerous people after the event. After the flood, Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency, and on April 18, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature approved $125 million in disaster funding, including $100 million for Kauaʻi.

The Black Pot Beach Park bathroom and a couple trucks damaged during the April 14 flood. Photo by Léo Azambuja

Many REALTORS® on Kauaʻi answered the call to assist their community during this overwhelming time. Too many to list here, but almost every single REALTOR® office has contributed to Kauaʻi flood relief in some fashion — whether volunteerism, cash donations, clean-up or supplies donations.

For example, Hawaiʻi Life’s Charitable Fund raised upwards of $90,000 for flood relief. Bali Hai Realty organized a Relief Breakfast for those impacted by the flood and arranged a Merchant Hop for Hanalei businesses. Elite Pacific underwrote the huge travel budget for the Jack Johnson Fundraising concert as well as donated 5 percent of all Vacation Rental Revenue for the month of May to Flood Relief. Oceanfront Sotheby’s Hawaiʻi Affiliates rolled up sleeves with volunteers and added a $20,000 donation to flood relief. The REALTOR® response truly demonstrates how vested Kauaʻi Board of REALTORS® is to the Kauaʻi community.

In April, the Kauaʻi Board of REALTORS® submitted an application to the National Association of REALTORS® to provide Disaster relief to families impacted by the floods on April 15. The Kauaʻi Board of REALTORS® is delighted to announce they were approved to receive a grant in the amount of $100,000 to assist with a one-time rent or mortgage subsidy not to exceed $1,800.00. All applications will be processed by a special committee of the Kauaʻi Board of REALTORS® and applicants will have to submit the proper documentation to be approved. The Kauaʻi Board of REALTORS® will be working with other agencies to find the families in need of subsidy.

To apply for this one-time rent or mortgage subsidy you may contact one of the following organizations: Hale Halawai at (808) 826-1011, Malama Kauaʻi (808) 828-0685 or the Kauaʻi Board of REALTORS® (808) 245-4049.