🌧️KLRF Rain Damage Resources
Another Kona storm system is approaching Hawaii this week. All KLRF members should stay alert. Monitor weather conditions before accessing the property. Watch for SMS alerts from KLRF.
The back-to-back Kona Low storms of March 10–16 and March 19–24, 2026 caused the worst flooding Hawaii has seen in over 20 years. Oahu farmers alone reported more than $2.7 million in crop damage. Governor Josh Green has submitted a formal request to President Trump for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration — expected to be approved — which will unlock additional FEMA funding. This page will be updated as new programs open.
Emergency Meeting — COMPLETED: Saturday, March 28, 2026
This meeting has taken place. The report and photos below summarize what was discussed. The KLRF Board continues to monitor conditions and will notify all lot owners of any follow-up meetings via SMS.
KLRF Emergency Meeting Report
1. Road Damage
- Multiple roads across KLRF were heavily impacted, especially Lihu‘e Road, Palawai Road, and Lots 85–95
- Roads were washed out, collapsed, or turned into flowing streams
- Main road from the front gate through Palawai sustained serious structural damage
- A dangerous 10-foot drop-off formed near Lot 47
- Some access has been restored (Lot 8, Mauna Kapu exit), but many roads remain 4×4 only and unstable
2. Assessment of the Waterways (Littering & Obstructions)
- Flooding worsened due to blocked waterways and poor drainage flow
- Debris, sediment, and possible litter contributed to overflow and erosion
- Immediate need to inspect, clear, and maintain all waterways
- Community cooperation required to prevent dumping or obstruction moving forward
3. Reservoir Damage
- Significant damage to water infrastructure:
- 12-inch main water line burst (Phase 2)
- Reservoir systems impacted
- Resulted in loss of water service across KLRF
- Repairs are ongoing and water is gradually being restored
- Long-term improvements may be needed to prevent future system failure
4. Emergency Resources (State of Hawaii)
Affected farmers are encouraged to apply for available relief and assistance:
- Emergency Farmer Relief Program:
https://dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief/ - City & County Home Damage Assistance:
https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/homedamage/
These programs may provide financial support and recovery assistance for damages caused by the recent storms. Please also share these resources with other KLRF members who may have been impacted.
5. Acknowledgment & Thanks to Volunteers
We would like to extend our sincere mahalo to everyone who stepped in during this emergency:
- Volunteers who helped with road clearing and vehicle recovery
- Those assisting with emergency coordination and communication
- Individuals supporting on-site safety and response efforts
Special Mention:
- Tyson Washburn
- Mitchell Ortiz
Your support has been critical in helping the community respond during this crisis.
6. KLRF Emergency Response Team (Call for Volunteers)
Due to the increasing frequency of emergencies such as flooding and fires, KLRF will be organizing a Emergency Response Team.
- We are seeking volunteers who are willing to assist during emergencies
- This team will help with:
- Emergency coordination
- Evacuation support
- On-site assistance during disasters
A sign-up form will be created for those interested in joining the Rapid Response Team.
Damage Reporting Form (New Initiative)
To properly assess and document the impact of the storm, we will also be creating a Damage Report Form.
This form will collect the following information:
- Name
- Lot Number
- Partition
- Description of damages caused by the heavy rains
This will help KLRF:
- Understand the full scope of damages
- Support recovery planning
- Assist in applying for aid and resources
🌱 For Farmers, Ranchers and Agricultural Businesses
Emergency Farmer Relief Grant — $1,500
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB)
One-time grant of $1,500 for farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses statewide impacted by Kona Low 1 and 2. A total of $500,000 has been authorized. Priority deadline was March 27 — check if applications are still being accepted.
Amount$1,500 one-time grant
Who QualifiesFarms, ranches, ag businesses with a GET license
RequiredGeneral Excise Tax (GET) license
Contact(808) 586-0034 · dab.efr@hawaii.gov
Emergency Agricultural Loan — Up to $100,000
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB)
Low-interest emergency loans of up to $100,000 at 3% interest rate for farmers and ranchers who need funds beyond the immediate $1,500 grant for longer-term recovery and rebuilding.
AmountUp to $100,000
Interest Rate3% — low interest
ContactDAB Agricultural Loan Division
Phone(808) 973-9460
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Emergency Loans
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Honolulu County Office
Federal low-interest emergency loans for agricultural producers who suffered at least 30% production loss or major physical damage from the storms. Hawaii FSA tentatively expects this program to open for applications in April 2026.
Who Qualifies30%+ production loss or major physical damage
Honolulu County(808) 861-8538 Ext. 2
Hawaii Agricultural Foundation & Farm Bureau Relief Fund
Hawaii Agricultural Foundation · Hawaii Farm Bureau
A relief fund organized by the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau to help farmers recover and rebuild from flooding, heavy winds, and storm damage. Direct aid to farms with flood damage across the islands.
Reported Statewide DamageOver $15 million
Oahu Crop Damage$2.7 million+
USDA NRCS — Watershed Recovery Assistance
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Natural Resources Conservation Service
Provides technical and financial assistance to help communities relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by natural disasters that damage watersheds. Communities that experienced Kona Low damage are eligible. Typically requires a 25% non-federal cost share.
🏠 For Property Owners and Residents
Real Property Tax Relief — City & County of Honolulu
Dept. of Budget & Fiscal Services — Kapolei Office
Property owners whose real property was damaged or destroyed by the Kona Low storms may qualify for a reduction in real property taxes. Download the form, attach photos and repair estimates, and deliver to the Kapolei office — which is close to KLRF.
Kapolei Office1000 Uluʻōhiʻa St, Room 206, Kapolei HI 96707
What to BringPhotos, repair estimates, insurance claims
OHA Native Hawaiian Household Disaster Aid
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
OHA has approved $3.96 million in disaster aid for Native Hawaiian households, including $410,000 in direct disaster grants and $250,000 in home repair grants (Malama Honua) ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per household. Applications will be posted on the OHA website.
Direct Grants$410,000 total available
Home Repair (Malama Honua)$10,000–$20,000 per household
Emergency Building Repairs — No Permit Required Immediately
City & County of Honolulu — Dept. of Planning & Permitting
Emergency repair work needed due to the Kona Low storms may begin immediately without a building permit, provided that a permit application is submitted on the next working day after work begins. Work must not expand the structure and materials must be similar to original construction.
SBA Disaster Loans — Pending Federal Declaration
U.S. Small Business Administration
Once President Trump approves the Federal Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Green, SBA low-interest disaster loans will open for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Governor Green says approval is "all but assured." Apply as early as possible once this opens — deadlines are typically 30–60 days after declaration.
🆘 Emergency Assistance and Community Support
Call 211 — Housing & Emergency Assistance Hotline
Hawaii 211
Call 2-1-1 for housing assistance, emergency shelter referrals, food assistance, and connections to local support services. Pet-friendly temporary housing is available through April 30 for those who qualify — ask for housing assistance when you call.
📞 Dial 2-1-1
Hawaii Community Foundation — Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund
Recommended by Governor Josh Green
Governor Green specifically recommended the Hawaii Community Foundation's Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund for flood recovery support. This fund supports emergency housing, food assistance, and community recovery programs statewide.
Salvation Army — Meals, Supplies & Spiritual Care
Salvation Army Hawaii & Pacific Islands Division
The Salvation Army has been providing meals, essential supplies, and support to those impacted since March 12. Their Emergency Disaster Services team has served thousands of meals to residents, first responders, and shelter residents.
📋 Quick Contact Reference
DAB Emergency Farmer Relief
(808) 586-0034
dab.efr@hawaii.gov
DAB Agricultural Loan Division
(808) 973-9460
Emergency loans up to $100K at 3%
USDA FSA — Honolulu County
(808) 861-8538 Ext. 2
Federal farm emergency loans
City Tax Relief — Kapolei Office
1000 Uluʻōhiʻa St, Rm 206
Property tax remission forms
Governor's Recovery Office
(808) 586-0034
Help completing online applications
Hawaii Emergency Management
dod.hawaii.gov/hiema
Master resource page — all programs
🧹 Flood Cleanup Safety
Floodwater Hazards
Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, and pathogens. Wear protective gear. Dry out belongings in sunlight.
Mold Prevention
Mold grows within 24–48 hours. Clean with soap, then disinfect with 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon water. Open windows.
Document Everything
Photo and video all damage before cleanup. Save all receipts. Contact your insurance company immediately.
📊 Report Your Agricultural Damage
Report Agricultural Losses — Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii
Helps build the case for federal disaster declaration funding
Reporting your damage helps the state and federal government understand the full extent of agricultural losses and strengthens the case for additional funding. Every farm that reports adds to the total that supports the federal disaster declaration.
This page is maintained by Aloha Team for Kunia Loa Ridge Farmlands. Resources are updated as new programs become available. Last updated: April 7, 2026. For questions about this page, contact virgil@veethreemarketing.com