Molokai homesteaders urge DHHL to fix culverts, fund resilience after Kona low floods

Kalamaula homesteaders described homes and yards swamped by a recent Kona low and urged the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to act quickly to prevent repeat damage and assist displaced families.

Lehua Kauka, representing the Kalamaula Homesteaders Association, told the Hawaiian Homes Commission on April 21 that the group documented flooding across Kalamaula, Kapaakea and Kamiliolai and is seeking “immediate and long-term solutions” including clearing of blocked culverts, repairing or replacing damaged drainage infrastructure and a routine maintenance schedule. “We are here today to just give a quick presentation about the damages from the Kona low storm, explain the causes, and request immediate and long-term solutions,” Kauka said.

Other residents gave specific accounts of loss. Kalani Johnston, who identified himself as a fourth-generation homesteader, said floodwaters reached yards and destroyed appliances and that changes in nearby development elevated mauka grades and choked existing culverts. “When the water passes through the river, cross the bridge, things hit the mangroves, then the thing goes sideways … and my front yard was just a big waterfall,” Johnston said.

Why it matters: speakers said this is not a one-off event but a recurring failure of drainage and upkeep that threatens habitability on homesteads. Testimony noted the Molokai Coastal Homesteads Community Resilience Plan — approved by the commission in February 2026 — and called on DHHL to begin implementing its strategies, prioritize funding for home and road repairs, and identify evacuation shelters and storage for emergency supplies.

What was asked: Kalamaula witnesses requested a comprehensive flood-prevention and recovery plan, immediate clearing and repair of culverts, targeted infrastructure investments (roads and retaining measures), environmental restoration of affected streams and makai areas, and a maintenance schedule to reduce future collapse and debris build-up. They offered to collaborate with DHHL on planning and implementation.

DHHL response and next steps: Commissioners and staff acknowledged the testimony and the resilience plan. Chair Coley Watson noted recent state funding (Act 279) and accelerated lease activity, and asked island commissioners to follow up with affected residents; no formal vote or allocation was made at the meeting. The commission said remaining J-agenda items would resume after a noon recess and that staff would review the Kalamaula submission and the resilience-plan priorities.

The issue remains a request for directed implementation rather than a formal policy action; residents said they will work with DHHL on prioritizing culvert clearing, repairs and funding allocations.