Kona Low Storms 1 and 2 in March, followed by a series of low-pressure storm systems in April, brought record-breaking flash flooding and landslides across O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island — the worst storm systems in 20 years. More than 10,000 residents were evacuated, over 774 homes were confirmed destroyed, damaged, or affected, and the combined storms caused an estimated $1 billion or more in property damage. Ahead of the first storm’s arrival, the State announced school closures and asked non-essential workers to stay home.
As the storm bore down, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division was ready. Our Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team mobilized on March 12, serving more than 600 meals to first responders, shelter residents, and community members in need in the first 48 hours. By the fourth day, The Salvation Army units across O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island had served more than 1,600 meals to residents affected by floods and power outages.
Since then, our teams have stayed on the ground through each successive storm. As recovery efforts expanded, our response grew beyond meals to include direct financial assistance, clean-up supplies, laundry and car washing support, and emotional and spiritual care.
Relief efforts since March 16 · Last updated April 11, 2026
“As long as there is community need, we’ll be there.” Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands
That commitment is exactly what our corps officers, staff, and volunteers put into action throughout the storm.
On O‘ahu
Our team coordinated meals for sheltering individuals and families across seven O‘ahu shelters, as well as staff working at the O‘ahu Emergency Operations Center, in partnership with government agencies and community partners. The Salvation Army program teams and clients from the Adult Rehabilitation Center and Addiction Treatment Services stepped up to support meal services at emergency shelters. Corporate partners, including Domino’s Hawaii, Zippy’s, and Pieology, also generously donated meals that served shelter guests and disaster management teams.
On Maui
Our Kahului Corps flooded twice in two days from the waves of heavy downpour. But this didn’t stop the Kahului Corps officers, staff, and volunteers from serving more than 700 meals across three county and Red Cross shelters in two days, coordinating closely with county agencies and community partners. Extensive flooding in Maui will continue long after the storms have passed.
On Hawaiʻi Island
In Hilo, our team didn’t wait for the storm to arrive. The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps opened its Overnight Safe Space early on March 13, giving houseless community members a safe place to weather the storm before it hit. The space operated around the clock while severe weather conditions remained. Hilo Temple Corps also provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner to residents sheltering at Hawai‘i County’s Pu‘u‘eo Community Center. In the days that followed, the team joined the county-wide multi-agency response effort led by Vibrant Hawaii to supply water, food, and goods for residents in south Hawai‘i affected by ongoing power outages.
Still on the Ground
On O‘ahu, The Salvation Army has joined other service providers at the Old Waialua Courthouse to serve North Shore residents affected by the storms, providing disaster case management support in coordination with the Hawaiian Council and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Our teams continue to assess community need across all islands. The Salvation Army has served our communities in Hawai‘i through disasters for more than 130 years. We’re still here. Make an impact by joining our statewide response.
This story was originally published on March 13. It has been updated to reflect the Emergency Disaster Services response in the following weeks.