#iao river

State lawmakers want a working group to study the problem of people unlawfully occupying private property without the owner’s consent.

A video documenting a substantial fish kill of native ‘o‘opu (gobies) at the mouth of the Wailuku River was brought to the attention of the Commission on Water Resource Management on Wednesday during the installation of a fish ladder that is meant to help such species survive by ensuring mauka to makai water flow. 

Initial assessments put the Iao flood damage estimate at $15 million. About 20 families were directly impacted by the storm. The county and National Guard continue are working to clear an estimated 9,000 truckloads of debris.

At 7:12 p.m. officials reported flash flooding along the Wailuku River. The flooding is likely a result of heavy rainfall over the past couple of days that has been trapped at higher elevations and is now making its way downstream. Water has been reported over ʻĪao Valley Road and is threatening several private residences.

Mayor Alan Arakawa signed an emergency proclamation today following torrential flooding through ʻĪao Valley that knocked out a waterline, flooded several homes with mud and debris and destroyed a significant portion of the County’s Kepaniwai Park parking lot area.

The state Water Commission heard more than three hours of oral testimony expressing concern over a $4,500 fine for a family using water from the river to water their taro.