Dear Laie Resident:

The rainy season is upon us bringing life-sustaining water, but also the threat of flooding. As we all prepare for stormy weather, please be aware of the following.

Flood Prevention and Mitigation

When heavy rain is expected Hawaii Reserves, Inc., crews confirm that streams and major drainage system outfalls and inlets are clean, and they notify the City if outfall cleaning is needed on government properties. HRI crews may also provide some limited traffic control.

Residents can help by removing items on their properties that could clog the community drainage system (e.g., tarps, garbage bags, green waste, toys) and by safely keeping drains around their homes free flowing. We also encourage each family to have a flood mitigation plan and supplies. As circumstances warrant, sand will be made available at Hukilau Beach and the vacant lot makai of the Laie Hawaii Stake center. Residents will need to bring their own sandbags for filling.

The Laie Community Association is partnered with BYU-Hawaii to direct volunteer student workers to areas affected by heavy rains. Also, the university will restrict the flow from its retention ponds to allow the community to drain first before draining sections of its property, and the Polynesian Cultural Center has implemented a procedure to create a little more holding capacity in its lagoon.

Long-Term Drainage System Improvements

This past year we reached out to hundreds of residents to review the drainage challenges we face as a community, and to discuss potential drainage solutions and plans. We did this via dozens of small group meetings and larger public meetings, including presentations to the Laie Community Association and the Ko'olauloa Neighborhood Board. Our goal is to improve the community drainage system and increase its capacity to handle a 100-year flood event.

Improvements are estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars and would need the approval and support of all stakeholders, numerous government agencies, and residents. We have been working with City, State and Federal government, and will keep residents apprised as we move forward. The success of this effort will depend heavily on resident participation -- we invite you to stay informed of progress via the free Envision Laie newsletter (to subscribe, go to www.envisionlaie.com) and Facebook page.

We appreciate your kokua as we work together to prepare for the rainy season.