Dear Neighbor:

Aloha. As Tropical Storms Iselle and Julio approach Oahu, forecasts indicate our communities will experience heavy rains and gusty winds. As we all prepare for stormy weather, please be aware of the following:

Entity Flood Prevention

Whenever heavy rain is expected Hawaii Reserves, Inc., crews confirm in advance that Laie streams and major drainage system outfalls and inlets are clean, and they notify the City if outfall cleaning is needed on government properties. HRI and BYU-Hawaii crews may provide some limited traffic control to reduce and slow travel through inundated areas. 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.

Resident Flood Prevention

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. In addition, items that could become airborne in high winds should be stored or secured. As always, we encourage each family to have a flood mitigation plan and supplies.

Community Resources

As circumstances warrant, sand will be made available at Hukilau Beach and the vacant lot makai of the LDS Laie Hawaii Stake center starting Wednesday, August 6th at 8 a.m. Residents will need to bring their own sandbags for filling. The City & County Yard, located next to the transfer station on the northern end of Laie, reportedly will have some sandbags available after 12 noon on Thursday, August 7th if storm conditions are still forecast. The BYU-Hawaii CAC will be open as an American Red Cross Shelter on Thursday at 4 p.m., to the general public in need of emergency evacuation. In the event of a power outage, residents with sewer pump related issues should call the City's 24 hour help line at 768-7272.

Long-term Drainage Solutions

For information about the latest efforts to find long-term drainage solutions for Laie, please click here to see relevant newsletter articles, including "Drainage Charrette Held in Laie" (April 4, 2014 edition) and "Drainage Retention Work Starting" (July 14, 2014 edition).

We appreciate your kokua as we work together to be prepared for stormy weather.