Damage reported across Oahu following severe weekend storm

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Cleanup efforts are underway across the state after a weekend of wild weather.

Heavy rains flooded neighborhoods while fierce winds uprooted trees that stood for decades.

A 60-foot kiawe tree fell Sunday on Kahauiki Street in Kalihi, blocking traffic and knocking out power to the immediate neighborhood, which remained without electricity Monday.

The tree, measuring four feet in diameter, came down in front of resident Gavin Freitas’ house.

City crews worked to chop up the tree while other crews handled dangling power lines.

“It was just very, very scary because that tree is is freakin huge,” said Kalihi resident Keoni Patton.

Residents said the tree’s fall was inevitable.

Freitas worried about his mother, who needs dialysis treatments.

“She’s been alright. Hopefully I can take her tomorrow. We rescheduled it. I don’t know we can go in and out this street with all the guys working,” Freitas said.

Island-wide storm damage

Crews also cleaned up a tree at nearby Fern Elementary that brought down wires when it fell.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department reported widespread damage across Honolulu.

“We’ve had 42 responses of heavy debris in roadways or in critical infrastructure. We’ve had reports of 50 downed trees or branches. Many of those are overlap so it’s been a really, really busy past couple days,” said Nate Serota, Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation spokesman.

At last check, the Honolulu Fire Department responded to at least 92 storm-related incidents since Saturday morning.

Sixty were for downed trees, 21 were blown roof-type calls, and 11 were for downed power lines.

Hawaiian Electric said most of the outages were reported Sunday, and as of Monday morning, about 80% of those customers have since gotten electricity back. Learn how to file a damage claim here.

‘Far, far worse’ than a hurricane

Residents in Manoa said the storm system brought some of the strongest wind they’ve ever seen.

“It was pretty scary. We’ve been through a few hurricanes and this was far, far worse. The gusts shook the house, and our house is solid so it was dramatic,” said Melissa Goo.

On Saturday morning, a large tree came crashing down on Kuahine Drive, bringing down a telephone pole and creating a mess.

“All of a sudden a big gust of wind came and I saw the tree bending over, way over, and it was like almost touching the ground,” said Manoa resident James Marnie. “I thought it would come back, but it just went all the way and it was a big crash and everything.”

Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the tree didn’t fall on any homes or cars.

In Nanakuli, several homeowners dealt with shingles that blew off their roofs.

Resident Ari said she heard a loud whistling sound.

“All you could hear was pack. You know how the shingles slap on the roof,” Ari said. “Everything was really strong. You don’t know what’s going to happen.”

In Hawaii Kai, resident Tein Au said high winds blew a crossing zone sign from Haha’ione Elementary up the street to Ainapo Street. He tried to pick it up but said it was too heavy.

Au hopes crews remove the sign before another wind gust sends it flying again.

Residents grateful for quick response

Residents praised the quick response of emergency crews.

Manoa resident Melissa Goo said it was a good thing many schools and offices were closed, because it kept the roads open and clear for first responders.

Kalihi resident Gavin Freitas added, “It’s good the community comes together. In hard times like this, it’s always nice to see.”

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