Water level at Wahiawa Reservoir remains elevated as showers decrease
May 17—1/2
Swipe or click to see more
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / FEB. 8, 2019
Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management director Hirokazu "Hiro" Toiya
2/2
Swipe or click to see more
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / JULY 13
Wahiawa Reservoir is nearing its maximum level after a day of heavy rain Thursday. The reservoir is seen here in July with its dam to the left.
UPDATE: 11:10 a.m.
The National Weather Service said that at 10:15 a.m. the Wahiawa Reservoir was just above 82 feet. If the level rises to the flood stage of 84 feet, it would prompt authorities to call for evacuations of nearby areas. The maximum level of the dam is 88 feet.
The Wahiawa area has seen up to 5 inches of rain over the last 24 hours, according to the weather service.
A week ago, before the arrival of the "kona low" system that has drenched the state this week, the reservoir was below 74 feet.
Wahiawa, like much of Oahu, has seen spotty showers this morning. The entire island remains under a flood advisory until 2 p.m. with forecasters saying at 11 a.m. that while the rain is decreasing, stream levels remain elevated.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE
City and state officials are closely monitoring the Wahiawa Reservoir dam where the water has been climbing close to maximum levels as an ongoing "kona low" storm dumped Thursday.
Honolulu Emergency Management director Hiro Toiya said in an online news conference Thursday night that the dam was not at a level that would trigger evacuations of nearby communities. However the threat of more rain requires heightened vigilance as the island remains under a flood watch through Friday, he said.
At the 9:20 p.m. news conference, Toiya said the reservoir was at the 80-foot level and that evacuations would be required before the level reaches the dam's 88-foot maximum.
He noted that "radar was looking favorable for that area" with much of the rain hitting East Oahu late Thursday night. However with the kona low system, "we could have rain anywhere on the island," he said.
Toiya said officials are concerned about nearby Otake Camp in Waialua and that Honolulu police officers are in the area to monitor conditions and to update the community.
In addition to the city's emergency management team, officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and reservoir owner Dole Food Co. are also monitoring the situation.
Toiya said that of the island's 10 "high-risk" dams, Wahiawa is the only one that is a concern currently.
He encouraged residents to visit and for more information.
11 Comments
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the . An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our .
Having trouble with comments? .
