PDC Updates | Dec 21, 2007
Aerial Slide
The home seen in the center of this aerial photograph was not constructed in a spillway. Before the Kona storm of December 2007, it sat on the foundation at left, next to the highway, while rain water and runoff drained safely within the gulch seen at right in the photo. Diverted runoff became enough of a flood to tear the house from its foundation and slide it down the side of Haleakala, as seen here. (Image: PDC)

Hawaii State Civil Defense networked with many agencies across the state, including Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), to prepare for the Kona (southerly) storm that brought winds upwards of 70 miles per hour, plus heavy rain, thunderstorms, mudslides and flooding to Oahu and Maui in early December. PDC’s support for these efforts included participation in the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment Teams for Maui, providing detailed maps and imagery products—some of them based on Red Cross assessments—and compiling photographs and graphics of storm damage into a presentation for the Deputy Adjutant General’s briefing of the Governor. Then, once general assessments were complete, PDC participated in the Disaster Assistance and Recovery Centers (DARC) on both Oahu and Maui where families seeking assistance with damage recovery were guided to the agencies able to provide the specific help required.

Survey 1 Survey 2
Survey 3 Survey 4
Above, clockwise from top left: PDC staff and representatives from state and county agencies survey storm damage in Upcountry Maui. They discover that the most severe issue in most areas is debris, often blocking roadways or runoff/drainage channels. Debris in some areas collecting in remarkable quantities, becoming a kind of water-borne “scouring pad” able to push everything out of its way (such as the house in the image at the top of this page). The heap of metal here was a new pick-up truck until flooding waters carried the truck downhill, out of its garage, and left it in a barely recognizable heap. (Images: PDC and HSCD)

PDC Geospatial Data Specialist John Livengood and Imagery Analyst Rich Nezelek assisted HSCD, the Office of the Mayor of Maui County, Maui Department of Public Works, FEMA and others in performing on-the-ground and aerial damage assessments in affected areas of Maui island, then distilled the collected data and imagery into a PowerPoint presentation for Maui Civil Defense Agency (CDA). The presentation was shared with HSCD and other agencies, as well. The first-hand experience of the storm’s effects was invaluable in preparing materials for other agencies involved with recovery efforts and in being ready to support applicants at the DARCs.

On Monday December 17, PDC helped staff the DARC for Windward Oahu. Tuesday, PDC staff members assisted at DARCs for Leeward Oahu and Upcountry Maui. Wednesday, the DARC for South Maui was set up at Pacific Disaster Center in the Maui Research and Technology Park, with much of the PDC staff available to work with applicants for disaster assistance.

Many of the imagery and map products provided to HSCD and other agencies were useful in helping homeowners and business people officially identity the properties that were damaged and for which they needed assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration determined that damage was sufficient to justify activation of their disaster loan program, and the office of the Governor, in conjunction with the Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii, determined that the disaster was on a scale that warranted the involvement of Hawaii’s National Guard contingent, as well. SBA will set up loan operations on Maui on December 26 and work with business owners who have experienced losses due to the storm through at least January 18. The National Guard unit arrived on Maui on December 20 and will help with debris removal until recalled.

The following links by way of Pacific Disaster Center’s website will be useful in case of emergency:

  • Find out how to prepare for an emergency and what to have in a Disaster Supply Kit at PDC’s Preparing for Disaster page.
  • Have Civil Defense telephone numbers, statewide, at your fingertips.
  • The Emergency Phone Numbers for utilities, Red Cross and other services are also available on one page.
  • Learn about Natural Hazards, including drought, earthquake, flood, high surf, high wind, hurricane, tsunami, volcano and wildfire.
  • Browse PDC’s collection of Natural Hazard Links for additional information.