A powerful storm system brought severe weather across the Hawaiian Islands on March 12–15, unleashing heavy rain that triggered flash floods, mudslides, uprooted trees, and widespread disruption statewide. Ahead of the storm's arrival, the State announced school closures and asked non-essential workers to stay home — a reminder of just how serious conditions were on the ground.
As the storm bore down, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division was ready. Our Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team mobilized on March 12, serving more than 600 meals to first responders, shelter residents, and community members in need in the first 48 hours. By the fourth day, The Salvation Army units across O'ahu, Maui, and Hawai'i served more than 1,600 meals to residents affected by floods and power outages.
"As long as there is community need, we'll be there." Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands
That commitment is exactly what our corps officers, staff, and volunteers put into action throughout the storm.
On O'ahu
Our team coordinated meals for sheltering individuals and families across seven O'ahu shelters, as well as staff working at the O'ahu Emergency Operations Center. The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center kitchen team stepped up to prepare meals for select shelters, while Domino's Hawaii — a dedicated Salvation Army community partner — donated pizzas for dinner to those sheltering at the Wahiawa District Park shelter on Friday evening.
On Maui
Our Kahului Corps flooded twice in two days from the waves of heavy downpour. But this didn't stop the Kahului Corps officers, staff, and volunteers in serving more than 700 meals across three county and Red Cross shelters in two days. Extensive flooding in Maui will mean that recovery efforts will be ongoing long after the storm has passed.
On Hawaiʻi Island
In Hilo, our team didn't wait for the storm to arrive. The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps opened its Overnight Safe Space early on March 13, giving houseless community members a safe place to weather the storm before it hit. The space has continued operating around the clock while severe weather conditions remained. Hilo Temple Corps also provided breakfast lunch and dinner to residents sheltering at Hawaiʻi County's Pu'u'eo Community Center. And in the days ahead, the team joined the county-wide multi-agency response effort led by Vibrant Hawaii to supply water, food, and goods for residents in south Hawai'i affected by ongoing power outages.
Still on the Ground
Our Salvation Army teams continue assess community need and will meet the need as we can. The Salvation Army has served out communities in Hawai'i through disasters for more than 130 years. We're still here. Make an impact by joining our statewide response.