KHON2: State to Attack West Oahu Streams

By Ron Mizutani
Story Updated: Jan 12, 2009 at 5:47 PM HST

State civil defense leaders release a priority list of west Oahu streams that must be cleaned. For nearly a month residents in Makaha and Waianae have pleaded with city and state officials to attack the source of much of their woes -- clogged streams.

On December 11th 2008, the Waianae coast experienced rain many residents haven't seen in decades.

"It registered about 12 inches of rain in a six hour period. Our natural streams don't have that capacity," said of State Civil Defense Vice Director Ed Teixeira.

The type of volume, Makaha watersheds are not built to handle -- especially when release points are clogged. But state officials are convinced -- these floods were inevitable.
"The state needs permission of all the landowners to clear these stream beds," said State Representative Maile Shimabukuro who represents the Waianae-Makaha area. "If you are a private landowner, and you have time you have the muscle you have the heavy equipment they need all your help."

Landowners are urged to call state civil defense at 733-4300 if they live near a problem area.

[For the full story and video, click here.]