DAM FAILURE Possible - PREPARE TO EVACUATE 
HNL Alert from the Oahu Department of Emergency Management
Issued: 06:55 PM 03-13-2026
Incident Type: POTENTIAL DAM FAILURE - WAHIAWA DAM
Location: AREAS DOWNSTREAM of WAHIAWA DAM including PARTS OF HALEIWA AND WAIALUA
Alert Details: PREPARE TO EVACUATE
Dam failure possible at WAHIAWA DAM. No evacuations are ordered at this time, but conditions exist that could lead to the failure of the dam, which could cause catastrophic flooding.
Evacuation Warning issued. Be prepared to leave downstream areas on short notice. WAHIAWA DAM EVACUATION ZONE includes all of Haleiwa between Puuiki St and Kamehameha Hwy. Areas of Waialua between Kukea Circle to Otake Camp.
Map: https://p.veoci.com/hnlevac
Actions to Take
Take the following actions now if you are in the affected area:
1. Make sure your Go-Bag of emergency supplies is ready, including medications, important documents, and hygiene items. Put your Go-Bag by the door or in your car.
2. Locate any pets and be prepared to crate or leash them.
3. Share information and offer to help if they will need assistance evacuating. Ask them for help if you need assistance.
4. Leave now if you need extra time to evacuate or feel unsafe.
If you are outside the affected area, stay out of the area until further notice.
LEAVE NOW if you or your loved ones cannot move quickly and need extra time to evacuate.
The closest emergency shelters are located at Waialua High and Intermediate School, Wahiawa District Park, and Kahuku Elementary School. A full list of locations can be found at https://p.veoci.com/hnlshelter.
Conditions can change quickly. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU FEEL UNSAFE - do not wait for an official alert.
Stay out of the area until further notice.
Call 9 1 1 for emergencies only.
Stay Informed
Emergency officials are monitoring conditions at the dam. This alert will be updated if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Check https://alert.hnlalert.gov for updates or monitor local radio and TV stations.
This message will be updated in 4 hours or sooner if the situation changes.
Instructions:
Take the following actions now if you are in the affected area:
1. Make sure your Go-Bag of emergency supplies is ready, including medications, important documents, and hygiene items. Put your Go-Bag by the door or in your car.
2. Locate any pets and be prepared to crate or leash them.
3. Share information and offer to help if they will need assistance evacuating. Ask them for help if you need assistance.
4. Leave now if you need extra time to evacuate or feel unsafe.
If you are outside the affected area, stay out of the area until further notice.
Address/Location
Honolulu Department of Emergency Management
650 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 808-768-4141
Alert Details
- Severity:
- Moderate - Possible threat to life or property
- Urgency:
- Immediate - Responsive action SHOULD be taken immediately
- Certainty:
- Likely (p > ~50%)
- Category:
- Utility, telecommunication, other non-transport infrastructure
- Event:
- Water Control Facilities