In the aftermath of a Kona low storm system that caused catastrophic flash floods in parts of Waialua and Haleʻiwa, community members, government officials and private entities came together to help clean up the mess.
More than 4,500 tons of debris were removed by Wednesday afternoon, according to the city. Many more will follow. Such a herculean effort requires big machinery and people who know how to use it.
Otake Camp, the neighborhood of plantation-era houses behind the grocery store T. Otake and Sons, experienced some of the worst effects, with lopsided houses and wrecked cars left behind in a sea of mud. Sitting next to Kaukonahua Stream, the neighborhood is usually one of the first areas to experience flooding. Three evacuation orders were issued there in the span of a month.
Community leader and rancher Levi Rita came to Otake Camp early Wednesday morning to help coordinate the cleanup…