ENVIRONMENT

Hawaii Flooding Devastates Small Farms, Reduces Vegetable Supply

PUBLISHED May 17, 2026, 12:20 AM ET

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WAIALUA, Hawaii. In March, back-to-back storms produced the state's worst flooding in two decades, smothering small farms on Oahu’s North Shore and burying fields and irrigation systems in reddish-brown mud. Farmers including Bok Kongphan and Jeni Balanay lost vegetables and young fruit trees; the Hawaii Farm Bureau reported entire farms wiped out and harvests lost. This week farming advocates reported that more than 600 of roughly 6,500 Hawaii farms documented damage totaling nearly $40 million to crops, livestock and machinery. Officials have urged farmers not to abandon local agriculture and signaled the need for recovery assistance, replanting and market adjustments in coming planting seasons.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

March: Back-to-back storms hit Oahu’s North Shore, producing severe flooding.
Immediately after: Farms in Waialua are inundated, irrigation and fields buried.
Weeks later: Hawaii Farm Bureau documents entire farms wiped out and lost harvests.
Farming advocates gather reports from growers, totaling 600+ farms reporting damage.
Officials urge recovery actions and support for replanting and market stabilization.

News Intelligence

Hawaii's flooding impacts your plate. With small farms devastated, vegetable supplies are reduced. This could lead to higher prices at your local grocery store. It's a good time to explore local farmers' markets or consider starting your own vegetable garden.

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Who Benefited

Larger mainland suppliers and food distributors could see increased demand for imports due to reduced local produce availability.

Who Impacted

Small-scale farmers across Oahu’s North Shore and the island’s local food supply chains sustained crop, livestock, and machinery damage, with advocates reporting nearly $40 million in losses from more than 600 farms.

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