Oʻahu Residents Find Support at Community Assistance Center in Waialua

March 27, 2026

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Red Cross volunteers provide outreach and disaster resource assistance to residents affected by the recent Kona low‑pressure storms at a Community Assistance Center in Wailua. From left are Rebecca Carlson of Laie, Tom Shell of Haleʻiwa and Zach Steve of Maryland. (Photos by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross).

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Cement City resident Shayne Willis came to the Assistance Center to replace his drivers license lost when his home flooded. He walked away with "...ten times more resources than I ever imagined".

Mimi Teller/American Red Cross

Former professional circuit surfer Shayne Willis was among hundreds of Oʻahu residents displaced from their homes after a series of heavy Kona low pressure storms passed over the island in close succession. Willis had to evacuate when water flooded his Cement City home. That damage brought him to the Community Assistance Center at Wailua District Park, where partners were helping residents affected by the storms.

Representatives from the Salvation Army, Hawaiʻi Electric, Hawaiʻi Department of Health, 2‑1‑1 and Hawaiʻi Food Bank joined the American Red Cross at the center to help residents replace essential documents, learn about available services and begin planning for next steps in their recovery.

“I came to replace my driver’s license and get informed on what’s going on,” Willis said. “I did not expect anything and got ten times more resources than I ever imagined. Christmas came early.”

At the assistance center, Red Cross volunteers provided buckets filled with cleaning supplies to help families begin addressing water damage in their homes. Volunteers also collected contact information from residents who were interested in learning about additional support from the Red Cross, which could include help with urgent recovery needs depending on the level of impact to each home.

Wailua resident and Red Cross volunteer Tom Shell spent the day speaking with people who were trying to understand what comes next. His connection to the community helped put people at ease, especially those who had experienced significant loss.

“People feel more comfortable when they know they are talking with someone who understands their community and what they are going through,” shared fellow resident and volunteer Rebecca Carlson.

For many residents, the gathering of partners in one place provided reassurance and a clearer path forward as they continue to assess storm damage and take steps toward recovery.

If you or someone you know was affected by disaster, contact us at 1-800-RED-CROSS or visits redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.