Hawaiʻi Local

Topic: The Kona Low Flood Crisis, 2026

BACKGROUND GUIDE TO BE RELEASED
RULES OF PROCEDURE GUIDE TO BE RELEASED

Committee Profile

“This is the largest flood we’ve had in Hawaiʻi in 20 years,” Governor Josh Green said. On March 10, 2026, the National Weather Service issued its first alerts warning residents of the approaching Kona storm, prompting Governor Josh Green to issue a statewide emergency proclamation that same day. Kona storms—also known as Kona lows—are cold-core cyclones that are categorized by heavy rain, flash floods, high winds, and other hazards that make them extremely deadly. Occurring during the winter, Hawaiʻi typically contends with 3 a year during October to April. This storm was different. The first Kona storm brought 5 to 10 inches of rain, thunderstorms, and 100 mph gusts of wind at high elevation points for 6 days. There were numerous road closures, flooded homes and businesses, power outages, and landslides, causing millions in damage. Despite efforts to prepare residents, thousands have been displaced, and their lives upended. However, the crisis is not over.

The date is March 19th, 2026, and at 2:38 am this morning, the National Weather Service has stated that another Kona storm was developing west of the islands. Even though its exact strength is currently unknown, many are fearful of the potential harm this Kona storm may cause due to the heavily saturated ground and recovering populace. How will policymakers and public officials respond to the approaching threat? What measures should be taken? But most importantly, what sacrifices must be made?

Committee Chair

  • San Diego State University

    Leialii Crowley, or just Lei, is a second-year student at San Diego State University. She is majoring in Communication Studies. Lei has always loved MUN and served as a member of her high school’s MUN leadership team since her sophomore year. She has always loved the thrill of a great debate and is excited to be a member of the SDSU speech and debate team for the Fall semester. In her spare time, you will probably find Lei on the stage or in the water as she is an enthusiastic member of both her college surf team and musical theater club. She cannot wait to get to know new faces and say “hi!” to old ones as she returns to PacMUN for the first time as a Chair!

Crisis Director

  • American University

    Andrew Pōmai Chang, or just Pōmai, is a second-year student at American University. He is pursuing a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government, with a minor in History. Pōmai has participated in Model UN since his time at Punahou School; this will be his fourth time attending PacMUN, and his second as a staffer. He is also a member of the prestigious American University Model UN Team and looks forward to bringing his expertise as a Crisis Director. In his free time, Pōmai also enjoys playing video games and keeping up with current events.