Hanalei Flood Forecast and Early Warning System

The Hanalei Flood Forecast and Early Warning Notification System will strengthen infrastructure resilience, protect natural resources, and reduce risks to residents and visitors during flood events on the Hanalei River. The system integrates three components: hydro-meteorologic sensors across the watershed, a real-time hydrologic–hydraulic model predicting river stage and discharge, and a community-based early warning network issuing timely flood alerts. Weather stations, soil-moisture probes, and stream gages will transmit real-time data for rainfall-runoff and river-flow modeling. Model forecasts will identify rising water levels along Kūhiō Highway, the main evacuation route for the Hanalei–Hā‘ena region. Integration of National Weather Service (NWS) radar and satellite data will improve accuracy and lead time for flood warnings, enhancing safety and protecting essential infrastructure.