September 2026: 'Ewa Beach Report

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, who bore the brunt of Hurricane Lowell. As families begin assessing damage and facing the difficult work of recovery, we stand with our neighbors and are ready to help.

Here on Oʻahu, parts of Windward and West Oʻahu experienced severe flooding, while much of the island avoided the worst of the storm. Mahalo to everyone who prepared, stayed informed and followed safety warnings.

City crews and first responders are out across Oʻahu assessing roads, parks, public facilities and other infrastructure. They are clearing debris, addressing flooding and responding to hazards left behind by the storm. Our District 9 team is also out in the field surveying damage, reporting issues and assisting with cleanup.

If you need to report a non-emergency, City-related issue, please use HNL 311. You can also contact our office with questions at (808) 768-5009 or atulba@honolulu.gov.

Honolulu is also working with our state and county partners to determine how we can assist our neighbors on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. When conditions allow, we stand ready to share personnel, equipment and other resources to support their recovery.

Moments like this remind us that we are connected by more than the ocean that surrounds our islands. We are ʻohana. When one community faces hardship, we come together, lend a hand and lift one another up.

That spirit of service carries through this month’s newsletter. Across District 9, people are stepping forward to protect our ʻāina, honor those who came before us and create a stronger future for the next generation.

You will read about Theresa Johnson, whose personal loss inspired a lasting memorial honoring thousands of Fallen Service Members and supporting Gold Star Families. You will also meet Ray Aivazian III, whose passion for the environment has inspired volunteers to care for our parks, beaches and ʻāina.

Our young people are making their mark as well. District 9’s newest Youth Commissioner, Zachston Marcellino, is bringing the ideas and perspectives of young people in Waipahu and ʻEwa to our City government. His leadership, along with that of our other youth commissioners, shows that our keiki are not waiting for tomorrow to make a difference. They are helping shape our future today.

We also celebrate the history that gives West Oʻahu its character. Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village preserves the stories, traditions and experiences of the families who helped build our community. Our “Did you Know?” feature on Pūpū A ʻO ʻEwa reminds us of the deep relationship between our people, our ʻāina and our wai.

These stories share a common thread: people who cared enough to act.

Service can take many forms. It can mean honoring a fallen Hero, caring for a beach, speaking up for our community, preserving our history or simply helping a neighbor after a storm.

When we show up for one another, we strengthen the place we call home.

Mahalo for allowing me to serve as your Councilmember. I am proud to stand with the people of District 9 and grateful for the many ways our community continues to show compassion, courage and aloha.