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Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

4—
Hydrology and Hydraulics

STREAM RUNOFF DATA AND RECURRENCE INTERVALS

Instantaneous peak discharges for Niu, Hahaione, Inoaole, Kuliouou, Makawao, and Maunawili streams were calculated by the U.S. Geological Survey and are summarized in Table 6 (R. Nakahara, U.S. Geological Survey, Honolulu, personal communication, 1988). Only the Makawao Stream has a continuous recording streamgauge (no. 2540). The Inoaole, Kuliouou, and Maunawili streams have a crest-measuring stake from which instantaneous peaks are calculated using a slope-area method (R. Nakahara, personal communication, 1988).

The historical records of the Inoaole, Kuliouou, Makawao, and the Maunawili streams allow for the calculation of a recurrence interval (flood frequency) for the floods that occurred on these streams. However, the Niu and Hahaione streams have no streamflow gauges or crest gauges and therefore have no historical record from which to determine a recurrence interval. Therefore, the only record available for determining a recurrence interval for the New Year's Eve floods in the southeast Oahu area (east Honolulu) is the Kuliouou Stream, for which there are only 17 years of streamflow data. Using the U.S. Water Resources Council's (1977) procedures, peak runoff value is determined to have had a recurrence interval in excess of 500 years. However, it should be noted that records of less than 20 years' duration are not reliable in the determination of recurrence intervals (Linsley et al., 1982).

The data from the Makawao stream, the only continuous recording streamgauge and the only hydrograph resulting from this storm, are presented in Table 7 and plotted in Figure 11. Note that the instantaneous peak discharge of 3,100 cfs occurred at 10:45 p.m. A comparison of the December 31, 1987 streamflows with historical events for the Makawao stream is presented in Table 8.

Some streamgauge stations have questionable rating curves due to streambed variability during storms and backwater effects from the ocean. Such is the case for

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

TABLE 6 Estimated Instantaneous Peak Discharges for Niu, Hahaione, Inoaole, Kuliouou, Makawao, and Maunawili Streams

Stream

Station No.

Drainage Area (square miles)

Years of record

Instantaneous Peak Discharge (cfs)

Recurrence Interval (years)

Measurement Method Used

Measurement Site

Niu (Kupaua Valley)

__

0.97

__

6,420

__

Slope-area

As indicated in Figure 1

Hahaione

__

0.91

__

3,450

__

Slope-area

As indicated in Figure 1

Inoaole

2,488

1.21

29

1,400

11.1

Slope-area

Station no. 2488

Kuliouou

2,479

1.18

17

4,700

>>500

Slope-area

Station no. 2479

Makawao

2,540

2.04

29

3,100

10.8

Recorded

Station no. 2540

Maunawili

2,605

5.34

29

5,710

14.3

Slope-area

Station no. 2605

 

Source: Data obtained from USGS Honolulu district office on February 29, 1988. Recurrence intervals were calculated using the USGS annual peak flow frequency analysis, which followed U.S. Water Resources Council Guidelines Bulletin 17-B.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

TABLE 7 New Year's Eve Flood Hydrograph at Makawao Stream (Streamgauge No. 2540)

Date

Time

Discharge (cfs)

December 31, 1987

6:00 p.m.

418

 

6:30

640

 

7:00

1,670

 

7:30

1,220

 

8:00

1,170

 

8:30

1,960

 

9:00

2,250

 

9:30

2,040

 

10:00

2,350

 

10:30

2,630

 

10:45

3,100

 

11:00

2,690

 

11:30

2,590

 

12:00 p.m.

1,380

January 1, 1988

12:30 a.m.

1,740

 

1:00

1,810

 

1:30

1,820

 

2:00

274

 

2:30

67

 

3:00

20

 

3:30

52

the records obtained at the Waimanalo streamgauge (station no. 2490). Using the Gumbel Type I distribution, the annual maximum instantaneous streamflows for Kuliouou (station no. 2479), Inoaole (station no. 2488), Waimanalo (station no. 2490), Makawao (station no. 2540), and Maunawili (station no. 2605) streams were determined and are plotted in Figures 12 to 16.

KAWAINUI MARSH FLOODING

To understand the cause of flooding in the Kailua area, it is important to understand the dynamic processes of the events that took place during the storm in the Kawainui Marsh area. Adjacent to the Coconut Grove area in Kailua, the Kawainui Marsh drains 11.2 square miles on the windward side of the Koolau Mountains (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1956). Outflow from the marsh discharges into the man-made Oneawa Canal (also known as Kawainui Canal) and then into the northern end of Kailua Bay. On New Year's Eve water overflowed the Kawainui marsh levee and flooded more

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 11 Hydrograph of the New Year's flood recorded at Makawao Strewn (station no. 2540).

TABLE 8 Summary of Significant Historical Discharges at Makawao Stream (Streamgauge No. 2540) for the Period 1958 to 1987.

Date

24-hr Discharge (cfs)

Ranking

6-hr Discharge (cfs)

Instantaneous Discharge Ranking

Peak (cfs)

Ranking

February 4–5, 1965

256

3

887

3

6,000

1

December 17–18, 1967

442

2

1,480

2

2,490

5

November 26, 1970

148

5

480

5

3,000

4

February 14–15, 1985

240

4

747

4

3,940

2

December 31, 1987

677

1

2,010

1

3,100

3

 

Source: Data compiled by Iwao Matsuoka, Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Honolulu district office.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 12 Gumbel Type I frequency distribution of an annual maximum instantaneous streamflow for Kuliouou Stream (station no. 2479). Period of record is 1970 through 1986.

Figure 13 Gumbel Type I frequency distribution of an annual maximum instantaneous streamflow for Inoaole Stream (station no. 2488) for period of record 1958 through 1986.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 14 Gumbel Type I frequency distribution of an annual maximum instantaneous streamflow for Waimanalo Stream (station no. 2490) for period of record 1963 through 1986.

than 300 homes in the immediate downstream Coconut Grove area, which is located between the marsh and the ocean. It is believed that sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight floodwaters began overflowing the compacted earth-fill levee that protects the Coconut Grove residential area. Three-fourths of the 6,850 foot-long levee was overtopped during the night (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1988e). However, residents confirmed that the Oneawa Canal did not overflow and that no signs of blockage occurred at the bridges along the drainage canal.

The flooding of the Kawainui Marsh and the Coconut Grove area to the east of the Kawainui Marsh on New Year's Eve resulted from a complicated overland flow event in the upstream watershed, the hydraulic routing process of the 740-acre marsh, and an overtopping of the levee. A detailed engineering analysis of the dynamic processes of the marsh under flooding conditions is required to determine the modifications needed to prevent a recurrence of the floods. Such an analysis is beyond the scope of this report.

According to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (1956) design memorandum, the

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 15 Gumbel Type I frequency distribution of an annual maximum instantaneous streamflow for Makawao Stream (station no. 2540) for period of record 1958 through 1986.

maximum flood stage in the Kawainui Marsh should be 7.35 foot mean sea level (msl), which is 2.15 feet below the original top of the levee (elevation 9.50 feet msl), built more than 20 years ago. Although the elevation of the top of the levee at the time of the New Year's flood is unknown, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers survey conducted in March 1988 indicated that the top of the levee was 8.5 feet msl (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1988f). Therefore, the levee had apparently settled approximately 1 foot, and water began to overflow the levee near the Oneawa Canal and near the southeastern portion of the levee at an elevation of 8.5 feet msl.

Research and detailed engineering analysis are not the primary objective of this postdisaster study team's mission. Therefore, certain important parameters—such as the time history of sedimentation and debris flow deposition in the Kawainui Marsh since its original construction in 1966, inflow retardation due to floating vegetal mat in the marsh, and backwater and tidal effects on the Oneawa drainage channel—were not investigated. Any of these factors could have contributed to the flooding in the Coconut Grove area in Kailua.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 16 Gumbel Type I frequency distribution of an annual maximum instantaneous streamflow for Maunawili Stream (station no. 2065) for period of record 1958 through 1986.

SEDIMENT, DEBRIS, AND LANDSLIDES FROM THE STORM

Aerial photographs taken during postdisaster reconnaissance indicate that the upper watersheds of the three valleys (Niu, Kuliouou, and Hahaione) on southeastern Oahu provided an excellent environment for the growth of trees and vegetation (G. Kekuna, Oahu Civil Defense Agency, personal communication, 1988). Floodways in the upper valleys had an accumulation of dead trees or debris from prior floods, as seen in Figures 17a–e. The intermittent streamflows of Niu, Kuliouou, and Hahaione streams, coupled with local rainfall, support a significant density of trees and vegetation. Small valleys such as these can be a source of debris that clogs downstream channels, with disastrous results during large floods.

During the torrential rains of New Year's Eve 1987, numerous debris flows occurred. Some of them developed when trees and vegetation were eroded and transported downstream. As floodwaters scoured and widened the natural channels, the eroded materials were transformed into debris flows. Other flows originated as

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 17a

Figure 17b

Figure 17a–e Floodways in upper Niu Valley.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 17c

Figure 17d

Figure 17e

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

slope failures but were transformed immediately into debris flows by the torrential rains, transporting sediment and rock fragments large distances downstream. Several debris flows in the Hahaione Valley were of this type.

In Niu Valley the debris plugged the underpass of a bridge on Halemaumau Street and flooded lower Niu Valley (Figures 18a and b). In Kuliouou Valley the debris completely sealed off the debris basin (Figures 19a and b) and forced the water to change its course. In Hahaione Valley the culvert immediately downstream from the debris basin clogged and overflowed. The floodwaters then changed their course and flowed down through Kahena Street. The turbulence of the flood gouged a channel 10 to 20 feet deep along Kahena Street and carried asphalt and cars to the bottom of the street (Figures 20a–c).

It is estimated that 10 to 15 landslides occurred during the New Year's Eve storm event in each of these three valleys (J. Costa, U.S. Geological Survey, Vancouver, personal communication, 1988). Most of the landslides appear to have originated on steep straight-sided hillslopes (Figures 21a–c). U.S. Geological Survey geologists (J. Costa, personal communication, 1988; S. Ellen, R. Iverson, T. Pierson, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park/Vancouver, personal communication, 1988) observed that none of these landslides reached a channel in the valley floor except one in the upper Niu Valley that directly contributed to the debris flow (Figures 22a–c).

It is apparent that the debris flows generated by the torrential New Year's Eve rainfall were the major cause of damage in the three valleys. Therefore, a method of determining the quantities of debris flow that might be generated by severe storms should be an essential factor in the development of a hazard-mitigation program. This would greatly improve the planning and design criteria for debris basins and other flood containment structures.

STORM DRAINAGE STANDARDS

The design procedures that have evolved for the storm drainage facilities in the city and county of Honolulu are presented in a sequence of three reports entitled Storm Drainage Standards published in 1957, 1979, and 1986 (City and County of Honolulu, Department of Public Works, 1957, 1969, 1986). The storm drainage facilities for southeastern Oahu were designed using the criteria presented in these reports.

In its introduction the 1957 report cites "the need and demand for adequate drainage facilities to protect property against storm waters." The report also states that the "city has a responsibility of protecting properties against flooding conditions" and calls for the adoption of a "Master Plan for Drainage'' to be prepared by the city's planning commission. The recommended design criteria in the 1957 Storm Drainage Standards report call for a recurrence interval (frequency or return period) varying from 10 to 50 years, as shown in Table 9.

The recommended design criteria in the March 1969 Storm Drainage Standards report are shown in Table 10. Comparison of Tables 9 and 10 indicates that any area of 100 acres or less that contributes to a highway culvert or bridge is required to be

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 18a Bridge over east fork of Niu stream at Halemaumau Street.

Figure 18b View of east fork of Niu stream above Halemaumau street.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 19a

Figure 19b

Figures 19a and b This debris basin on Kuliouou Stream (photo taken 1/8/88) was completely sealed off by storm debris.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 20a

Figure 20b

Figures 20c

Figures 20a–c Kahena Street, Hahaione Valley on January 2, 1988. Flood waters gouged a 10–20 ft channel in the roadway. (Photo courtesy of T. Giambelluca).

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 21a Hahaione Valley

Figure 21b Kuliouou Valley

Figure 21c Kuliouou Valley

Figures 21a–c Landslides in Hahaione Valley and the Kuliouou Valley.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

Figure 22a

Figure 22b

Figure 22c

Figures 22a–c Landslides in the Niu Valley.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

TABLE 9 Recommended Recurrence Interval, 1957

Drainage Area (acres)

 

 

Less Than

Greater Than

Recurrence Interval

100

10

300

100

20

640

300

30

640

50

 

Source: City and County of Honolulu (1957).

TABLE 10 Recommended Recurrence Interval, 1969

Drainage Area (acres)

Recurrence Interval (years)

100 or less

10

100 or less with sump, tailwater effect, and for the design of roadway culverts and bridges

50

100 or greater and all streams

Based on maximum recorded flood peaks

 

Source: City and County of Honolulu (1969).

TABLE 11 Recommended Recurrence Interval, 1986

Drainage Area (acres)

Recurrence Interval (years)

100 or less

10

100 or less with sump, tailwater effect, and for the design of roadway culverts and bridges

50

100 or greater and all streams

100

 

Source: City and County of Honolulu (1986).

designed using a 50-year recurrence interval. Furthermore, all other areas greater than 100 acres and all streams are required to use a recurrence interval based on maximum recorded flood peaks. When compared with the 1957 report, these changes are significant.

The recommended design criteria in the March 1986 Storm Drainage Standards report are shown in Table 11. The major difference from previous years is the

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×

requirement of using a recurrence interval of 100 years for drainage areas greater than 100 acres.

The most striking aspect of these reports is the lack of any discussion of sediment and debris, which can quickly clog and render inoperative the most carefully designed storm drainage system. Only in the March 1986 report is there the brief statement that ''debris barriers should be provided upstream of the intake to prevent clogging. Where required, boulder basins shall be provided upstream of the debris barrier" (p. 12). However, other than referring to a 1949 U.S. Soil Conservation Service report and to a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation engineering monograph (no date given), no design criteria are given. Therefore, all of the designs by the city and county of Honolulu's Division of Engineering are based only on clear water flows (A. Thiede, Department of Public Works, Honolulu, personal communication, 1988). That is, no consideration is given to the possibility that the flows in the storm drainage channels may carry sediment and debris that add bulk to the flow, increase its volume, and can potentially block artificial and natural stream channels.

Calculation of the impact of sediment and debris on Oahu's streams requires time-series data from a long history of storms. The volumes of sediment and debris produced by each storm event as it occurs should be measured and recorded. Unfortunately, these data have not been and are not being collected.

POSTDISASTER STUDIES

Preliminary geophysical and engineering investigations of the New Year's Eve flood began during the early recovery period. In late January and early February 1988, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers compiled rehabilitation letter reports for Kuliouou Stream (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1988a), Hahaione Stream (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1988b), Omao and Maunawili streams (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1988c), and Niu Stream (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1988d). Concurrently, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service also implemented rehabilitation programs for Waimanalo (J. Lum, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, personal communication, 1988). Preliminary peak discharges that occurred during the New Year's Eve flood from Niu, Kuliouou, Hahaione, and Maunawili streams were estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey (J. Nakahara, personal communication, 1988). These values are tabulated in Table 6. In early February 1988 the USGS investigated the landslides that occurred in the Niu, Kuliouou, and Hahaione valleys. A month later a team of two geologists and one hydrologist (S. Ellen, R. Iverson, and T. Pierson, personal communication, 1988) from the USGS conducted more extensive fieldwork on the landslide sites.

Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 33
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 34
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 35
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 36
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 37
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 38
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 39
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 40
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 41
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 42
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 43
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 44
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 45
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 46
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 47
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 48
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 49
Suggested Citation:"4 HYDROLOGY AND HYDRAULICS." National Research Council. 1991. The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/1748.
×
Page 50
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The New Year's Eve Flood on Oahu, Hawaii: December 31, 1987 - January 1, 1988 Get This Book
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The flood that greeted the new year in 1988 brought home the uncomfortable realization that many suburban areas of eastern Oahu are at risk from sudden and, in some cases, unpredictable flooding. Torrential rains fell over the southeastern portion of the island on New Year's Eve, precipitating major flooding in several suburban neighborhoods and resulting in $34 million in damages. Neither the current meteorological capabilities nor the present flood control structures for the Oahu area proved adequate to predict or control the deluge.

This book documents and analyzes the meteorological conditions leading to the torrential rains, the causes and patterns of flooding, the performance of flood control structures in affected areas, the extent of damages, and the effectiveness of the local emergency response and recovery actions. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn from the analyses.

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