Flood Watch, Festival Weekend and DOE Meeting Lead Honolulu Headlines
Honolulu, HI – March 12, 2026 – Flood and wind watches as Kona storm nears; Honolulu Festival set for Waikiki; DOE panel meets.
Honolulu is heading into a busy and potentially stormy stretch.
Kona Storm Prompts Flood and Wind Watches
A powerful Kona Low is moving across the islands, placing Oahu under a Flood Watch through Saturday afternoon, with the greatest risk of flash flooding expected late Thursday into Friday.
The National Weather Service warns that heavy rain bands could trigger rapid stream rises, road closures and localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Gov. Josh Green has issued an emergency proclamation covering the March 10 to March 15 weather event, citing threats of heavy rain, strong winds and potential infrastructure impacts statewide.
City crews began preparing earlier this week, closing parks, gyms and pools and identifying district parks that could serve as emergency shelters if needed.
Honolulu Festival Returns to Waikiki
Despite the unsettled forecast, the 30th annual Honolulu Festival is set to begin Friday, March 13, with cultural performances and events across Waikiki and Ala Moana through Sunday.
The weekend lineup includes stage performances, a craft fair, a Grand Parade along Kalakaua Avenue on Sunday afternoon and a Nagaoka fireworks show Sunday night at Waikiki Beach.
Organizers expect thousands of participants and spectators as the festival marks three decades of celebrating Pacific Rim culture.
Board of Education Committee Meets Today
Closer to downtown, the state Board of Education’s Student Achievement Committee is meeting this morning at the Queen Liliuokalani Building on Miller Street.
The agenda includes review of prior meeting minutes and public testimony on student-focused initiatives.
With severe weather, a major cultural festival and education discussions all converging, Honolulu residents are being urged to monitor alerts, plan travel carefully and stay informed through official channels.
Sources
https://weathershogun.com/weather/usa/hi/honolulu/5400/march/2026-03-12
https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2603018_Proclamation-Relating-to-March-2026-Kona-Low-Weather-Event-Scanned.pdf
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/hawaii-braces-30-rain-storm-070000892.html
https://alohastatedaily.com/2026/03/09/honolulu-festival-returns-with-parade-fireworks/
https://boe.hawaii.gov/agendas/march-12-2026-student-achievement-committee-meeting/
