A Refuge in the Storm

April 28, 2026

Knights mobilize to restore communities devastated by recent flooding in Hawaii

By Cecilia Engbert

April 28, 2026

Knights speak with Josephine and Fredrick Diana, whose home in Waialua, Hawaii, was damaged by floodwaters. — Dallas Carter (left), a member of St. Michael the Archangel Council 16741 in Waialua, and Father Romple Emwalu, council chaplain, speak with Josephine and Fredrick Diana, whose home was damaged by floodwaters. (Photo by Marco Garcia)

From March 10-24, a series of devastating floods caused widespread damage across Hawaii, with prolonged, heavy rainfall affecting multiple islands, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi and the Big Island.

As floodwaters forced thousands to evacuate and caused road closures and downed power lines, local Knights and the Hawaii State Council mobilized to distribute thousands of dollars through the Order’s Disaster Relief Fund and provide food and shelter assistance to families in need.

According to the state government, damage surpassed anything seen in 20 years, with more than 400 homes destroyed and statewide damage exceeding $1 billion. To date, the Supreme Council has sent $65,000 to support the state council’s efforts and 465 $100 gift cards for distribution.

“It’s times like these when we often ask, ‘Where was God?’” said Joshua Kapika, past grand knight of St. Michael the Archangel Council 16741 in Waialua. “The answer is very simple; it’s in me. It’s in my brother Knights.”

Kapika is one of the thousands who evacuated with his family during the floods. But before he even set foot in his car to leave, he sent a message to council members and neighbors, checking on their safety. Since the storm, he has remained at the forefront of recovery efforts.

“We could have waited until somebody came to our rescue, but instead, we became the rescue,” Kapika said. That’s what it means to be a Knight of Columbus. It’s to be the rescue, to [do the work of] God in those moments that are difficult.”

Within the first 10 days of the disaster, the state council distributed more than $15,000 in gift cards to hundreds of families in need. More than 90% of those served reported direct damage to their homes or property, with approximately half reporting insufficient or no flood insurance coverage. Nearly half of households that benefited from the gift cards included elderly residents.

In some cases, funding was used to assist with insurance deductibles; in others, it supported council-led repair efforts at parish facilities and community spaces. In partnership with EPIC Ministry, a lay organization of young adults, the Knights organized volunteer efforts ranging from needs assessment to cleanup and repair.

A damaged property is seen in Waialua, Hawaii, in the aftermath of a series of floods in March.

“It’s the Knights of Columbus that have the ability to be the first on the streets to help where it’s needed,” said Hawaii State Deputy Angelito Alvarez. The Order is “the strong right arm of the Church,” he added, “not only because of the money we hand out, but because we put our faith in action through our programs and the way we serve.”

Following the first storm, Alvarez visited parishes and homes across Maui to assess damage and offer support from the Knights. One of the first calls for help came from Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit Monastery in Waialua, where the Benedictine sisters were in need of potable water and cleaning supplies.

“We immediately reached out to [the monastery] to find out what was needed,” Alvarez said. “The problem at that point was it was right during the floods, and here in Waialua, the Benedictine monastery is up a very steep and winding road. It’s mostly dirt.”

Despite the challenge, a group of Knights coordinated and delivered critical storm and cleaning supplies to the monastery community, making the precarious journey through damaged roads in an all-terrain vehicle.

“The Knights of Columbus has always been a part of this monastery’s life,” said Sister Celeste Cabral, prioress superior of the monastery. “With what the Hawaiian Islands are experiencing now with the storms, they stepped up and immediately called the monastery, letting me know that they are there to help wherever they can. Before I knew it, there was a truckload of items to be donated to those that were affected by the damages from the storms.”

Thanks to the donations from the Knights, the Benedictine sisters were able to distribute essential items to many families in need in Waialua.

In addition to providing supplies, the Knights partnered with St. Michael Parish to support its “Mass and a Meal” initiative over Easter weekend, helping nourish the community both physically and spiritually during a critical time of recovery.

Dallas Carter, a member of St. Michael the Archangel Council 16741 and former president of EPIC Ministry, was among those assisting families with cleanup efforts the day after the flood hit.

“It’s my kuleana — that’s the Hawaiian word for ‘responsibility’ — to be out here offering the support … to these families who are in great need,” Carter said. “We hope that disasters don’t happen, but when they do, I want to be there.”

One of the scariest experiences of any disaster is feeling like nobody cares, Carter said.

“But it’s not true. We’re here, and we do care, and we will give all the support that we’re able to give,” he said. “In the eyes of those that we’re helping, I do genuinely see the face of Christ.”

While conditions across the islands have stabilized, many areas continue to struggle through the recovery phase, particularly in coastal areas where floodwater contamination has created a shortage of safe drinking water.

“After touring the affected areas, I witnessed real destruction from the floods, and it was emotional for many who dealt with the massive water from overflowing rivers, the mold and other damages in their facilities,” Alvarez said. “I am eternally grateful to the Knights who stepped into the need of responding and helping.”

*****

CECILIA ENGBERT is a content producer for the Knights of Columbus communications department.

Cardinal Konrad Krajewski visits the Knights of Columbus humanitarian aid warehouse in Briukhovychi, Ukraine.

A Refuge in the Storm

Related Articles

Stories of Service

Standing Together Against Indifference

Standing Together Against Indifference

Stories of Service

Bringing Warmth to the Great North

Bringing Warmth to the Great North

Stories of Service

A Night of Compassion

A Night of Compassion

Stories of Service

Making Room for Childhood

Making Room for Childhood

Stories of Service

‘They Matter to Someone’

‘They Matter to Someone’

Stories of Service

A Gift That Bears Fruit

A Gift That Bears Fruit

Stories of Service

Scarred but Standing

Scarred but Standing

Stories of Service

Homes With a Mission

Homes With a Mission