1 year after major flooding ravages Iao Valley, repair work continues

IAO VALLEY (HawaiiNewsNow) - It's been exactly one year since major flooding ravaged Iao Valley State Monument on Maui, and crews are still working on completing repairs.

The repair project is still happening, but the state Department of Land and Natural Resources recently reopened the historic monument in August pending permit approval to complete renovations. However, the park will close again from October through December to finish slope stabilization work.

Last year, heavy rains and torrential flooding ripped through the historic monument.

The severe weather caused widespread damage across the island, flooding homes and making roads impassable. The Maui Fire Department also rescued 15 people and two dogs.

Officials said it cost Maui County nearly $2 million to clear out debris that can be used for future repairs to flood control.

Flood control efforts started about 40 years ago and was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Officials added that as bad as last year's event was, an even more violent flood took place in the same area in 1916, claiming the lives of at least 13 people and destroying 34 homes.

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