HONOLULU (AP) — Some residents displaced five months ago by Tropical Storm Darby are back home in a Honolulu neighborhood. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — Some residents displaced five months ago by Tropical Storm Darby are back home in a Honolulu
HONOLULU (AP) — Some residents displaced five months ago by Tropical Storm Darby are back home in a Honolulu neighborhood.
The Aiello family moved back into Hale Umi Condominiums on Saturday, Hawaii News Now reported.
At least seven families had to evacuate when the Kalihi Stream spilled over in July.
Joseph Aiello said at the time that water was waist-deep inside his condominium. The family waited on repairs to be completed while sharing a room at a relative’s house.
Appliances and furniture were donated. The condo now has new floors, doors and kitchen cabinets.
“It’s been a long journey. But you know, we’re here,” Aiello said.
The couple’s 12-year-old daughter, Zoe, is happy to have a room by herself again. “My bed is going to be where I’m standing, and I’m pretty sure my drawer is going to be right there,” she said.
The family wants the city to take steps to avoid a similar evacuation in the future, like keeping the stream clear of debris.
“Is it going to happen again?” Faith Aiello asked. “What do we do? Are we going to lose our stuff? I got to make sure my daughter is OK.”
City officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“It’s not our stream,” Joseph Aiello said. “We shouldn’t be living in fear.”
