I lost almost everything in the recent Kona low flooding on North Oʻahu.

My name is Leilani Bushey and I live directly in the impact zone of the flood. During the storm, floodwaters rushed through my area in the dead of night and completely devastated my home at heights of 6-7ft high. The water came in too fast and didn’t stop. I watched everything I owned get destroyed. There was no time to save anything but my own life and my animals.

My home is now unlivable due to severe damage and contamination, and I’ve been displaced with nowhere stable to go.

I had to evacuate with almost no time. I left with only my cat, my dog, and the clothes on my back. Neighbors and pets who didn’t make it out were stranded on rooftops waiting for our local neighbors to come save them which they did. 

My car was also flooded during the storm, and I don’t know if it’s salvageable, leaving me without reliable transportation. My back up car was swept away by the river and into some ones else’s property and is totaled.On top of that, my workplace has been shut down due to storm damage. (Update as of 3/24/2026 my daily car sustained a flooded engine and isn’t working and is bogging anytime i try to turn it on so I’ll need to replace the engine or the whole car, I’m raising the goal a bit to help compensate for a new means of transportation, thank you for you kindness and support in helping me get back on the road again❤️) 

Right now, I’m trying to survive day by day while figuring out how to rebuild my life from nothing. I need help covering basic necessities like temporary housing, food, clothing, transportation, and care for my animals, as well as replacing essential items I’ve lost.

This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. Asking for help is not easy, but I truly can’t do this alone. I have posted a lot video footage of my place on my instagram @suckmyvape I will update more photos on here as I get more available service.

Anything helps, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this.❤️

Mahalo for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can give.

With gratitude,

Leilani