My name is Jake, and I am organizing this fundraiser to support the Wilkinson family after recent flooding destroyed many of their essential tools and personal belongings, as they work to recover and rebuild.

Help the Wilkinsons Rebuild

In March 2026, historic rainfall and unprecedented flooding swept across Hawaiʻi, causing widespread devastation throughout the islands. On the North Shore of Oʻahu, entire neighborhoods were overwhelmed as rivers and drainage systems overflowed, turning streets into waterways and destroying homes, businesses, and livelihoods in a matter of hours.

Among the families most deeply impacted were the Wilkinsons, who live in Waialua, just minutes from the shoreline and at the heart of the North Shore community.

This fundraiser was created to support Ben, Dee and their three boys: Lawakua (4), Makakoa (8) and Maleko (10) as they recover from a disaster that erased years of work, essential tools, and personal belongings—leaving them to rebuild nearly from scratch.

Who Are the Wilkinsons

Ben “Big Ben” Wilkinson is a longtime North Shore resident, big wave surfer, craftsman, and community member. Dee was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu. They live in Waialua, where their daily lives are deeply intertwined with the ocean, creativity, and the close‑knit fabric of the North Shore.

Ben is widely known not only for his surfing, but for his woodworking, carpentry, and overall craftsmanship. Over the years, he has built custom wooden tables, cash wraps, and fixtures—many of which can be found in local spaces and stores. His work reflects patience, durability, and pride in creating things meant to last.

For the Wilkinsons, Ben’s workshop was not a side hobby. It was a critical source of income, a place of creativity, and a foundation for supporting their family while staying rooted in the community they love.

What Happened During the Hawaiʻi Flooding

In March 2026, relentless rain fell across Oʻahu, with the North Shore experiencing some of the most severe flooding seen in decades. Water levels rose rapidly and without warning, and the Kaukonahua Stream, which runs alongside the Wilkinsons’ home, overflowed and overtook their yard.

Their yard, house and workspace were completely inundated. Water destroyed tools, equipment, materials, and personal belongings before there was time to move or protect them.

Like many families in the area, the Wilkinsons were left in shock by how quickly years of work and essential possessions were lost.

What the Wilkinsons Lost

The flooding resulted in devastating losses for the Wilkinson family. Nearly everything stored in their yard and workspace was destroyed, including major household appliances, Ben Wilkinson’s entire woodworking shop, specialized tools and milling equipment collected over many years, raw wood and works‑in‑progress, surfboards and essential gear, and the infrastructure needed to safely operate the workspace.

These were not items that could be easily replaced. Many of the tools were essential to Ben’s livelihood, while others represented years of investment, care, and craftsmanship. In Ben’s own words, the family “lost everything” that made working and earning an income possible.

Why Support Is Needed Now

Recovering from a disaster of this scale is more than just clearing debris. For the Wilkinsons, the path forward involves rebuilding both daily stability and long‑term sustainability.

Replacing essential equipment, restoring a functional workspace, and covering basic living costs during recovery requires significant time and financial resources. At the same time, lost income makes rebuilding even harder.

This GoFundMe exists to offer the Wilkinsons direct, immediate support so they can focus on recovery instead of constant financial uncertainty. Funds raised will help replace essential woodworking tools and equipment, begin rebuilding Ben Wilkinson’s workshop and income stream, cover short‑term living and recovery expenses, restore stability for the family, and support their long‑term recovery after a sudden loss.

How You Can Help

Donations of any size make a real difference. Whether you are giving $10 or $1,000, your support helps the Wilkinsons take another step toward rebuilding what was lost.

If you are not able to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your network helps increase awareness and reach others who may want to support disaster recovery efforts on the North Shore of Oʻahu.

With Gratitude

The Wilkinsons are deeply grateful for the outpouring of care, generosity, and kindness they have already received. Each message of support and each contribution is a reminder that community does not disappear when disaster strikes—it comes together.