This high-resolution image provided by a specialized camera system used by Civil Air Patrol shows coastal destruction in Kihei, a resort community in Maui County.
In response to the March 2026 Kona Low storm, Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Hawaii Wing conducted aerial reconnaissance and imaging missions across the islands to support flood and storm damage assessment, infrastructure evaluation, and recovery prioritization.
“CAP aircrew and ground team member demonstrated adaptability and professionalism under challenging conditions, delivering critical information to decision-makers.”
Acting as a Total Force partner and the official civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, CAP helps respond to nonmilitary threats domestically in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage, and provide humanitarian assistance.
First Lt. Griselda Concepcion, the Hawaii Wing’s director of operations, approaches Kahului Airport in Maui County.
On the Ground, and in the Air
Working closely with state and county emergency management partners, CAP ground teams were activated early in the response. On March 20, teams provided transportation and logistical support across Maui County, moving essential supplies including 125 cots, nine animal cages, generators, fuel, and other critical equipment.
By March 25, aircrews began delivering high-resolution imagery and situational awareness to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with damage assessment and recovery planning. With specialized camera systems that capture 7-centimeter resolution imagery, 33 flights were flown mapping portions of Dillingham Airfield, Waialua, and Haleʻiwa.
As the week progressed, CAP expanded flight operations across Oʻahu and Maui, with imaging sorties providing oblique photography over Kīhei and Kahului, Lāʻie and Kahuku.
Specialized camera systems on the wing strut of the Hawaii Wing aircraft helped provide the high-resolution images reviewed by members of the Geospatial Program’s Damage Assessment Team.
Nearly 5,000 Aerial Images Provided
Wrapping up on March 27, the Hawaii Wing provided a total of 4,152 images with their specialized camera systems and 524 digital photographs.
CAP’s advanced imagery of the storm-affected areas provided emergency management officials with a detailed look at the destruction wrought by the storm’s heavy rains and high winds.
Ground teams from the wing also relocated 125 cots, nine animal cages, two generators, four gas cans, two charging stations, and sundry supplies
“Our volunteers train hard so that when the time comes to mālama our ‘Ohana [Hawaiian for ‘taking care of our family’] we serve with integrity, excellence, and respect.”
Geospatial Team Evaluates Storm Impacts
The photographic products collected by the wing were provided to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support damage assessment and analysis efforts. CAP members from the national Geospatial Program’s Damage Assessment Team assisted federal partners in evaluating the impacts.
The team’s volunteer service, which began March 21, helped provide data for the state’s request for a major disaster declaration for the affected islands and deliver federal relief to impacted residents and businesses. The disaster declaration request for Hawaii was approved by the president April 15.
“Despite the otherwise calm setting, the Kona Low brought heavy rain and winds that caused significant damage to homes and businesses across the area.”
Working in collaboration with FEMA, the combined team dedicated approximately 40 hours to assessment efforts, identifying damage to more than 400 structures
“Our team supports a wide range of disasters, including floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and tropical storms. We remain committed to helping FEMA provide decision-makers with timely and accurate damage assessments when they are needed most.”
How to Serve Communities Through CAP
Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for people who want to support emergency response and community resilience. Volunteers serve in roles including disaster assessment, aviation support, communications, logistics, and emergency operations planning.
Members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and no aviation experience is required. Those interested in community-focused service can learn more and connect with a local squadron by visiting gocivilairpatrol.com.
Through partnerships with FEMA and other agencies, CAP volunteers continue to support disaster response efforts focused on saving lives, protecting property, and helping communities recover.
