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When it rains a lot, atleast one creek forms and flows through Orchidland. Here is a link to a photo of one such creek, the one that has regularly messed up the intersection of Pohaku and 39th.
www.orchidland.org/photogallery/index.php?event=10&file=flood1.jpg
I am wondering if anyone has seen this creek at its prior road crossing, about a half mile south of Pohaku on 40th street. Is the creek just as wide as it is in this photo, or does it flow through a deeper gulch up there?
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It's just about like that on "D" road and #7 road in Hawaiian Acres at times.
Royall
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On the very new geology of Puna, each storm event can cause vastly different flood responses.
The deeper 'gulches' (not true gulches, in geologic formation terms) can accommodate some extra flow, but with the flow events like those floods, they have also overflowed in the past.
Even without human induced changes, flood response is varied, add all of the human induced changes, the reposes vary even more... (even the increase of lot ripping over the last decade can drastically change flood response of this very young geology)
Some of the past threads on the flooding at those two areas
from 2008, with koi at at Pohaku:
http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4975
and always a winner, Hazens tale from a bit farther back:
http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2225
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quote:
Originally posted by Royall
It's just about like that on "D" road and #7 road in Hawaiian Acres at times.
Royall
They used to call that Lake Liz I think!
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I drove down to Pohaku @ 39th when that was going on. It was completely impassable...and I have a big 4wd truck and wasn't even about to chance it. Now there's a big concrete slab there. It will probably be covered with debris when the next big rain comes. But It will be easier to clear than before when the road completely washed out.
One Thing I can always be sure of is that things will never go as expected.
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Check out The Hawaiian Acres website for some info on flooding area in Hawaiian Acres and by extension Orchidland.
http://www.hawaiianacres.org/images/floodmap.gif
John Dirgo, R, BIC, EcoBroker, ABR, e-PRO
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.alohacoastrealty.com
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It takes about 4" of rain for Pohaku and 39th to begin to become impassible--not a rare event. The photos are from a rare event--18" of rain in 12 hours.
There are also two spots on 40th that become impassible due to standing water--called the great lakes by some residents.
When the heavy rain happens there are a number of lots that get flooded in. If you are home you are stuck and if your away you can't get home. A rather serious safety issue.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com
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I almost bought a couple of side-by-side lots in Orchandland right west of where that "gulch" is.
Mahalo to my realtor for steering me away. Those lots were beautiful too......
Puna: Our roosters crow first
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I am so grateful that this forum exists. I was on the verge of buying side by sides at that spot on 40th. My realtor, who kept getting my name wrong, said that one lot had a little stream on it when it rained and that the stream flowed south (when down hill is north north east at that point) It is wonderful that the folks providing information here are so knowledgable and willing to share what they know to help others. Thanks again. You saved me 50 000 dollars!
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We knew we wanted property in Orchidland. 2004-2008 the prices were more than we could afford. Our friends in Orchidland knew all about the flood area over on Pohaku. Temping as it was, and there were some beautiful lots, we stayed away from the area. Luckily in 2009 we were on the BI and found a 2 acre parcel just on the market for 24 hours. We had our heart set on a 3 acre parcel on 41st and Aulii. In the end we opted for 2 acres on a paved road and not in the flood area.
