The March 2026 flooding on Oʻahu's North Shore left thousands of households facing something most people have never dealt with before: a home full of appliances that can no longer be safely used.
Submerged refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and ranges don't always look damaged on the outside. But water-exposed appliances carry serious risks — corroded wiring, contaminated components, and compromised electrical systems that can cause fire or electrical shock when powered back on. The decision to replace isn't just about getting your kitchen back. It's about keeping your family safe.
PHAD Home Appliance has been serving Hawaiʻi families since 1986. When something like this happens to our community, showing up differently is the only right response.
⚠ Before You Touch a Flood-Damaged Appliance
Disconnect power to the home or circuit before approaching any water-exposed appliance. Do not attempt to power on, test, or plug in any unit that may have been submerged — even partially.
For electrical safety guidance specific to Hawaiʻi, visit Hawaiian Electric's safety resources.
What the Kōkua Kākou Appliance Relief Program Covers
PHAD's relief program is built around four areas of support — each designed to meet families where they are, with no pressure and no purchase required.
1. Safety Guidance Before Anything Else
Before disposing of anything, every unit needs to be documented — brand, model number, serial number, photos from multiple angles. That documentation matters for insurance claims and any FEMA application. PHAD's team can walk families through exactly what's needed so nothing gets missed.
2. Appliance Replacement Guidance, Free of Charge
PHAD carries replacement options across every major brand — GE, GE Profile, Café, Monogram, Bosch, Thermador, Fisher & Paykel, and DCS — and can help identify equivalent models to what families had before. There's no purchase required to get guidance.
3. FEMA Assistance Navigation
A presidential disaster declaration may make FEMA's Individual Assistance program available for affected Hawaiʻi families, which can include coverage for personal property like appliances. FEMA assistance covers what insurance does not, so the right sequence matters: file with insurance first, then apply to FEMA for what's left at disasterassistance.gov.
PHAD's team has helped other families through this process and can share what they've learned.
4. Contractor Fraud Protection
After any major disaster, predatory contractors target affected homeowners. Before hiring anyone for repairs, PHAD recommends:
Verify licensing through the DCCA's Professional & Vocational Licensing site at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl. Check with BIA Hawaii or the BBB. Never pay cash upfront.
In Their Own Words
"We live here, we work here, and we care deeply about this community. The people affected by this storm are our neighbors and friends. When you've been serving Hawaiʻi families for as long as we have, moments like this call for you to show up in a different way, and we're committed to doing what we can to help people move forward."
— Kevin Murray, Owner, PHAD Home Appliance
How to Get Help
Flood-affected families don't need to bring paperwork to start a conversation. PHAD's team is available by phone, text, or email during regular business hours — and the full program resource page is live now at phadhi.com/appliancerelief, including safety steps, FEMA links, and a same-day response contact form.
Reach the Kōkua Kākou Relief Team
No documentation required. No purchase necessary. Just a conversation about what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flood-damaged appliances be repaired, or do they need to be replaced?
In most cases, appliances that have been submerged or significantly exposed to floodwater should be replaced, not repaired. Water damage causes internal corrosion, contaminates insulation and wiring, and compromises electrical safety systems. Powering on a flood-damaged appliance can create fire or electrical shock hazards. Major manufacturers including GE, Bosch, and Thermador advise against using water-damaged units.
Does FEMA cover appliance replacement after a flood?
If a presidential disaster declaration activates FEMA's Individual Assistance program, affected families may be eligible for coverage of personal property losses including appliances. FEMA assistance covers what insurance does not, so the correct sequence is to file with your insurance provider first, then apply to FEMA for remaining unmet needs at disasterassistance.gov.
What should I do before disposing of flood-damaged appliances?
Before disposing of any flood-damaged appliance, disconnect power to the home or circuit. Then document each appliance thoroughly — record the brand, model number, and serial number, and take photos from multiple angles. This documentation is critical for insurance claims and FEMA applications.
Do I need documentation to get help from PHAD's relief program?
No. PHAD's Kōkua Kākou Appliance Relief Program requires no paperwork or documentation to start a conversation. Flood-affected families can reach out by phone, text (808-564-2493), or email (info@phadhi.com) during regular business hours, or use the contact form at phadhi.com/appliancerelief for same-day response.
How can I protect myself from contractor fraud after the flood?
Verify any contractor's license through the DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing site at cca.hawaii.gov/pvl. Check references with BIA Hawaii or the Better Business Bureau. Never pay cash upfront for repairs. After major disasters, predatory contractors often target affected homeowners with high-pressure tactics and unlicensed work.