Dec 19, 2012
Heavy showers fell over the windward side of the Big Island near Papaaloa, just to the southeast of Laupahoehoe. A motorist, a tourist from California, apparently tried to cross the swollen Pahale Stream and died after being swept away by the rapid current. The vehicle he was driving was considerably damaged as well.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 436975). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Hawaii County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.