The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1898-03-25
YESTERDAYS FLOODS SEVEREST
IN YEARS.
One Fatality Results-Houses and
Grounds Flooded-Rice and Taro
Fields Washed Out-IIavoc Wrought

The most damaging floods known in
Honolulu and Oahu within the mem
ory of the oldest inhabitant, broke in
all their fury about o'clock yester-
day afternoon. For II time it look
ed as though there might be consid-
cradle loss of life and great damage
to property. But the prompt and well
directed efforts of a host of volun-
teers, and a lull in the storm after the
terrific downpour of the early after
noon. averted all but one fatality and
reduced the actual destruction OF
property to comparatively moderate
proportions.
The point of imminent danger to
life was the lower part of Nuuanu
valley, from Vineyard to King streets.
Captain Thompson of the bark X. +.
Rithet sent his entire crew with his
boats to the work of rescue in this
locality. Similar help was sent from
other vessels in the harbor. w. IL.
Hoogs. manager for Hustace d Co.,
put his entire force of men and trucks
into the rescue service. Marshal
Brown sent Captain Parker and II
force of policemen to aid. Superin-
tendent of Public Works Rowell led
such force as he was able, in the work
of preventing jams and gorges in the
stream.
The one fatality of the storm was
the death of Stagawa, Japanese,
who was caught in the current above
Vineyard street, and in spite of he
roic efforts to save him. was drown
ed and his body carried out to sea.
Stagawa, himself a hero, inasmuch
as he lost his life trying to do kind
ness, in his struggles and death, pre-
sented the opportunity which was uI;-
hesitatingly accepted, for as heroic an
effort to save life as was ever made
William Wells. sailor on the Rithet,
was one of a boats crew engaged in
rescue work in the stream between
Beretania and Kullui streets. AS Sta
gawa came down the stream, borne
swiftly by the current, Wells without
a moments hesitation, jumped out of
the boat and seized the helpless Jap.
His best efforts to make the shore be-
fore reaching Beretania street bridge
were in vain. To be carried against
the bridge. over which the waters
were rushing. was certain death for
| both. With the quickness of thought,
| Wells with the Jap, dived down in the
water. Both came out on the other
side, but in passing under the bridge
the Jap must have struck something,
| for he was wrenched away from
| Wells grasp, and the latter was un-
able again to get hold of him. But
it was not until it was clear that fur
ther effort was useless that Wells gave
up and sought his own safety. He got
to the shore just before reaching the
King street bridge, was pulled out by
willing hands, and at once went back
to his work with the Rithet boat. The
poor Jap was carried out to sea. This
thrilling scene occupied less time than
it takes to describe it. Wells himself
spoke in the most modest wav about
his part in it.
Professor w. D. Alexander stated
this morning that yesterdays storm
was the severest that has visited the
city for years. He remembers a flood
and storm way back in the sixties
that was terror, but he has his
doubts that it equalled yesterdays at.
traction.
Stagawa, the victim of the flood
whose thrilling fate was witnessed by
thousands, was really a hero. He lost
his life through trying to do a kind
ness. He was on the Nuuanu street
side of the stream just above Vine,
yard street. He thought the residence
of Miss Peabody on the opposite side
of the stream was in danger, the cur
rent having already overturned q
small detached building belonging tC
it, He swan across the stream and
offered his assistance. Being told
that it was not needed, sufficient hell
being already there, he started tC
swim back. But in the few minute,
that had elapsed the water had yer,
greatly risen, and the stream was
torrent. 1t was too strong for him
1t caught and carried him away, ant
struck by some driftwood, he wa,
disabled so that he could do nothing
but keep afloat.
He was a single man and lived OF
Maunakea street. He was a painter
by trade and had been employed fo