Eric Arakawa surveying flood damage at his North Shore factory. Photos: Instagram
The flooding on the North Shore of Oahu turned the area into a disaster zone. Thousands have been affected — homes, businesses, and roads all covered in mud. The cleanup is ongoing, and residents have a long road ahead of them. Eric Arakawa, one of surfing’s most legendary shapers, is one of them. Which is why his daughter, Mariko Arakawa-Hoffbeck, started a crowdfunding campaign after his shop was ruined in the flood.
“For over 40 years,” wrote Mariko, “my dad, Eric Arakawa, has dedicated his life to a craft that has blessed so many lives around the world and yet he has always walked with the humility of a steward, giving the glory to God for the work he’s been entrusted with. Because he is the first to offer help and the very last to ask for it — especially when he knows so many others in our community are suffering — I am starting this fundraiser on his and his team’s behalf.”
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The storm that hit the Hawaiian Islands on March 20 was unlike anything seen in recent memory. Arakawa shaped surfboards for Andy Irons. Boards for Michael Ho, Jack Robinson, and Todd Chesser. His Wailua factory, a place he’s had for over two decades and is almost a sacred space on the North Shore, has been extensively damaged by the raging flood waters.
“Finished surfboards are fortunately waterproof, but the many unfinished boards and foam blanks in the shop were all damaged by the muddy water, as well as equipment, tools, furniture, and all the drywall interior,” Mariko continued. “They have been unable to test the CNC machine but it looks to be still functional. Because flooding was never a concern at this location, the business is facing this alone without the safety net of flood insurance.”
As of this writing, the Arakawa factory is shut down. There’s so much needed before Arakawa can even begin to open it back up again — drywall, materials, equipment, and perhaps most importantly, staff. His dedicated employees are essentially out of work until things are back up and running.
“Our hearts are so heavy for every family and business in Hawai’i that have been affected by this storm,” Mariko finished. “We feel incredibly blessed that the factory is still standing, especially when so many have lost everything. We know there is a long road ahead for all of Hawai’i, and we are humbled by the outpouring of love we have already seen. Whether through prayer, supplying materials, or a contribution to this fund, I am so deeply grateful for all of the ways you’ve shown up for my family and this community that we love.”
