Community crews on Oahu's North Shore are clearing mangroves from Kiikii Stream, good news for Waialua residents who've pushed for this fix for decades.

• Volunteers and groups like Team Rubicon are using chainsaws and heavy equipment to clear over a mile of mangrove choking the stream.
• The goal is to let water flow freely again so the stream doesn't back up and flood nearby homes during heavy rain.
• Residents say they've been asking for permission to do this work for more than 30 years; urgency grew after flooding during storms earlier this year.
• Local lawmakers and a city councilmember chipped in over $2,000 to help cover fuel costs for the machinery.
• The stream is clogged partly because there's little natural river flow left, so organizers also want help dredging it.

Outlook: Crews are racing to finish clearing before another rainstorm expected to hit the area next week.