Sirens blare, traffic gridlocks as Hawaii braces for tsunami threat

USA Today

2 days ago

HONOLULU ‒ The Hawaiian Islands were sent into chaos on the afternoon of July 29 as people braced for a tsunami warning across the state. Sirens blared every hour, urging people to evacuate the coastline as quickly as possible before the anticipated first wave in the evening.
The warning was triggered following an 8.8 earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake also triggered various alerts across U.S. West Coast, Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, but was expected to hit Hawaii the hardest.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management called for the evacuation of some coastal areas. "A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii," the agency said in a bulletin. "Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property."
Shortly after the initial sirens went off at around 3 p.m., the streets of Honolulu – including the tourist hub Waikiki – were congested as people quickly tried to move to higher ground and away from coastal evacuation zones.
Waikiki traffic quickly became a gridlock of cars trying to leave the beachside neighborhood, while some residents reported long lines at gas stations. Across the state, businesses and establishments like the Hawaiian Humane Society, immediately closed. Hotels near the coast started vertical evacuations to floors four and up, according to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau at 7 p.m.
Oahu resident Megan Lee said she hit more traffic than usual on her commute home from work. 'It's nice to see everyone taking it seriously,' Lee told USA TODAY. 'It's always scary to get an alert like that.'
The alerts invoked memories of the 2018 false missile alert, when residents woke up to an emergency alert notification that a ballistic missile was headed their way. Residents across the islands scrambled to find shelter before learning it was sent as an error.
Lee, who was on Oahu during the false missile alert, said she feels desensitized. 'It makes me not take the sirens as seriously, unfortunately,' she said. 'We get a lot of alarms in Hawaii, and you see people going surfing because there's a tsunami warning.' Hawaii residents are used to the sounds of sirens, given that they're tested on the first business day of each month.
Most beachgoers and surfers were fast to flee the beach after the sirens, although not all.
A live camera feed hosted by the website Surfline.com showed surfers still in the ocean off Waikiki Beach at 5 p.m. local time, a little more than an hour before the first tsunami was forecast to hit. Two skimboarders could also be seen on the beach, which was otherwise largely deserted. With minutes to the projected first wave, the waters were empty and boats moved further out to sea from harbors and marinas.
For those living more inland, like Honolulu resident Julie Shimer, concerns were more muted. "For myself, I'm not worried," Shimer told USA TODAY.
"I think it's great (the state) is being more cautious,' she added. 'It's always better being more prepared just in case."
Travelers were some of those left in uncertainty, with several flights canceled or delayed in Honolulu, according to Civil Beat Honolulu. Flights headed to Hawaii were diverted back while Kahului Airport and Hilo International Airport closed. Airlines servicing the islands, like Hawaiian Airlines, issued travel waivers for July 29 to 30.
In a statement sent on Tuesday afternoon, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said, 'Residents and visitors are urged to monitor local media for updates and stay away from the coastline. For those flying in or out of Hawaii today please check with your airline for the status of your flight."
'Hoping it's not going to be a big deal'
Chris Anderson said he isn't taking any chances.
A longtime artist from Lahaina, Hawaii, Anderson, along with his wife Melanie, quickly began stuffing duffel bags after receiving alerts, hearing sirens, and seeing police going door-to-door inside their oceanside condo complex, urging residents to pack up and leave.
The couple made sure they had enough baby formula and diapers for their newest arrival, four-month-old son David Cameron, nicknamed 'D.C.,' for short, and enough food for their two cats.
'They said a wave is going to hit in about an hour and a half,' Anderson told USA TODAY by phone about the police warning. 'I'm hoping it's not going to be a big deal.'
Anderson said they are fleeing to higher ground at a friend's house in the Kaanapali Hillside about an hour's drive away.
'I'm just trying to remain calm. There's no point in freaking out, yet,' Anderson said. 'I have to be strong for my wife and our son. It's better to be the level head of the family.'
Anderson hopes not to lose another home or business due to Mother Nature. He lost both during the Hawaii wildfires that left more than 100 dead and destroyed more 2,000 structures two years ago.
He's also less than two weeks away from reopening a bigger space for Lahania Printsellers, one of the town's oldest and most recognizable art galleries that's 'literally a two-minute walk from the ocean.'
After 15 years working at the gallery, Anderson took ownership after the previous owner, Alan Walker, passed away last July.
'My entire savings went into getting the new gallery open,' Anderson said. 'Things are finally getting back to normal.'
Now, Anderson hopes his future won't get washed away.
'Fingers crossed,' he said.