People have remained relatively calm this morning, despite hearing sirens sounding at 6 a.m., alerting individuals to the possibility of a tsunami hitting the island. A “very steady stream” of people had been shopping at K-Mart since about 7 a.m.,
People have remained relatively calm this morning, despite hearing sirens sounding at 6 a.m., alerting individuals to the possibility of a tsunami hitting the island.
A “very steady stream” of people had been shopping at K-Mart since about 7 a.m., said an employee Bertha Guerra.
Normally covering the housewares area, Guerra was recruited to assist at the cash register because of the influx of people coming into the store during the early morning hours.
Visitors were flocking to the store, reportedly evacuating from low-lying areas and needing a place to “hang out,” the employee said.
There was no panic in the air as people filled their carts with water, food and other supplies.
“We needed just a few things,” said King Auto Center Sales & Representative John Borales III, who was shopping with his family for some extra supplies and diapers.
“We feel prepared,” said Pua Borales.
Poptarts, cheese and canned beans were one way resident Jean Helm felt prepared this morning, as she paid for her items at the check-out line. However, since she’s in the process of moving, she said she regrettably just gave away her “hurricane kit.”
Other ways people are planning in the event of an emergency is filling their vehicles with gas.
The 76 station in Lihu‘e was buzzing with vehicles around 7:30 a.m., but movement had slowed down about an hour later. Prices even dropped from $3.51 to $3.46 for customers to help prepare for the tsunami, according to owner Steven Victorino.
The county has urged everyone to evacuate low-lying coastal zones, said coutny spokesperson Mary Daubert.
Areas like Nawiliwili, Po‘ipu and Hanalei will be closed by 9:30 a.m. and will only be allowing vehicles to pass which are heading toward higher ground.
Cones will be set up at Waimea Bridge, Hanapepe at Lele Road and Moi Road, the ‘Ele‘ele intersection of Kaumuali‘i and Halewili, Hanamaulu Beach Road, the Poi‘pu roadabout, sections of Kuhio and Kaumuali‘i Highway, as well as the Princeville Firestation.
“The main thing is for those in low-lying areas to quickly get up to higher ground,” Daubert said.
County, state, Red Cross, boating, harbors and tourism officials are “gathered at the emergency operation center,” Daubert said.
