LIHUE — A helicopter performing an airborne freezer installation at Walmart caused quite a stir Thursday morning. The helicopter work started sometime before 7 a.m. The store and parking lot were kept clear and traffic slowed with congestion building through
LIHUE — A helicopter performing an airborne freezer installation at Walmart caused quite a stir Thursday morning.
The helicopter work started sometime before 7 a.m. The store and parking lot were kept clear and traffic slowed with congestion building through Hanamaulu to Kuhio Highway.
The Lihue store is undergoing a $1.26 million renovation and needed a helicopter to assist with the installation of a new freezer.
Kauai Police Dispatch received several phone calls from residents who did not know what was happening and thought there was an accident or an emergency.
“While KPD was informed by the company of the delivery, police officers were not involved with the planned evacuation of the store and surrounding parking lot,” said county spokesperson Sarah Blane.
“According to police, that was handled by privately hired contractors,” she said. “However, patrol officers working the Lihue District did respond to the scene this morning due to the number of people that had gathered around.”
Walmart spokesperson Delia Garcia said the installation of a new refrigeration system Thursday is part of a remodeling. The green technology units use energy saving LED lighting.
The Walmart project started in early August and will be ongoing through the fall. Renovations include bathroom repairs, new counters in customer service areas, ceiling tiles and flooring, and painting of the interior and exterior walls.
Lihue Walmart manager Crystal Fernandez said the work was conducted during a time of day that would cause the least disruption.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused,” she said.
