HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) — Hawaii Island continued to bear the brunt of the Kona Low on Saturday, with heavy rain and strong winds triggering road closures, power outages, wastewater concerns and widespread damage from Hilo to Kona.
Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno told HNN’s Sunrise that water coming off the mountains has led to closures on roads and highways across the island.
Public works crews and state highway workers are clearing debris and reopening routes, but Magno urged people to stay off the roads if possible.
“Best thing for today would be stay home if you can, because things are just so dynamic out there,” Magno said.
Power outages and water impacts
Winds are hitting Kailua-Kona especially hard, toppling trees and knocking out power in large sections of the district.
Magno said the outages are also affecting water production, prompting a water conservation request for North and South Kona.
He added that sewage pump stations around the island are operating on backup generator power and will need refueling as the storm continues.
Hardest hit areas: Kona, Puna, Kau
Magno said Kona, Puna and Kau are seeing significant impacts, while Hamakua has largely been spared so far.
“Crews are busy and all the departments are busy dealing with just the effects of the wind and rain,” Magno said.
Hawaii Island Mayor Kimo Alameda said the county remains in full activation mode as multiple districts deal with flooding, debris and downed lines.
“We already had a lot of debris. I mean, over 100 trees (have) fallen, power lines,” Alameda said. “We’re in full activation mode right now.”
Alameda said East Hawaii, including Hilo, saw early impacts, but this round has hit the west side especially hard, along with storm trouble spots in Kau and Puna.
In Kona, damage along Alii Drive included the Happiness Kona Restaurant, with impact felt by businesses below it, including Sunset Traders Hawaii.
“I get down here about six o’clock in the morning, and the whole roof on the building is taken off,” said David Bruner, whose family owns Sunset Traders Hawaii.
Bruner said the store was hit harder than in past storms.
“I’ve never seen a storm like this,” he said.
He estimated major losses inside the shop.
“We probably have 80% damage of merchandise and everything. The whole store is a mess,” Bruner said.
Even as damage assessments continue, residents say neighbors are showing up to help.
“I think it’s definitely the strong suit Hawaii has for each other and the ohana, the Aloha spirit we have over here,” said Keith Kauhane, a friend of Bruner, “just everybody banding together, helping out, doing what needs doing.”
Mayor Alameda said the county is coordinating closely with community partners and nonprofits as response efforts continue.
“We’re no stranger to these disasters,” said Alameda. “It’s like a well-oiled machine, and once you click that food activation button, everybody comes to the table, and we work together really well.”
Watch our full interview with Magno here:
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