Iselle Hit PUNA Hard

It took a few hours/days for everyone to realize how destructive and widespread the damage was.  We include some photos and excerpts from a news story here.  

Hawaii News Now
By Mileka Lincoln


A Hilo Army National Guard crew took Hawai'i County officials on a damage assessment flight Saturday afternoon and the destruction in lower Puna is extensive.  "It's a lot worse than we expected," said John Medeiros, the Deputy Director of Environmental Management. "Our priority is to open those arteries so we can get down to those areas where people are trapped," Medeiros said, referring to the dozens of toppled albezia trees that are blocking roadways.

The area is surrounded with the invasive tree, which Medeiros says grows tall rapidly and is very brittle. "It's just like toothpicks breaking when it dries out. That's a devastating tree we have all over this area, that's why we had such a problem." 

(We know several people who live near us who had trees land on their houses.)


Officials say Nanawale and Leilani Estate  (this is OUR subdivision)  neighborhoods, along with coastal community Kapoho, appear to be the hardest hit and are their top priorities.

"It's pretty devastating the amount of trees on the ground and the community the roads are really blocked. Across the islands, it's not devastated but I tell you there are some communities here that are devastated and that's what we need to consider," said Major General Darryll Wong of the Hawai'i National Guard, who was onboard the Black Hawk flight.

"The National Guard are the sons and daughters here in Hawaii and these guys are leaning forward and they want to help. We are supporting the County and Mayor Kenoi in every which way they can. Whatever the Mayor of this County needs, the entire assets of the Hawai'i National Guard and the United States as well is ready to support. We're totally committed to get them help and back on their feet as soon as we can," Maj. General Wong said.

We are OK, but are still without electricity.  Our 12v battery/solar connection is running our water, and the generator is keeping our refrigerator, freezer and computer operational. 

PRAYERS AND ALOHA GO OUT TO ALL!