Big Island Real Estate & Community News

Update – March 14:  Tsunami damage in Hawaii estimated at $300 million

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NOAA Tsunami Wave Height Model Shows Pacific-Wide Impact

Many Hawaii residents and visitors breathed a sigh of relief earlier this afternoon when the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center canceled the Tsunami Advisory that had been in effect for the state throughout the morning. Hawaii was under a Tsunami Watch and then Warning overnight after the massive earthquake in Japan yesterday. The first tsunami waves to hit Hawaii arrived at approximately 3 a.m. HST. The largest waves hit Maui and the Big Island’s Kona Coast.

The last areas to remain under evacuation orders from Hawaii County Civil Defense were North and South Kona. From reports that have come in from around the Big Island, it seems that the most extensive damage from the waves that hit Hawaii Island was sustained in West Hawaii’s low-lying coastal areas. Initial reports conservatively estimate statewide damage at approximately $3 million, according to Hawaii Civil Defense Vice Director Ed Teixeira, although the Honolulu Star Advertiser notes that this figure does not include private property damage.

Governor Neil Abercrombie has issued an emergency proclamation that will allow the state to seek federal assistance for recovery efforts.

Links and Resources

NOAA’s National Weather Service – Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

Find Tsunami Evacuation Zones – Hawaii

NOAA Environmental Visualization Laboratory – Tsunami Wave Height Model

VIDEOS – Japan Videos: Earthquake, Tsunami Damage

VIDEO – East Hawaii Tsunami Wrap-Up from Big Island Video News

PHOTOS – Photos from Kealakekua Bay and Napoopoo

PHOTOS – First Look at King Kamehameha Hotel Damage

Clark Realty Office Closures

Here is a list of Clark Realty offices and office closures for Friday, March 11:

Keauhou Office – Keauhou Shopping Center- 78-6831 Alii Drive, #170:

Regular business hours

Kailua-Kona Office – Kuakini Tower – 75-5722 Kuakini Hwy, #133:

Closed today — contact your agent directly

Mauna Lani Office – The Shops at Mauna Lani – 68-1330 Mauna Lani Drive, Suite 310:

Regular business hours

Mauna Lani Office – at the Fairmont Orchid – 1 North Kaniku Drive:

Open from noon to 5:00 pm

Waimea Office – Parker Ranch Center – 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy, Suite E128:

Regular business hours

Hilo Office – Hilo Lagoon Center – 99 Aupuni St., Suite 118:

Office may be open throughout the day, but contact your agent for details