Kailua’s Tsunami Day Orderly But Imperfect

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A local survey shows that Kailuans behaved well and stayed safe during the March 12 tsunami evacuation, yet confusion remains.

Summarizing Kailua Neighborhood Board’s survey of 200 visitors to last month’s I Love Kailua town party, board chairman Chuck Prentiss said the evacuation’s success “can mainly be attributed to the cooperative, neighborly attitudes of the people of Kailua.

“The smallness of the tsunami waves were also a major factor,” he added. “We may not be as lucky next time.”

Of the responses, 90 percent of those within the tsunami zone said they evacuated their homes; 25 percent outside the mapped tsunami area also left.

Answers to “Where did you go?” raised the most concern. “It appeared to be more of a confusing free-for-all,” said Prentiss, a Wanaao Road resident who moved uphill to Kalanianaole Highway. Still others fled to H-3, Longs parking garage, Pali Lookout, etc. One family spent the night at a pet boarding facility.

The city’s emergency management website suggested people walk or drive to a “safe area or shelter” outside the zone, yet the shelters were closed.

“The survey helped to show that improvements to the evacuation plans, communications and public education are needed to enhance safety for future tsunamis,” Prentiss concluded.