ccurred in communication. Radio towers had fallen, and microwave antenna dishes were severely damaged. Amateur radio “hams” played a key role in helping relief organizations communicate. Two-way communications were important in identifying medical emergencies, locating work crews and equipment, and developing action plans. After communications were set up, road crews began another difficult task. The roadways and airports had to be cleared in order to access the injured and bring in supplies. When this job was done, the amount of debris generated three to five years’ worth of trash. Electric, water, and phone lines also needed to be restored. Pumping stations began supplying water in four days, while electricity and phone restoration took weeks. Mitigation was a success as far as the residents of Kauia being physically prepared. Emergency preparation information is supplied to the public through utility companies, such as Hawaii Electric Company, and local phone books. The locality of shelters and coastal evacuation zones are given in this information. A list of basic supplies (radio, batteries, flashlight, water, and non-perishable food) that will be needed in the event of a hurricane is also provided. It also explains the importance of tying down or storing loose objects outside, such as lawn furniture. These objects may become hazards in excessive winds. The information suggests taping or boarding up windows to prevent breakage. Resident, Herman Paleka, reported, “Early warnings from the news media did prepare us for this calamity.” It is evident from the low number of deaths and injuries that the residents followed the information supplied by their community. Although the residents were physically prepared, most of their houses were not. Approximately 90 percent of the island's wood-frame buildings sustained some measure of damage. Primarily, the damage was slight to moderate involvi...
