Hawai'i seems to have dodged a bullet (1:00pm)

The earthquake in Chile in 1960 triggered a huge tsunami that caused terrible damage to Hilo. This quake was smaller, but large on the scales and yet our shores are basically unaffected by the energy that has traveled 6,000 miles.

We're not to resume normal activity yet; the "all clear" has not been given. To their own risk there are many boats returning to the open harbors, and several people can be seen walking the streets and/or on the beaches. Things may have been much milder than originally anticipated, but why risk it? We live on an island, the beach will be there in a few hours - which the most time we would be waiting at this point. It's only 1:00pm and it's Saturday, chill people! It's not weak or foolish to take precautions. I think it's about respecting the ocean and it's power, and it's many potential dangers.

I want to wait and see first hand if any significant water activity will happen, but I am soooo tired! My honey has been sleeping this whole time - lucky him, guess he didn't miss much. Tsunami arrived on Hawaiian time as a keiki rather than a big kahuna: *phew*

Let's keep praying that the worst is over this time for our Hawai'i...

Timeline as the ocean stirs

11:57am

I guess what I'm feeling anxious for is the aftermath of the rising sea level. Whether the waves themselves are considered large, the water will damage local businesses and just the flow of our lives. That is what I have to hand over to God.

The reef is less exposed at Ala Moana, and surf there and here seems to be getting choppier.

12:07pm

Hilo waters very discolored. Small waves/surges have arrived but nothing severe; no damages.

12:10pm

The reef at Ala Moana is very exposed again. Waters seem to be fluctuating noticeably on the south shore of O'ahu. Again, no damages or significant water on shore. Many traffic cameras are now facing the ocean.

Reports of tsunami activity all over the world from the earthquake in Chile.

12:21pm

Kauai currently looks calm.

All islands are anticipating more ocean action. Hold mode...we wait...well most of us are. There are reports of people wading around in Waikiki and even Ala Moana. Bad idea, since the ocean is unpredictable and unforgiving.

12:25pm

Harbors and beaches are barren. North shore is like a ghost town; many voluntary evacuations taking place there, but Kam Hwy is closed. Changing water levels reported up there too.

The threat is still present for all islands until the "all clear" is given.

Hold mode...tsunami is on Hawaiian time

People are doing well to keep the roads clear. Many are closed anyways, including highways and freeways. Most malls are closed, most schools and libraries are closed too. Some banks opened today, and mail will be delivered outside of inundation areas.

The latest from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is that they're waiting too. The estimated time of arrival is reported to be about an hour later than originally thought. Hawaiian tsunami late, what a surprise? At least it didn't come early!

It's an eerie calm before the storm right now. It's weird to know it's coming, but not knowing when or how much water will rise onto our shores. The only sign we have from the ocean so far is some discoloration in Hilo.

Waikiki is flat as winter usually is at this point...

Education is key (11:10am)

Facts...

*A tsunami warning is not to prepare for a giant wave. The event is a series of waves over a varied period of hours, at varies intervals.

*The first wave is not necessarily the biggest.

*The height of the waves are not the only issue; the waves are traveling at a much stronger current and usually bring and pick up a lot of debris, making them very dangerous.

*The last major tsunami to hit was so long ago there are whole generations that have never experienced this high of an advisory.

*This 8.8 earthquake to hit Chile last night is tied for the 4th largest earthquake recorded in history (the other is Equador in 1906).

Updates...

*Tsunami ETA for O'ahu is 11:35am (according to KHNL2)

*Almost 11:10am and no major activity reported in Hilo.

*Another siren just sounded, nothing in sight here so far.

Tsunami en route (10:14am)

This is my first official tsunami warning since living here, and apparently the first one for the island in a long time. This is quite an experience, especially coming from the mainland. At this point I'm trusting that the posted evacuation zones are accurate and intelligently placed. We are technically 2 blocks passed the evac area for Waikiki. Click the following link to see our inundation zone guidelines (we are one block west of the Jefferson Elementary School):

Civil Defense Tsunami Evacuation Zone

I'm still sick so I was trying to sleep in until closer to the first estimated impact, but with the state sirens going off every hour and the hotel announcements invading our apartment, there was not much sleep to be had for me. In between dozing I have been texting my local homies to check in and check up. Turns out my work was really slammed so I went in to help lighten the load, so they could close sooner. Glad I did, because it was quite a scene down there.

This warning comes as a result of the large earthquake that hit Chile yesterday. Basically, the first wave is estimated to hit O'ahu around 11:18am HST (Hilo will be hit first, at 11:05am). It's currently 10:14am HST. Thank goodness it is day time and not a business day. I feel for the tourists that are trippin' right now because I know if I was on vacation and all I knew about tsunamis was movies and the tragedy in Indonesia, I would wanna leave now!

I am also comforted by the fact that I live in a concrete building, on the 21st floor. I only wish our lanai faced the ocean head on so I could see what may be.

...more later...