2006 Kiholo Bay Earthquake

Three major incidents or disasters that SCD responded to in FY 2007 were the Maalaea Fire on Maui in September 2006, Kula Forest Reserve Fire in January 2007, and the Kiholo Bay Earthquake, which impacted the islands on Oct. 15, 2006. The Kiholo Bay Earthquake caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and to critical infrastructure on the Big Island and damage to the Piilani Highway along the south Maui coastline from Kaupo to Kipahulu. Tremors from the earthquake also caused an island-wide power outage on Oahu that resulted in a loss of media communication for much of the state. To address this issue and its impact on communities, businesses and government, Gov. Linda Lingle launched the Governor’s Comprehensive Communications Review Committee with members from government agencies and the private sector including print, television and broadcast media.

Steps undertaken by SCD to improve emergency communications included an update of the Hawaii Emergency Alert System Plan, installation of dedicated phone lines to civil defense primary broadcast stations and an increased focus on special needs communications resources.

– 2007 Annual Report pp. 21

2006 Kiholo Bay Earthquake

The residents of Hawaii were shaken awake on the morning of Oct. 15, 2006, by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake off the western coast of the island of Hawaii. The tremor located in Kiholo Bay caused damage statewide. On Oct. 17, 2006, a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration was signed, releasing federal funds to assist in recovery efforts. Damage to public infrastructure exceeded $20 million. Rebuilding and repairing public property continues at a steady pace. As of FY 2009, 46 percent of the projects to restore damaged public property have been completed. A Hazard Mitigation Grant Program allocation of $4,169,772.00 was approved for eligible projects at a 75/25 percent federal/state cost share.

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 22

On Nov. 25, 2008, water was released into Kohala Ditch on the Big Island, two years after it had been damaged by the 2006 Kiholo Bay Earthquake. A group consisting of local volunteers, farmers, ranchers, USDA staff, the North Kohala Community Resource Center, Surety Kohala Corporation, Kamehameha Schools, the AT&T Foundation, and SCD undertook the project to restore and preserve the historic Kohala Ditch and provide water security for farms, ranches, dairies, and aquaculture in the area.

– 2009 Annual Report pp. 24