Department of Defense

Hilo Disaster: Another disaster by a huge seismic wave which killed 57 persons, struck Hawaii at Hilo on 23 May 1960. This wave was triggered by an Earthquake in Chile. Personnel from the 2nd Battle Group, 299th Inf responded rapidly and assisted by providing vehicular radio communications, guards to prevent looting, personnel to direct traffic and man road blocks. Guardsmen also assisted in the collection of victims and the evacuation of civilians and their personal property. Aerial support included aircrafts to shuttle government officials to and from the disaster areas. Approximately 981 man days were expended by Guardsmen on State active duty to assist in this disaster.

–1960 Annual Report pp. 6

They excelled …

GUARDSMEN ASSIST HILO WAVE VICTIMS

by Eddie H. Anderson

Date: Monday 23 May 1960.

The electric clock on the wall at radio station KIMO at the edge of Hilo bay was stopped at 1:06 a.m. At that precise moment, a huge seismic wave, triggered by an earthquake in Chile, slammed into the crescent port city of Hilo. Within a few moments, over 57 persons died in the twisted ruble of their homes and businesses. Electric power and telephone communications went out.

Many Hilo Guardsmen, hearing of the disaster, voluntarily rushed to the Keaukaha armory to offer their services which they knew would he needed. They were right!

At 3 a.m., Governor William F. Quinn ordered the Guard to Active Duty with the State. By sunrise, 23 men were on post. By 9 a.m., 103 enlistment and seven officers were assisting the residents of Hilo. Because
telephone communications in the Hilo area were silenced by the onslaught of rushing water, most Guardsmen had to he summoned by personal contact.

Nine radio jeeps were rushed into the strickened area to re-establish communications with police and civil defense headquarters. At the same time, Guardsmen were posted in the area to prevent looting. A third group was formed to probe the wreckage in search of the injured and the dead.

Additionally, Guardsmen directed traffic, manned road blocks, assisted police with roving jeep patrols and even supplied a firing squad for a military burial.

During the early stages of the disaster, Guardsmen on shore patrol, walked from the Wailua bridge to the Naniloa Hotel in search of victims washed into the bay when the wave receded. During the first 24 hours, more than a score of citizen soldiers voluntarily stood 10- to 12- hour watches in spite of a constant drizzle that fell Monday morning.

Guards, standing lonely night vigils at dark intersections, were given doughnuts and hot coffee by roving Red Cross and Salvation Army coffee wagons.

Five radio jeeps, five jeep ambulances and seven trucks were pressed into service. Over 200 HNG cots and blankets were supplied by the Red Cross for displaced persons.

Trucks, driven by HNGmen dashed here and there, helping residents to pick up their damaged and salvageable belongings. A wrecker from the 284th Transportation company hoisted safes from the debris onto 2½ -ton trucks. The safes, many containing thousands of dollars, were then transported to the police station for identification and return to the owners.

A few Guardsmen suffered heavy personal property losses due to the 35-foot wave. One member, SP5 Seiji Sakuma of Kainehe street, Waiakea, lost most of his belongings when the apartment house in which he lived was destroyed. He elected to remain on duty with the Guard.

With their shift work done, tired Guardsmen returned to the Keaukaha armory where they enjoyed a hot meal and much deserved rest. Cooks at the armory toiled 16 hours a day. Hot coffee was always available.

The most difficult job was accomplished by a handful of trained medics. They answered calls at all hours,
picking up bodies found in the twisted wreckage by search parties. They picked up the lifeless forms of friends, neighbors and school chums.

The Air National Guard C-47 and the Army National Guard L-23 were familiar sights at the Hilo airport as they shuttled legislators and other dignitaries between Hilo and Honolulu.

IN HONOLULU, after warning of the approaching wave was received, the Army Aviation section at Honolulu International Airport was evacuated to Wheeler Field. At Sand Island, over 100 men of “C” and “D” batteries of the 1st Missile Battalion, 298th Artillery, moved radar vans, launcher control trailers, tracking radar missiles, test equipment and generators to safe ground in Fort Shafter.

Lt Col John Becker, commander of the 298th Artillery Group (Air Defense ) ordered the NIKE-Hercules equipment moved from Sand Island at 9:50 p.m. At 10:15 p.m. the first Guardsman arrived and by 10:35, 20 minutes later, over 100 men had reported to the batteries. At 11:35, the first loaded vehicle cleared the Sand Island gate. By 12:30, only the barbed wire barrier remained.

There is a great deal of appreciation in Hilo for the excellent work done by members of the Hawaii National Guard in assisting residents and businessmen of the stricken area. Overheard at the Hilo Police station, an officer said, “These guys (Guardsmen) have worked very hard. They deserve a lot of credit.” I agree! I was there.

– 1960 June The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 2-3

The HANG GOONEY BIRD supported recovery operations at Hilo following the 23 May 1960 seismic wave which killed 57 persons and caused extensive property damage.

– HANG 25 History of Hawaii Air National Guard pp. 36-37