Civil Beat – Are We Ready?

https://www.civilbeat.org/projects/emergency-preparedness/

ABOUT THE SERIES

Experts agree it’s only a matter of time until Oahu gets hit by a hurricane or tsunami. We examine the island’s vulnerabilities and what steps are being taken to make it more resilient.

Chapter 1: Are We Ready? Or Not?

Civil Beat explores how vulnerable Hawaii’s most populous island is if a hurricane hits — and what’s being done to make us more prepared.BY MARCEL HONORE 

/ OCTOBER 9, 2018

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Chapter 2: If The Big One Hits, Honolulu Harbor Is A Fragile Lifeline

The isolated islands would rapidly burn through food and supplies should the port close. Plan B is to bring limited goods through Pearl Harbor.BY MARCEL HONORE 

/ OCTOBER 9, 2018

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Chapter 3: Turning The Lights Back On Is Tough In Oahu’s Rugged Terrain

Maintaining electricity in the wake of a major storm is also key to keeping the water supply flowing.BY MARCEL HONORE 

/ OCTOBER 9, 2018

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Chapter 4: Most Of Oahu’s Shelters Are A Long Way From Hurricane Ready

The state is assessing the conditions of shelters and retrofitting some, but the work is expensive and slow.BY MARCEL HONORE 

/ OCTOBER 9, 2018

Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Chapter 5: How The Ala Wai Canal Puts Honolulu’s Most Valuable Real Estate At Risk

Congress has authorized $345 million to strengthen the aging canal to protect against flooding in Waikiki and nearby neighborhoods.BY MARCEL HONORE

/ OCTOBER 9, 2018

Chapter 6: More Frequent And More Frightening Storms On The Horizon

Hawaii has been hit directly by a hurricane or tropical storm five times since 1950. Three of those direct hits came in the last four years.BY MARCEL HONORE 

/ OCTOBER 9, 2018

Eduardo Meléndez/Civil Beat

Chapter 7: What Hawaii Can Learn From Puerto Rico’s Devastation

The U.S. territory still hasn’t recovered from Maria. Hawaii officials hope better coordination and a more resilient electric grid will help avoid a similar fate.BY MARCEL HONORE 

/ OCTOBER 10, 2018

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