Mayor Tavares concurs: “We dodged another bullet”

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“In these types of situations we must be prepared to protect the public,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “When the worse case scenario doesn’t occur – we can count ourselves lucky that we dodged another bullet. In this case when the state’s tsunami warning center forecast a dangerous surge due to the earthquake in Chile, we acted to do everything possible to protect the public’s safety and our community.

“If the worse had happened, we know that everything possible was being considered and being done to protect life and property. If one life would have been lost, that would be one life too many.

Hana, Maui residents say they observed the ocean recede at least three times, exposing the outer reef and sending residents to higher ground. Photo by Bobbi Kalama.

“I was able to view potential tsunami inundation areas in our county via a military Black Hawk helicopter today. Seeing Kahului Harbor, other parts of Maui, as well as Molokai and Lanai by air gave me a good scope of the situation and what was occurring.

“I want to thank our community for being prepared, listening, and respecting the advisories and directions provided by emergency management personnel. County, State and Federal agencies do their best to look out for everyone’s safety and the cooperation of the public is crucial in these times.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Supporting information courtesy County of Maui)