honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 12:15 p.m., Saturday, November 22, 2003

High surf continues to pound islands

 •  Surf surprises east shores
 •  Homeowners battle to save depleted beachfront
 •  Photo gallery: Big surf pounds windward shores

By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer

Following an expected high tide swell that reached the Hawaiian Islands at around 3 a.m. this morning, the National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for all northeast facing shores. Surf along the north and east facing shore is estimated to be at 20 to 25 feet throughout the day. Another high tide swell is expected at 1 p.m. this afternoon, but isn't expected to cause any damage.

Kamehameha Highway, closed earlier from the Kualoa Ranch area to Hau'ula along O'ahu's Windward Coast, has completely reopened as of 8 a.m. this morning, according to Department of Transportation spokesperson Scott Ishikawa. Since 6 a.m. Friday morning, the road has been either entirely closed or limited to only one lane. Caution is still being advised when driving along the highway.

Police in Windward O'ahu report that high surf has washed rocks and debris across the highway, although no major damage was reported. The National Weather Service said the high surf is expected to drop to 12 to 18 feet by tomorrow.