Updated at 9:03 a.m., Sunday, October 15, 2006
Big Island damage significant
Advertiser Staff
The magnitude 6.5 quake was centered under Kona and shook the islands this morning, knocking out power, shattering glassware in homes and carving landslides in Hamakua and Kealakekua.There are reports of major damage at Kona Hospital.
There was no tsunami threat, according to Big Island Civil Defense.
On the Big Island, cellualar phone service for at least two cell phones companies was sporadic, which may mean residents were unable to report damge.
The most destructive quake in Hawaii in recent years was April 26, 1973 centered in Honomu, and measuring magnitude 6.2. That quake did an estimated $60 million damage to roads, utilities, highways, and more than 400 homes and businesses.
On the Big Island, the quake caused one propane tank to fly off its moorings and roll down an embankment. Residents were evacuated.
At one point, the Mauna Lani and Fairmont Orchid hotels asked drivers to assist with evaucation of their guests in South Kahala, but Mayor Harry Kim asked the hotels to stop because there was no tsunami threat.
