Traveler backlog lingers after power restored at Lihue Airport

LĪHUʻE, Hawaiʻi (HawaiiNewsNow) – Thousands of travelers continued trying to leave Kauaʻi Friday morning, a day after power problems, heat and long lines plagued Līhuʻe Airport.

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Power has been restored at the airport, but officials said that was only part of the problem.

“E kala mai. Mahalo for your patience. Once the power comes back on, that’s only half the battle,” said an overhead announcement as passengers groaned.

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Congresswoman among thousands caught in Thursday’s backlog

On Thursday, thousands of passengers packed inside the airport to get through TSA, with the line extending outside the length of the building.

Līhuʻe Airport had been running on two backup generators since Hurricane Lowell knocked out power Tuesday. Passengers said the lights kept flickering Thursday.

Airport officials said one generator kept powering on and off, forcing TSA agents to reboot their screening machines.

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda and her staff were among those waiting and took video of the crowds, which included visitors trying to leave the island after Hurricane Lowell.

“When we had heard that there were 4,000 people at the airport, it was hard to even imagine what that looks like until you’re actually in the middle of it and I’d never seen anything like it before,” Tokuda said.

Travelers describe overheating and medical calls

With no air conditioning, passengers described the humidity as unbearable.

“I saw firefighters and police officers, different first responders out there giving people water, making sure they’re hydrated. But I also did see two ambulances there that were assisting folks or prepared to assist folks,” said Tokuda.

“There were a number of medical emergencies as a result of people just being overheated and standing for such a long time,” she added.

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Shannon Fleming, who was at the airport, said she saw elderly passengers struggling while they waited.

“Some of the elderly people that were sitting just waiting. They looked like they were exhausted. And I don’t know how long. One lady, I seen her, she was crying,” Fleming said.

Tokuda said it took her three and a half hours to get through TSA. Others waited seven hours.

Transportation officials adjust operations

Ed Sniffen, state Department of Transportation director, said officials focused restoring power and are adjusting operations.

“We got to make sure that we can start prioritizing those that got to get on flights that we know we cannot replace,” Sniffen said.

“So there’s a couple of adjustments that we’ve got make in our operations to ensure that we keep everybody comfortable outside under shade as much as possible,” Sniffen said.

He said water and food was provided.

Missed flights, rebooking hurdles add to frustration

Fleming said she gave up trying to get through Thursday. She said she needs to reach Honolulu by Saturday morning for the birth of her granddaughter, and ticket prices have since gone up.

“I feel sad because we were going to, we booked our tickets a long time ago. Our plan was to help our daughter with her, our other grandkids, so my other family couldn’t didn’t have to worry so much,” Fleming said.

Tokuda said some TSA lines crossed over each other and passengers had to be rescreened. She said what helped was that late into the night, passengers whose flights were coming up were called to the front of the line.

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