Residents watch Hawaii’s coast as Hurricane Lowell strengthens to Category 4

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As Hurricane Lowell strengthens to a Category 4 storm south of Hawaii, residents along the coast are keeping a close eye on rapidly changing conditions and preparing for the possibility of worsening weather.

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Surfers say the increasing swell is drawing attention to changing conditions in the water, while some residents are taking the storm’s rapid strengthening as a reminder to prepare.

“Now that I know it’s a Category 4, I’m definitely going to prepare,” said Alex Kasula, a Makiki resident and surfer.

Kasula said larger swells can be enjoyable for surfers but safety remains a priority.

“Some bigger swells are a little bit of fun for me, but obviously I just want to make sure everyone stays safe and safe in the water,” he said.

For Reece Quinn, a Palolo resident and surfer, the concern goes beyond the ocean. Quinn lives near a stream and remembers how close it came to overflowing during a previous storm.

“I live close to the stream and in the storm we had last … it came like maybe like 5 feet from overflowing into our neighborhood,” Quinn said.

Quinn said his biggest concern is keeping people safe while hoping the storm brings favorable surf without significant flooding.

“Probably just concerned for people’s safety. Hopefully no flooding, but other than that, hopefully some good swell,” he said.

Although Lowell’s projected path remains south of the islands, the storm’s rapid strengthening could still bring impacts to Hawaii, including dangerous surf and storm surge.

Some residents said they were caught off guard by how quickly the storm intensified.

“I’m totally not prepared,” said David Gerson, a Waikiki resident. “Because I didn’t think it would be much. The last I heard it was, I don’t even know if it was a Category 1.”

Gerson said he plans to head to the market to stock up on supplies.

The storm could also bring stronger trade winds, creating additional concerns even if Lowell remains offshore.

For some residents, recent storms have reinforced the importance of being prepared.

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Michael Kebo, a Niu Valley resident, said previous flooding during Kona lows prompted his family to invest in backup power.

“We experienced more issues during the Kona lows with potential flooding. So we learned our lesson and stocked up on a gas generator, a battery generator,” Kebo said.

Jennifer Onishi, a Nuuanu resident, said her family followed preparedness guidance and stocked up on supplies.

“It’s just really important to be prepared,” Onishi said. “I think it’s just really important that you just never know when you might need it and just to make sure that you’re safe.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi urged residents not to underestimate the potential impacts of a storm, pointing to the damage caused by Hurricane Lala, which swept through the islands as a tropical storm weeks ago.

The storm caused extensive damage across Oahu, including downed trees, damaged roofs and widespread power outages, Blangiardi said.

“We lost 500 trees. We had 50 to 60 houses lose their roofs. We had over 100,000 homes without power,” Blangiardi said. “None of this stuff is minimized. This is all real stuff to deal with.”

Honolulu Emergency Medical Services also said it is preparing for potential storm-related emergencies.

Jim Ireland with Honolulu EMS said emergency crews will be ready to respond before and during the storm, including having a high-water vehicle on standby.

“With respect to EMS and CORE, before and during the storm, all hands on deck, our high-water vehicle on standby in collaboration with the Honolulu Police Department and our National Guard partners,” Ireland said.

Blangiardi encouraged residents to make contingency plans and remain informed as the storm approaches.

“Just create contingency plans. We will keep you informed,” Blangiardi said. “The city will be ready and we’ll be prepared for anything that comes our way.”

Residents are now watching the forecast closely as Lowell continues to strengthen and conditions along Hawaii’s coast change.

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