Big Island Video News 1-22-15… "High Surf Damages West Hawaii Shores"

I almost went to Hapuna Beach today, but somehow felt it was not my day to go. This could be why that message came in. The image to left is where I usually go at Hapuna.
Also, here is a video that shows the wave action at Kawaihae Harbor, just north of Hapuna. Video: http://youtu.be/9rEzwS0nnmg

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High Surf Damages West Hawaii Shores
(Big Island Video News) KONA, Hawaii – Reports of damage along West Hawaii shores are beginning to come in, as a High Surf Warning remains in effect for the Kona-side of Hawaii Island. We will update this page with more info as it becomes available.

NEWS BRIEFS

• Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor has taken a beating. The breakwater was flooded over at high tide around 4 a.m. in the morning, harbor users say. Piers were busted up and roads were filled with sand.
• Kawaihae Canoe Club managed to move their canoe to higher ground at midnight, but a 6 foot berm of sand that protected the hale and trees has been washed away.
• Hapuna Beach has been damaged and remains closed, reports the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The North side lifeguard tower took a hit. The water line is also damaged and will need to be repaired before water service can be restored to the comfort stations. DLNR says the naupaka hedges in the park are covered with sand as well as the walkways and showers near the beach.
• The state has closed the Waialea section of Hapuna, Lapakahi State Historical Park and Kekaha Kai State Park (both the Maniniowali, or Kua Bay, and Mahaiula sections. There has been some damage at some of the parks but the extent has not been determined as of yet.
• The High Surf Warning is extended until 6 p.m. Saturday, reports the National Weather Service. West Hawaii surf is expected to be 12 to 18 feet through tonight, lowering to 10 to 15 feet Friday. Forecasters say surf heights will increase slightly late Friday and on into Saturday due to a reinforcement of the swell.
• More beach closures: OTEC, Four Seasons and Kapa’a are added to the list that includes Laaloa or Magic Sands in Kona, Kahaluu Beach in Kona, Kohanaiki Beach in Kona, Ooma, Old Airport Park, Hapuna Beach, Kaunaoa (Mauna Kea Beach) and Mahukona Park reports civil defense.

Civil Defense Message | 4 p.m. HST