(BIVN) – Multiple homes were damaged by high winds on Monday in the Pana‘ewa section of Hilo, during a short-lived burst of severe weather that rolled over East Hawai‘i.
The neighborhood of Pohai Street, in particular between Ohuohu and Mikikoi Streets, was bustling with community members, first responders, and utility workers shortly after the powerful gusts blew off roofs and damaged utility poles.
There were no initial reports of injuries.
Right next to Pohai Street, the inaugural Prince Kuhio Hula Festival was underway at the Pana’ewa Park Gym. Event attendees described the sudden gusts that frightened the crowd but did not end the hula performance.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross headed to the scene to “meet with affected residents and ensure their immediate emergency needs for food, shelter and clothing are met. Caseworkers will continue to follow up with anyone affected in the coming weeks to provide referrals, guidance or additional assistance as needed to help with the recovery process,” the Red Cross said.
