Empty shelves in stores as Kauai residents prepare for Hurricane Lowell
By Angela Cifone
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KAUAI, Hawaii (KITV) — Hurricane Lowell is bringing tropical storm conditions to Kauai…
And people here aren’t taking any chances.
“I think it looks like everybody gathered those items already. Everybody is out. Just making sure that all those items are gathered and whatnot,” said Greg, an Oahu resident who is visiting his family on Kauai.
At Home Depot, plywood is running low, shelves are empty and a sign out front said the store is out of propane.
Kiare Reis-Torres, a Kauai resident, says many people are concerned because of what they experienced during Hurricane Iniki.
“I feel like people are kind of concerned, especially because of probably what they went through during Hurricane Iniki,” said Reis-Torres.
Hurricane Iniki devastated Kauai in 1992.
So for many, the memories of what a major storm can do remain.
“Everything’s fresh in everyone’s mind, and Lala, just the storms, you know… it’s what’s on the news, so everybody is getting prepared,” said Greg.
We saw long lines at Costco, including at the gas pumps.
Residents told us they started stocking up earlier this week.
“I’ve never experienced this, but I know that when I went to Big Save yesterday, most of the shelves were empty. And then I saw that Costco was just flooded with people. Everybody’s just trying to grab their supplies,” said Reis-Torres.
Reis-Torres said her family has the basics ready.
“We’ve got our flashlights ready as well as our batteries, just to be cautious,” said Reis-Torres.
And as Kauai emergency officials prepare for the storm, the message from residents is simple:
Be ready, and be safe.
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