Hawaii State and Honolulu County officials have shut down several beaches along the North Shore and Waianae coastline of Oahu due to huge surf. Waves are expected to reach heights of 50 feet over the next few days. Shayne Enright, the spokeswoman for the city's Ocean Safety Division, stated, "We don't want anyone stuck in the parking lot if there's a surge. We're asking people not to risk their lives. That jeopardizes lifeguards' safety."
Director of Honolulu's Department of Emergency Services, Melvin Kaku added that this type of high surf is a once-in-10 years event. Kaku stated, "What increases the hazard is the forecasted wave heights in combination with the long duration these swells will be impacting our shorelines. The long duration means that ocean waters will pile up in the surf zone, allowing the larger waves to impact farther into beach areas. This battering effect can cause increased shoreline erosion and damage to homes and infrastructure as well as blocking coastal highways with sand, debris and water."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 1-22-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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