By Thai Luong, Kapiʻo Staff Writer
As Hurricane Ana gathered strength on its westerly approach to the Hawaiian islands last week, Kapiʻolani Community College students were divided on how to properly prepare for its predicted impact.
Hurricane Ana was the third hurricane, behind Iselle and Julio, to reach within proximity of the island chain within the last three months. Iselle and Julio came within days of each other and caused a lot of damage on the Big Island, especially the Puna district.
Storm swell from Hurricane Ana at South Point on the Big Island of Hawai‘i on Friday, October 17, 2014. (Photo: Courtesy of Harry Durgin, Island Aina/Hawai‘i Island Photography)
Hurricane Iselle brought down trees in Puna (Photo: Courtesy of Harry Durgin, Island Aina/Hawai‘i Island Photography)
Oʻahu didn’t see as much damage as expected, but Hurricane Ana brought a fresh wave of uncertainty.
John Henry, 19, took all the necessary precautions needed ahead of Ana.
“I feel that we’re long overdue for a disaster,” said before the storm turned southward away from the island chain. “I take each and every warning pretty serious. I bought a lot of water and food in case electricity goes out. I will be staying indoors.”
Some, like Christian Gamponia, were uncertain of what Ana would bring.
“The hurricane coming is like waiting for a grade on an exam,” he said. “You never know what’s to come. I am worried as anyone else on this island. I am prepared mentally without the need to stock on goods like most people.”
While many students adjusted their schedules and secured the necessary supplies to prepare for Ana, some were unaffected by the evolving emergency.
“I don’t really feel much because I’m too busy to even think about it,” said Karl Moraga. “I’m not really worried about it, but I would still take precautions.”
After the previous two hurricanes had little impact on Oahu, Trinh Trinh, 18, was unconcerned about the impending storm.
“I didn’t even know there was hurricane coming,” she said. “I wasn’t worried about Iselle and Julio because they didn’t do anything at all to Oʻahu.”
Meanwhile, University of Hawaiʻi and KCC administrators kept close tabs on the storm’s approach, providing numerous updates via email and the UH Text Alert system.
Campus officials cancelled the Farmer’s Market and other non-class activities on Oct. 18.
The current hurricane season ends on Nov. 30.
US National Weather Service Hurricane Preparation Community Outreach (Photo: NWS)
Track of Hurricane Ana, south of KCC (Graphic: National Weather Service)