Hurricane Lowell Causes Damage at Sheraton Resort on Kauai
Tourism officials are urging visitors to avoid one of Hawaii’s most scenic islands as residents and businesses recover from the latest tropical storm to hit the state.Intense wind and surging waves from Hurricane Lowell damaged oceanfront resorts, ripped apart roads and knocked out power early this week on Kauai, known for its stunning tropical landscapes, waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.RELATED: LAPD sergeant’s son partially paralyzed after Maui pool diveThousands of customers, including some resorts, remained without power Friday, as crews continued clearing streets of downed trees and utility poles. Extensive lines backed up at Kauai’s primary airport as people tried to leave the island; state officials said the airport was operating on a lone backup generator because a second generator was damaged by the storm. Officials initially said it would take two weeks to repair, but Thursday they updated that estimate to say it should be ready for operations by Sunday, with additional repairs to a sinkhole and a pier to take a week.
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Local estimates say tourism accounts for 4 out of every 10 jobs on the island.RELATED: Tropical Storm Lala batters Hawaii with flooding, powerful winds; 1 deadThe hurricane’s powerful storm surge buckled and washed away roads, knocked down the walls of homes and flooded resorts, sending rapids through a hotel lobby, overturning furniture and scattering debris.
