Tidal Waves at Hawaii.

Hastings Standard, Issue 88, 7 August 1896, Page 4

Tidal Waves at Hawaii.

HOUSES WASHED AWAY. HO LIVES REPORTED LOST. The tidal waves which wrought such frightful havoc to property and caused terrible loss of life in Japan were experienced at Hawaii, and the phenomenon occasioned great excitement at Honolulu and the adjoining ports. A report from Hilo, by the Alameda, says :—"On June 15, during the early hours .of the morning, the Island of Hawaii was visited bv a tidal wave ■which continued for several hours, causing great loss of property and exciting many people whose houses occupied ground in the close proximity to the shore line. The greater losses yet reported were felt in the Kona district. In Keauhou six houses and the Post Office were washed away. In Kailua the water came as far as the Courthouse, and as it receded took along the lumber piles in the lumber yard. Many stores were flooded. In that district the water rose 20ft. Between the risings the shore line was over 100 yds out. " In Hilo the foree of the waves was not so great as in Kona. Here it rose from sft to Bft. One small vessel in the harbor had a remarkable experience. When the waves would come in the vessel would float off the rocks •where she had been left by the outgoing tide. This lasted for a considerable length of time, until finally she was safely held by many guide ropes. " At Kapaa the steamer Makee was engaged loading sugar, when at 7.30 a.m., the water was seen suddenly to fecede, running out in a strong current. The steamer was stranded, while the boats were left high and dry on the beach. Within a short interval the water returned, after which the Makee continued work as usual. Bat it was soon interrupted by the tidal waves, which continued, and after the bow and stern lines were carried away several times, the people aboard thought it best to leave. The water receded and returned about eight times at Kapaa, the waves being 4ft. high. At Nawiliwili the water rushed up over the road, beyond the bridge, and entered a store about 80yds from the beach." A passenger from Honolulu, describing the phenomenon at that port, says :—lt made a procession of waves, some observers counting as • many as 17, which moved up the barter. The small boats in the way were swung round, and made to rock in lively motion, but no serious damage