Between the bell ringing, taiko drumming and casting of flowers into Kailua Bay were tender words by Big Island residents and visitors united Sunday morning in remembrance of the devastating tsunami one year ago.
A deadly 9.0-magnitude earthquake generated March 11, 2011, a tsunami that leveled Japan’s coastal cities and towns, killed and uprooted thousands of people, as well as swept 25 million tons of debris out to sea. The tsunami also raced across the Pacific Ocean, reaching Hawaii where it caused millions of dollars in damage to public and private property. The Big Island, specifically West Hawaii, got the brunt of it.
More than 100 people attended Sunday’s commemoration in Kailua-Kona to honor the memory and resiliency of those affected by this natural disaster. The event took place along the sea wall on Alii Drive, directly across from Tante’s Restuarant.
“Today, we come to remember, we come to honor, and we come to breathe life. Those who witnessed the devastation brought back tales of horror and of things unimaginable. The loss was more than just buildings, but of lives,” said Mokuaikaua Church Kahu Brian Boshard. “We must move on and take steps of faith to build, restore and bring back the harmony that was lost.”
Boshard also thanked God for “protecting our people and our shores.”
At the ceremony, Mayor Billy Kenoi expressed his gratitude to the organizers and participants for “the beautiful display of aloha.” The commemoration was organized by Ahuena Heiau Inc., Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, Hawaii County, Hulihee Palace, Island Breeze, Kailua Village Business Improvement District, Kona Hongwanji Mission, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Mokuaikaua Church, Kai Ehitu Canoe Club, Kai Opua Canoe Club, Keauhou Canoe Club, and Tui Tonga Canoe Club.
Kenoi said the Big Island was “so fortunate and blessed that so many of our families, homes and businesses were protected.” Still he sent his aloha to those not so fortunate and ones still suffering.
Kenoi shared his pride in the way the community pulled together and responded to the tsunami surges and subsequent aftermath. He repeatedly thanked county employees who lost countless hours of sleep and provided an efficient, rapid response. In particular, he commended Department of Public Works employees for clearing, fixing and reopening important roads such as Alii Drive.
What Kenoi hoped the public took away most from Sunday’s commemoration was the importance of not getting complacent, remaining vigilant, being prepared and taking every warning seriously.
Immediately following the March 11, 2011, tsunami, Honorary Consul General Art Taniguchi said the reaction of Hawaii residents was “swift and heartfelt.” Groups from all over contacted the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu, offering their help and contributing in their own ways.
Not only did Big Island residents pen their expressions of sympathy, support and solidarity in the consulate’s books of condolences, they also helped generate roughly $115,000, which was donated to the Japan America Society of Hawaii and the American Red Cross for disaster relief efforts. Such support is still need as Japan is still in the rebuilding process, he said.
“This commemoration is important because it helps bring a little bit of closure following the tragedy in Japan and Kona, allowing people to remember the devastation and reflect on how communities and nations pulled together,” Taniguchi said. “It’s also a chance to express gratitude. There has been overwhelming kindness, generousity, new bonds, friendship and great resilience.”
Following the commemoration, Jenifer Hansen, of Belt, Mont., recalled how a year ago the staff at the Royal Sea Cliff did “a great job” by going door-to-door notifying her and other condo guests about the threat and helping them evacuate. She felt “completely shocked” and “sad” upon seeing the destruction along Alii Drive and the color of the ocean the day after the waves hit.
Hansen was pleased by the progress made by Big Island residents working together. She was also grateful Sunday for the opportunity to witness “a moving celebration.”