Most of us have spent the past 24 hours nailing down roofs and boarding up windows, cutting trees away from power lines — getting ready for impending Hurricane Douglas.
It’s exhausting and necessary, as many Kaua‘i residents know already.
We’ve been through this before, at least many residents on Kaua‘i have. We know the steps to take, we know the risks, we know the threat.
Perhaps in some way the last few days have carried with them a hint of familiarity, one that could be seen as reassuring, because the last few months have been anything but routine. COVID-19 has thrown a curve ball into every facet of life. It’s been a whirlwind of change, and that’s understandably unsettling.
A global pandemic is a new threat for Kaua‘i. Hurricanes are not.
Sure, we’ve never faced a hurricane while in the middle of a pandemic, but Kaua‘i understands hurricanes. We know how to prep for them. We know what to do when they strike.
In monitoring social media, I’ve seen the evidence of the Kaua‘i community coming together. Residents are swapping storm-prep tips, checking in on each other, helping fortify homes and businesses, coordinating to grab essentials from rapidly-depleting shelves.
I’m not surprised. That’s what Kaua‘i does.
And, come what may, that won’t change.
Here at The Garden Island newspaper, we’re anticipating that the storm will impact our delivery of at least the Monday paper, because it’s flown over from the printing press on O‘ahu. We’ll be working to get you your printed paper as soon as possible.
We’re keeping you up to date on latest news online as well — at thegardenisland.com and also on our social-media platforms. Watch those sites for breaking news and advisories.
Already, many of us on Kaua‘i are in the midst of change. Some have lost their jobs, others have been working overtime for months. Businesses have closed, and some have braved a grand opening in the middle of the pandemic. We’re reworking things until we can get back to some semblance of our regular ways of life.
In the coming months, it’s important to remember what we’re seeing right now — that when people come together, Kaua‘i moves forward. Imua!
Elections are coming up quickly. Ballots are out for the primary. Who do you want to lead your county?
Now’s the time to get to know the candidates and cast your vote alongside the other residents of Kaua‘i, and together we’ll move forward.
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Jessica Else, editor, can be reached at 245-0457 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
