Honolulu Suffers Major Power Outage as Obama Visits

Source: Time


By Vanessa Kaneshiro / Honolulu Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008



A lightning strike just after sunset in Hawaii has apparently pulled the plug on most of the island of Oahu, where President-elect Barack Obama and his family are vacationing. One power plant continued to operate and parts of the island�s western sector continued to have electricity. The compound where the Obamas are residing in an $11 million home is reported to have a power generator. But the rest of the island, including the state capital Honolulu, was plunged into darkness and confusion.



The power stopped at about 7:30 p.m. Traffic lights stopped operating; cars were jammed at intersections; cordless phones ceased operating; panicking residents flooded 911. Most islanders received news by way of car or battery-operated radios, which included Japanese-language announcements to keep tourists informed of developments. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said over the radio that power would not be fully restored for at least 12 hours. After a recent earthquake that affected Hawaii's largest city, it took two days before electricity came back completely.

Droves of people, patrons and employees, alike stood outside of restaurants, standing on the sidewalks of Honolulu, trying to fathom what had happened. Crowds and families enjoying the city's Christmas lights at the Iolani Palace, the residence of Hawaii's old royalty, found themselves wandering in the dark. But in the background, fireworks were going off in intermittent bursts, visible everywhere in the residential districts. They went on sale today in preparation for New Year's eve celebrations.

The Hawaii-born Obama, his wife and daughters Sasha and Malia are staying at Paradise Point Estates, an enclave of homes at the end of a private road in the exclusive beachside community of Kailua, located on Oahu's Windward side. There are three homes in the compound where Obama is staying; the future first family is occupying a property featuring 5,000 square feet of interior living space and a 1,900 square foot lanai. With reporting by Howard Chua-Eoan


Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1868825,00.html

...HERE! (I was without power for almost two days two weeks ago during an ice storm)

I was hoping if Obama didn't have power for a/c he'd feel so warm he'd have to take off his shirt again ...

:P

Although I do have ot admit, Barack is the Head of State I'd most like to share a plate lunch with.

1 - I am a happily married woman who does not lust after other men

2 - Even if I weren't married, I would not poach.

3 - In a few weeks, he will be our President. Lusting after him is unseemly. He has earned no small amount of respect. The paparazzi are keen to snap beach pics of him, but Obama deserves (and has earned the right) to be treated with dignity. Unlike many "celebrities" who market their looks to become rich and famous Obama's real "talent" is his brain and political skill.

Of course, he does have a nice physique - I enjoy looking at it. You can tell both the Obamas work out, and I admire that about them. I know he's got a lot on his plate right now, but maybe he could also "lead by example" and help our nation become healthier.

Talk about "not a picnic" for four days...more for some.

that's some utility company.

Reminds me of my years in assorted Third World nations....but then, in those circumstances, one was prepared for these sorts of things. Here in the US, people expect the power to work.

We had to pack up the gifts and food and move it all to my daughters house. I was supposed to prepare dinner for 14 people! We still had an awesome Christmas together and by the time we got home Christmas night, the power was back on. I had to remind myself that there are so many out there who are less fortunate....without homes....without money....without gifts for their children, etc. and I never complained a bit. We are blessed and things could always be worse!! I am sure the Obama family did not mind either. They have had a year filled with wonderful blessings. I look forward to Inauguration Day and the new year with our new President at the helm!!

I don't believe a word of that lightning stuff.

This is like a Greek myth, where the gods are betting on different city-nations, and pulling no punches with their dirty tricks.

Of course, I represent the wrong mothers of the world....


Demeter

the one in which I am situated (as of 4:57 AM), and the one where the modems are, probably out by the airport.

(rant on)

A lightning strike just after sunset in Hawaii

There was no storm here in town! Not so much as a passing shower! Besides, the lines right around here are underground! :grr:

After a recent earthquake that affected Hawaii's largest city, it took two days before electricity came back completely.

The Oct. '06 quake was centered off the Kona side of the Big Island, 150 miles away!! Imagine if power in California went off every time there was a quake within 150 miles!!

And for this rinky-dink, bush-league level of service, we pay among the highest rates in the country. :eyes:

(rant off)

and with less than a week left, it may very well hold up:

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/bulletin/36783804.html?page=1&c=y

HECO officials said that they believe lightning triggered so-called "load shedding" — an automatic shutting down of power area after area on Oahu to prevent a catastrophic shutdown of the entire system.

Um, er, didn't all that "load shedding" result in "a catastrophic shutdown of the entire system"? :argh:

And no, Sarah Palin has not, t myknwledge, taken a job with our electric company. :dunce: