Updated

Updated · Hawaii News Now · Aug 16

Waikiki Closes Kalakaua Avenue After 2 Debris Hazards at Hotel as Hurricane Lala Batters Oahu

Updated

Updated · Hawaii News Now · Aug 16

Waikiki Closes Kalakaua Avenue After 2 Debris Hazards at Hotel as Hurricane Lala Batters Oahu

Q: As Hurricane Lala batters Oahu, how long will the terrifying threat of falling debris paralyze Waikiki's busiest tourist corridors?

There is no confirmed end time yet. The closure in central Waikiki is expected to last until crews can secure the hanging debris at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and winds ease enough for that work to be done safely. Police shut part of Kalakaua Avenue on Friday evening after debris fell from the hotel just before 7 p.m. Responders then found another piece dangling from the top of the building, prompting a wider safety response. The shutdown affected one of Waikiki’s busiest stretches, in front of the International Market Place and Royal Hawaiian Center, and officials also cleared nearby sidewalks and hotel grounds. What determines how long the disruption lasts is not traffic demand but weather and hazard removal. Oahu remains under a Tropical Storm Warning as Hurricane Lala brings strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous conditions. Officials have warned that damaging gusts could continue through the night and into Saturday, making exterior building work more dangerous and slowing inspection and cleanup. So far, no injuries have been reported, and city crews were still monitoring the scene. That indicates the corridor will likely remain restricted at least until inspectors are satisfied no more debris can fall and emergency officials decide conditions are safe to reopen. For now, residents and visitors should expect ongoing disruption in Waikiki, avoid unnecessary travel, and watch Honolulu police, HNL Alert and local media for reopening updates.

1 articles · Updated · Hawaii News Now · Aug 16

Just before 7 p.m., debris fell from the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach hotel, prompting officials to shut part of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.
First responders then found a second piece dangling from the top of the building, extending the safety response as Hurricane Lala's high winds continued across Oahu.
The closure runs to Seaside Avenue, blocking traffic in front of the International Market Place and Royal Hawaiian Center while police and fire crews clear sidewalks and hotel grounds.
No injuries were reported, but city crews were still monitoring the hazard in one of Waikiki's busiest tourist corridors.