The State is now looking into ways it can help Kalihi Valley residents after learning more boulders could come crashing down from the hillside above.
It’s welcome news for those residents who learned just days ago that the private land owners of the hillside, which include a church and a Maui couple, don’t have the money to stabilize it.
It was one of those too close for comfort moments for Daniel Furuya.
"Probably within three feet," said Daniel Furuya, Kalihi Valley resident.
The house Furuya lives in was hit by four boulders last Thursday night.
"I was just about to lie down to go to sleep and all of a sudden this loud boom, and then I was just covered with roofing and wood," said Furuya.
John Maemori owns the house.
"It’s been like the last three days cleaning," said John Maemori, Kalihi Valley resident.
John and Daniel are back home, at their own risk.
So are their neighbors on Kula Kolea Place.
"They’re not going to pay for any hotels so just rough it out," said Maemori.
Monday morning residents took a petition to the Governor’s office, asking for help.
The Governor’s office says the DLNR Chair and the State Adjutant General are looking into ways the State can help prevent more boulders from falling from this hillside.
Officials estimate it could cost as much as $200K.
"All we know right now is they are trying to see what can they do working with the Legislature — is there money available that could be utilized," said Vic Gustafson, State Civil Defense.
"That would be awesome. If we can prevent, we’re lucky nobody got hurt, you know. If it happens again, someone could be not so lucky as we were, you know," said Furuya.
In all, four properties were damaged by the falling boulders last Thursday.
And John’s house has the most damage.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
