27 years ago. After turning north, Iniki struck the island of Kauaʻi on September 11, 1992 at peak intensity. 145 mph winds, Category 4 when it struck.
My mom lived on Kauai then.
I didn't hear from her for 12 days, so I caught a flight from the mainland, bringing food and other supplies (I had a ham shipped with dry ice, which we imu'ed, that was a great feast).
Iniki totally wiped out her business (Hair Salon in Hanalei). It looked like a bomb went off in it. One wall was still standing, with a painting still hanging. (weird, yea?)
I was scared as I got closer to her house, which was near the End of the Road in Wainiha Valley. Her house was damaged, and the Wainiha River flooded it, but the house was up on poles and survived the flood. I'm so thankful that she was OK, and had good people around her to help her.
There was no power (for months), the stores were all closed. She had some friends who had a new born baby, the mother too freaked out and wasn't able to nurse the baby. Everyone in the community was working on finding formula. They did.
The military were the heros of the day, they cleared the road, they brought water and ice. The community really came together and I know the true meaning of Ohana.
I love the song, thanks for posting Malaise!