The Butcher family, including parents Greg and Karen and their three children, had planned to soak in the history of Pearl Harbor during their Hawaiian vacation. However, an unexpected tsunami advisory transformed their trip into an adventure on July 29.
On what was supposed to be a relaxing day, the Butchers traveled from Pearl Harbor to the Battleship Missouri Memorial located on Ford Island. The USS Missouri, an iconic battleship from World War II, is famous for being the site where Japan formally surrendered to the United States in September 1945.
Despite being aware of the tsunami watch due to an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in Eastern Russia earlier that day, the family was enjoying their visit until alarms and sirens began blaring, prompting an urgent evacuation of the area.
Greg Butcher recalled, “We could definitely tell it was getting to be something more.” The subsequent alerts on everyone’s phones emphasized the urgency as evacuation orders were issued to move to higher ground.
Realizing that the last buses would depart Ford Island in just 15 minutes, the Butchers made haste as staff members began leaving the island. They witnessed military vessels making a swift exit, recognizing that the situation was serious.
Greg took quick action to keep his family together amidst the chaos. “I said, ‘nope, I have seen that movie a few times,’” he remarked, citing their determination to stick together.
Once on board their bus, the family faced an unnerving delay at the Aviation Museum, which was also designated as a pick-up point for additional passengers. Greg described the experience as surreal, stating, “That is a very eerie thing to be a part of. It was just kind of a surreal moment to be standing at Pearl Harbor. That clock was ticking pretty slowly.”
The Butchers’ bus was the last one to leave Ford Island, and they quickly rushed to their rental car for a five-mile journey back to their hotel. They quickly recognized how crucial it was to head towards higher ground as traffic congestion on the five-lane highway slowed them significantly, making the short trip take two hours.
Upon reaching their hotel in Waikiki, they confirmed they could check in by 6:30 p.m., just before elevators would be turned off and the doors locked for safety. The family managed to pull into the hotel driveway at 6:27 p.m., just minutes ahead of the impending tsunami wave.
At 7:10 p.m., the tsunami made landfall, but the Butcher family was prepared and safe in their hotel room. They took a moment to observe the water from their balcony before securing the premises in anticipation of the incoming waves.
Greg, who serves as Seward’s city administrator, praised the local government’s emergency preparedness, noting how well Hawaii’s leaders communicated during the event. Through Hawaii Public Radio and local news outlets, residents received ongoing updates about the situation.
While the tsunami watch had been downgraded as the waves approached, the need for vigilance remained. Greg commended the officials for their effectiveness in relaying critical information, even as many locals and tourists needed to relocate to safer areas.
The tsunami watch was officially lifted the following morning, allowing the Butchers to visit Pearl Harbor once again, unmarred by last night’s experiences. They enjoyed their day at the historic site, which was bustling with energy as normalcy returned with surfers back on the shore.
Reflecting on the entire incident, Greg remarked, “It made a good story. I think the kids will always remember it.”
Amidst the tension, the Butchers also took comfort in a vivid rainbow that arched across the sky as they drove to their hotel. Greg reassured his children, claiming the rainbow was a positive sign that everything would turn out fine, emphasizing the iconic symbolism found in Hawaiian culture.
image source from：milfordtimes
