Earthquake rocks Kona
Oct. 15 – An earthquake has rocked the Big Island of Hawaii less than a week before the scheduled Ford Ironman World Championship on Saturday, Oct. 21. According to a report by the Associated Press, the quake, which was followed by several strong aftershocks, measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and was located 10 miles north-northwest of Kailua-Kona.
The quake struck just after 7 a.m. Sunday morning and knocked out power to some residents; however, there were no reports of severe damage as a result of the quake, and no tsunami warning was issued.
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake is considered a strong quake capable of causing moderate damage -- particularly to poorly constructed buildings -- in populated areas up to 100 miles from its epicenter.
Triathlete publisher and CEO John Duke was swimming in Kailua Bay when the quake hit and did not feel the shaking; however, Duke reported that the shock unsettled many in the region and left numerous windows broken.
In addition, reports indicate that a small landslide blocked the highway near the town of Kawaihae, located at the beginning of the climb to Hawi on the bike course.
Despite the reports of damage, however, Ironman communications director Blair LaHaye has noted, "While reports from the local/state authorities and the resort management agencies are still coming in, local daily operations are resuming and proceeding as normal. Contingency plans are in place regarding the Ford Ironman World Championship event, but at the present time, no alterations to the event or course are necessary."