HONOLULU — The largest earthquake to rock the Hawaiian Islands since 1975 woke Hawaiians out of their slumber early on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 15, and fortunately did not cause much damage to credit unions.

The quake was centered just off the Big Island of Hawaii and was rated at 6.7 on the Richter Scale. The quake generated no tsunami waves. A quake in 1975 on the Big Island was rated a 7.0 and caused a 30-foot tsunami that killed two campers, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Damage estimates from the quake have topped $46 million, all on the Big Island.

According to the Hawaiian Credit Union League only one CU, the $295 million Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union had contacted the league to report that two of its branches, including one brand new one, were closed due to quake damage.

The Kaloko branch of Hawaii Community remained closed on Oct. 17 even though its drive-thru teller had opened, according to Laurie Moore, communications officer for the league.

The branch was damaged during the earthquake, but Moore reported that water had damaged the building more than the quake.

"The problem at the branch turned out to be less about structural damage than about water damage," Moore said. The water damage occurred because the CU's sprinkler system in the brand new branch building had been ruptured by the quake. League President Dennis Tanimoto traveled to inspect the damage and reported that the building looked like a hurricane had hit it, Moore said.

The CU's other damaged branch reopened the afternoon of Oct. 16.

Other CUs in the island chain reported little to no damage, Moore said. The $22 million North Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Honokaa, reported broken glass from the quake but nothing more, she added.

NCUA is taking steps to help Hawaiian CUs estimate damage and continue operations. –dmorrison@cutimes.com

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