UPDATE: The local men in Hawaii say it was a harrowing few hours, but everyone is okay.In the wake of the massive earthquake that struck Japan Friday, tsunami warnings have been issued for Hawaii, where two Marion police officers are vacationing along with a former local deputy.
State Trooper Matt Foster, Marion Policeman George Foster and former Crittenden County Deputy Ryan Orr and his wife are at a beachside hotel, hunkered down on the eighth floor as they prepare for a possible tsunami.
Hawaii hotels are "implementing a vertical evacuation," Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Associated, told the Honolulu Star Advertiser. "We are in touch with all hotels and they have an evacuation process in order," he added. In a "vertical evacuation", hotel guests are moved to the higher floors.
Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal has been in contact with the Foster brothers this morning, who told him the waves were expected to hit shortly after 8 a.m., CST. O'Neal said the Orrs had been on the fourth floor, but are now with the Fosters higher up in the Waikiki Beach hotel.
Pictured is Trooper Matt Foster.
