More tsunami debris closing in on isle shores

Tradewinds appear to be moving items south to Hawaii

By Gary T. Kubota

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 25, 2013

~~<p>Strong winter tradewinds are contributing to an increase in debris from the March 2011 Japanese tsunami reaching coastal areas off Kauai and other Hawaii islands, sometimes smashing against reefs and carrying suspected alien species.</p>
<p>Scientists say in the last few weeks, semisubmerged bulky items have washed up, including pieces of refrigerators — some with seaweed attached — a boat, a concrete-encased foam dock and bundles of buoys, many with mussels and barnacles.</p>
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Strong winter tradewinds are contributing to an increase in debris from the March 2011 Japanese tsunami reaching coastal areas off Kauai and other Hawaii islands, sometimes smashing against reefs and carrying suspected alien species.

Scientists say in the last few weeks, semisubmerged bulky items have washed up, including pieces of refrigerators — some with seaweed attached — a boat, a concrete-encased foam dock and bundles of buoys, many with mussels and barnacles. Login for more...