Airshow run-through startles area residents

A pyrotechnics rehearsal for the Kaneohe Bay Airshow "Wall of Fire" rattled windows — and a few nerves — Saturday morning in Kaneohe.

According to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the rehearsal began at 10 a.m. and lasted less than five minutes. The rehearsal included a wall of fire and smoke on the runway and eight simulated artillery explosions.

"We didn’t know what it was," said former state Sen. Melodie Aduja, who heard the explosions from her home in Heeia. "We thought something very devastating was happening at the base. I heard three or four explosions, then all of a sudden there was this big wall of fire."

Aduja, who shot photos of the resulting mushroomlike cloud, said she was perturbed that the base didn’t notify residents in advance.

"It’s typical," Aduja said. "They do it first, then they tell us about it."

The rehearsal was conducted in controlled conditions under the supervision of demolitions experts and safety personnel, the base reported.

Another rehearsal is scheduled for Saturday morning.

The free airshow is Sept. 29 and 30 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.