A Wainiha man is recovering after a log crushed into his excavator cab and severed his leg, a hard turn for a well-known Kauai figure now facing a long rehabilitation.

• Agenhart "Tin Tin" Puulei, 51, was clearing Hurricane Lowell debris with an excavator when a log he lifted fell into the cab.
• The log shattered the window and cut off his leg; he and a coworker used his belt as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
• He says he is grateful to be alive and credits his faith, calling the ordeal deeply traumatic.
• A familiar face on Kauai from his local TV segments teaching Hawaiian language and island food, he has drawn a wave of community support through a GoFundMe.
• His home needs wider doors and a ramp before he can return, on top of medical recovery costs.

Outlook: Donations continue to come in as his family works to make the house accessible for what is expected to be a long recovery.