Hawaii County Civil Defense will open shelters across the island at 4 a.m. Monday, officials said this evening.
Hawaii County Civil Defense will open shelters across the island at 4 a.m. Monday, officials said this evening.
Officials said heavy rain, strong winds and flooding were expected beginning at 6 a.m. Monday. High surf and storm surge may begin to affect the coastal areas late tonight and continue through Monday.
Evacuation shelters at the following locations will be open: West Hawaii Civic Center, Waimea Community Center, Honokaa Sports Complex, Hisaoka Gym in North Kohala, Pahala Community Center, Pahoa Community Center, Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale, Laupahoehoe Charter School and Mountain View School.
Civil defense officials also encouraged employers to limit staffing to essential employees only on Monday. Hawaii County officials said they would direct all nonessential employees to remain home and would adjust county operations for emergency operations.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officials said the park would remain open during the storm, but with minimal services. A number of areas were to be closed, however, including: Chain of Craters Road, from Devastation Trail parking lot to the coast, all backcountry areas, including Mauna Loa and cabins, Mauna Loa Road, all coastal areas, including, Apua Point, Keauhou, Halape, and Kaaha, Kulanaokuaiki campsite, Napau campsite, Namakanipaio Campgrounds and A-frame cabins and Jaggar Museum, where the observation deck will remain open, but with no rangers on duty.