No plans to close airports as storm approaches

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HONOLULU — A Hawaii transportation spokeswoman says there are no plans to close Hawaii airports over the weekend unless heavy weather causes damage or deposits debris on runways.

HONOLULU — A Hawaii transportation spokeswoman says there are no plans to close Hawaii airports over the weekend unless heavy weather causes damage or deposits debris on runways.

Carolyn Sluyter tells the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that state officials hope to keep airports open as Hurricane Ana passes the islands.

The storm was upgraded late Friday morning to hurricane status and is expected Friday night to pass 115 miles southwest of the Big Island.

Sluyter says travelers should check with airlines before going to airports because airlines will decide whether to maintain flight schedules.

The Coast Guard oversees major Hawaii ports and harbors and plans to keep them open.

Coast Guard rescinded plans to close harbors at Hilo and Kahului when forecasters predicted the storm would take a more southerly route.