Kona residents on Tuesday were taking the approaching tropical storm in stride, with little to no preparation for Calvin’s anticipated arrival.
“Well I’ve got water and wine and food,” said Holualoa resident Shirley Baker. “I took down hanging plants and brought candles inside, but that’s it.”
Shoppers outside of the Kona Target shared the same sentiment.
“I didn’t stock up on anything. I’ve lived here long enough to know Kona doesn’t get the brunt of it like the other side,” said Sharese.
Of 15 shoppers queried, none said they were doing any special preparations or buying extra supplies for the storm.
“We always have water and propane at home, so no need to get any more,” said Catherine.
PJ finished up shopping at the Kona KTA, but did not purchase anything special or stock up on groceries or supplies.
“I don’t think anything is going to happen on this side,” she said. I thought about it, but I don’t need to by a bunch of stuff.”
Hawila Fukushima, KTA Store Manager said they were prepared, but have not seen shoppers stocking up.
“There’s no run on supplies like we were expecting,” he said. “There’s nothing noticeable. People are just not buying stuff.”
Fukushima said they had staples like water and rice stocked throughout the store just in case, but as of Tuesday afternoon those pallets remained fairly full as did the shelves in the grocery store.
Allen Daniels, owner of Paws University said they were securing items known to fly away in high winds, but other than that, not much preparation is warrented.
“We have enough water and the dogs are all safe. We are praying for the best.” he said. That’s why Kona is the perfect place to live. We usually get spared from the storms.”
Linda Nagai has a flight to Honolulu Wednesday morning.
“I’m hoping Calvin is kind and allows the planes to fly,” she said. Other than that, she said she was just doing her normal running around.”
Although people on the Kona side feel secure, the county has responded by setting up shelters, closing offices and all county parks on Wednesday.
State and County offices and facilities, including the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division and Transfer Stations, will remain closed for the safety of the public and staff. Animal Control services will remain open to address any emergency animal needs during the storm.
Although there are no shelters planned in Kona, Waimea Elementary School and Hisaoka Gym in Kohala will be open.
The county reminds residents that these shelters are pet-friendly, and pet owners must bring carriers and necessary animal supplies.
Some Hele-On routes changed on Tuesday, and all routes will be cancelled Wednesday and will be re-evaluated at 9 a.m. July 19. For route closure/delay updates, check twitter.com/heleonbus
All County camping permits throughout the island will be canceled from Tuesday, July 18, through Wednesday, July 19.
In addition to the county closures, all courthouses in the third circuit (Hawaii Island) will be closed Wednesday.
Hawaii County Civil Defense encourages residents to visit their official website at tinyurl.com/2p98bzcp. This website serves as a valuable and reliable resource for residents and visitors seeking the latest storm advisories, evacuation orders, shelter locations and hours of operation, and other essential information related to Tropical Storm Calvin.
