Hurricane threat prompts DOE to close Hawaii Island public schools Wednesday

KAILUA-KONA — All public and charter schools in Hawaii and Maui counties will be closed Wednesday ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Lane.

In addition to the school closures, the state Department of Education will also close all of its offices in both counties as a safety precaution. The closures will remain in effect until further notice.

Also effective Wednesday, all after-school activities and programs including interscholastic athletic events and After-School Plus (A+) Programs are canceled statewide for the remainder of the week. This will allow partner emergency agencies and organizations to stage evacuation shelters at designated schools. All school-related interisland travel this week is canceled as well.