Hawai‘i Prepares for Hurricane Lane

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT), in coordination with federal, state and county emergency managers, is preparing for possible impacts of Hurricane Lane.

Departmental representatives are participating in regular coordination calls and HDOT divisions are taking the following actions in their areas of responsibility:

AIRPORTS

HDOT Airports Division is preparing state airports according to their emergency protocols. These protocols include:

• Topping off vehicles, emergency generators, pumping stations, and other equipment with fuel and preparing emergency fuel for possible deployments.
• Strategic placement of heavy duty equipment to ensure its availability post-landfall.
• Coordination with airlines to ensure their equipment is secured.
• Communication with the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines regarding flight conditions.

HARBORS

HDOT Harbors Division works in close coordination with the United States Coast Guard on condition levels for the state’s commercial harbors and the closing of ports. Different condition levels call for various actions which may include:

• Securing flying hazards and ensuring boats are properly secured to piers.
• Proper disposal of oil and other materials that may result in contamination of harbors if washed in by wave action.
• Communication with harbors users regarding their preparedness actions.

HIGHWAYS

HDOT Highways Division is taking the actions below in anticipation of the heavy rain, high winds, and possible storm surge from Hurricane Lane:

• Highways maintenance staff is canceling routine work in areas that may experience high winds and flooding from the system and is concentrating all crews on clearing storm drains, stream openings, and street sweeping to remove debris.
• Considering modifications to operations of corridors that have experienced recent rockfalls or landslides in advance of expected storm impacts, specifically Kuhio Highway (Route 560) on the north shore of Kaua‘i and Pali Highway at the tunnels. Modifications may include, but are not limited to, lane restrictions or road closures.
• Staging equipment and personnel for potential deployment.
• Preparing equipment and vehicles for heavy use.
• Restocking supplies needed for road clearing and other maintenance actions.
• Contacting all Contractors working in HDOT jurisdiction to remind them of the need to secure their job sites according to Best Management Practices.

HDOT will maintain communication with federal, state and county officials to ensure coordination in the preparation, landfall and recovery phases of an event.

Residents and visitors should continue to monitor current conditions with the National Weather Service and media outlets.