6th Shelter Opens for Hurricane Lane

The Hurricane Warning issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center continues for Hawai‘i County. The windward side of Hawai‘i Island is currently under a flash flood warning and experiencing conditions of heavy rains and flooding.

Pi‘ihonua Falls in Hilo. PC: Crystal Richard

Due to the flooding conditions in Hilo, the American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Waiakea High School. Five other shelters remain open on the north and west side of the island. These shelters are for your convenience, but there is NO mandatory evacuation at this time. The shelters are available if you need to relocate.

• Waiakea High School
• Ho‘okena Elementary School
• Kamehameha Park Hisaoka Gym *Pet Friendly
• Kealakehe High School *Pet Friendly
• Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School
• Konawaena High School Gym

If you choose to relocate to a shelter, food is not provided (don’t forget pet food!). Please bring your blankets and pillows if possible. However, the shelter is open to everyone with or without these items.

Pi‘ihonua Falls. PC: Crystal Richard

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health is advising the public to stay out of streams, coastal, and standing waters that are contaminated by storm water. Storm water may contain harmful micro-organisms from overflowing cesspools or septic tanks as well as animal waste washed into streams and storm drains.

Piihonua Falls. PC: Crystal Richard

Conditions are being monitored and you will be kept informed of major closures as best as possible. All motorists and residents of effected areas are urged to use extreme caution and be aware of flooding conditions. This is a very dangerous situation and heavy rains are expected to continue on the windward side of the Big Island.