UPDATE: Hawai‘i County to reopen all services for business on Tuesday after storm

Update 11:11 a.m. Feb. 9: Hawai‘i County will return to normal operations on Tuesday following severe weather over the weekend.

A storm that hit the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday is forecast to weaken later today. According to the National Weather Service, a flood watch remains in place statewide and a high wind warning for Kohala, North Kona and Kaʻū continues until 6 p.m. today.

A high surf warning for east-facing shores is in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday, with waves up to 15 feet and strong currents expected.

“While the forecast shows storm impacts diminishing today, there is still a potential for localized flooding and strong winds,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda. “As we prepare to return to normal operations on Tuesday, the public should continue to exercise caution and stay off the roads unless necessary. The ground remains saturated, with some areas of Hilo and Hāmākua seeing more than 10 inches of rain, and it may not take much more rainfall to cause flooding or landslides.”

Starting Tuesday, all public schools, public charter schools, the University of Hawaiʻi, Executive Branch departments, the Hawai‘i State Legislature and most of the Judiciary will reopen.

The Emergency Proclamation issued in advance of the storm on Feb. 6 will expire on Feb. 11, unless damage assessments necessitate an extension. A further announcement will be made, if needed.
 
“I want to thank all essential employees for reporting to work to keep the public safe and keep the state operating, while others were on Administrative Leave,” said Gov. Josh Green. “I see and humbly appreciate your sacrifice and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. To our residents and visitors, we send a big mahalo for staying safe during this high-wind and heavy-rain event.”

All county shelters opened on Sunday will close at noon. Waip‘io Valley Road is closed until 8 a.m. Tuesday. Access for valley residents and farmers only.

Hele-On Routes canceled today include 1, 2, 10, 12, 60, 75, 76, 80, 90 and 301. Normal bus operations are scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

The County is gathering information on assistance needed and property damage sustained from the storm. For emergency medical or other needs that threaten life or safety, call 911.

Those who experienced property damage are advised to complete a Request for Assistance on the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency website at https://bit.ly/HICivilDefense and follow the link to “Request for Assistance.”

Those unable to file a report online can call Civil Defense at 808-935-0031 to report damage or request assistance.

Original post: On Sunday, Hawai’i County established severe weather shelters at four locations:

• Waimea Community Center in Waimea 
• Hisaoka Gymnasium in North Kohala 
• Honokaʻa Sports Complex Gym in Honokaʻa
• Papāʻaloa Park Community Center in Papāʻaloa

These severe weather shelters will remain open until the threat has subsided.

On Monday, all non-essential County services and operations, including all park facilities and solid waste facilities will be closed.

Waipio Valley Access Road is closed to non-valley residents and farmers.

If you are a Hele-On Bus rider, please check with the Hele-on Bus website, if routes have been modified or canceled for Monday.

All state offices, state Department of Education schools, and the University of Hawaiʻi will be closed Monday.

The Food Basket will be closed on Monday and the Kahikina food drive scheduled for Monday will be postponed.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi will be closed on Monday.

As of Sunday at 3 p.m., the Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources closed all state parks and forest areas to the public due to the expected continuance of severe weather conditions across the state. 

Until further notice, forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, Na Ala Hele hiking trails, game management areas and campgrounds are closed. 

Officers with DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and state parks staff are working to move out all campers and hikers.  

Those in remote locations who may face dangerous surf, flooding or road conditions are advised to shelter in place. People are advised to avoid forested and coastal areas due to the dangers of rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees, storm surge or high surf. 

Issuance of all state forest camping and state park camping permits has been suspended until further notice.