What Big Island residents need to know Thursday about Tropical Storm Nolo

Hawai’i County continues to closely monitor the development of Tropical Storm Nolo, which as of late Wednesday night had made its expected turn to the north and was moving at just 2 mph, churching south of the Big Island.

The county suspended non-emergency operations to protect public safety and give residents time to prepare.

“We ask residents to take this storm seriously, ensure that you have safe shelter, be prepared for flooding and power outages and avoid non-essential travel during inclement weather,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda early Wednesday evening.

A hurricane watch remains in effect for the Big Island, with hurricane conditions possible as early as Friday.

Nolo is expected to intensify to hurricane force Thursday, possibly becoming a major hurricane on its closest approach to the island Saturday.

Catastrophic flash flooding is forecast through Saturday, with hurricane force winds possible Friday night through Saturday. Large surf also is possible for south, east and southeast shores.

Young Brothers modified cargo acceptance and announced sailing schedule changes in anticipation of severe ocean conditions and tropical storm force winds caused by Nolo.

The Food Basket — Hawai’i Island’s food bank will continue food distributions today.

All Hawai‘i public schools on the Big Island, as well as any activities including athletic events, also are closed today and Friday.

University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Hawai‘i Community College and all other university units on the island are closed both days as well.

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green also announced Wednesday that all state offices on the Big Island will be closed today and Friday, unless they are essential support services. Green also requested a federal emergency declaration covering all four of the state’s counties.

The official Pre-Landfall Presidential Emergency Declaration request seeks federal support, at 75% federal cost share, for:

• Debris removal.
• Emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance, including:
  • Search and rescue.
  • Emergency power and electrical-grid support.
  • Debris clearance.
  • Temporary access.
  • Communications.
  • Transportation
  • Other critical logistics.

Here is a look at what residents of Hawai‘i County need to know about services, shelters, cancellations, etc. in regard to the approaching storm.

Shelters

Hawai‘i County is opening public shelters for anyone who seeks a safe place to take refuge from approaching Tropical Storm Nolo.

The following shelter locations open as of 6 p.m. today:

• Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau.
• Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Māmalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
• Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
• Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.

Residents of Waiʻōhinu and Nāʻālehu who prefer to leave the Nāʻālehu area and shelter at the Herkes Gym in Pāhala, at 6 p.m. today the county will provide free shuttle bus service from Nāʻālehu to Pāhala.

Bring your own food, water and any necessary medicine that you need for overnight and possibly longer. Shelters are pet-friendly; bring your own crate and leash.

Sandbags/sandpiles

Sandpiles are available around the island for residents who need sandbags. You need to supply your own sand bags.

Refer to the county Department of Public Works website for sandpile locations.

Closures and cancellations

• All state offices closed Thursday and Friday by order of the governor. Essential government services and emergency operations will continue throughout the closures.
• All non-emergency Hawai‘i County services and operations suspended Thursday and Friday, including county offices, all park facilities and Hele-On services.
• Hawai‘i County solid waste facilities scheduled to be open Thursday will remain open; however, solid waste schedule changes might be announced later.
• Courts and Judiciary operations on Hawaiʻi Island (3rd Circuit) will be closed Thursday and Friday. All hearings and trials scheduled during the closures will be rescheduled.
• Court orders will be issued extending filing deadlines affected by the closures. Orders will be posted on the Judiciary website. Deadline for documents due during the closure in the 3rd Circuit is extended until Sept. 28. Visit the Hawaiʻi Judiciary website for updates and more information and monitor online public case information at eCourt Kokua.
• Hawai‘i County Fire Commission meetings scheduled Thursday and Friday are canceled. New dates will be announced.
• Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission canceled the Thursday public hearing at Hawaiʻi Community College for Hawaiian Electric’s rebasing proposal. The commission will reschedule the hearing once conditions stabilize. Members of the public can continue to submit written comments on the company’s proposal by referencing Docket No. 2026-0162 on the commission website.
• All Hawai‘i Island libraries closed Thursday and Friday. Programs also canceled during this emergency closure. Check the state libraries website for updates.

State employees affected by the closures will receive administrative leave, except:

• Departmental disaster and emergency coordinators.
• Disaster response workers.
• Employees whose work involves essential operations or services, including hospital, correctional, building and grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and food service workers.
• Employees assigned to remote work.

Employees in those categories must report to work or perform remote work unless excused by their department. Employees unsure of their status should contact their immediate supervisor or manager.

County employees should follow instructions from their respective county agencies.

Other community closures and cancellations

• Keauhou Community Day on Saturday is canceled to protect the safety and well-being of the community. Organizers are disappointed, but look forward to seeing everyone in September 2027.
• The second annual Hawai’i Isle Police Activities League Kawamoto Classic Swimming Event this Saturday in Hilo is canceled. Officials will determine at a later date if the event will be rescheduled. Contact Hilo Community Policing Lt. Ryan Pagan at 808-961-2350 and via email at ryan.pagan@hawaiipolice.gov or Officer Joshua Willing via email at joshua.willing@hawaiipolice.gov for additional information.
• “World’s Largest Pet Walk” event Saturday at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital in Waimea is postponed. Watch for an announcement about a new date soon.

Schools and universities/colleges

All Hawaiʻi Department of Education public schools and offices on the Big Island will be closed Thursday and Friday. All school-sponsored activities, athletics, extracurricular activities and other school events are canceled.

Weekend activities and events also might be canceled depending on weather conditions.

The department is coordinating with state and county emergency management officials as it monitors Tropical Storm Nolo’s progress. School teams are taking steps to secure campuses and prepare facilities ahead of the anticipated weather.

Families and employees are encouraged to monitor official weather updates as well as department and school communications for any changes or additional announcements.

University of Hawaiʻi campus closures:

• University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College, plus all other university units on the Big Island: Thursday and Friday.
• University of Hawaiʻi Maui College: Friday.
• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources offices on those islands.

University leaders continue to closely monitor the storm and work with state, county and federal emergency officials.

The Food Basket — Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank

The Food Basket — Hawai’i Island’s food bank warehouses in Hilo, located at 40 Holomua St., and Kailua-Kona, located at 73-4161 Ulu Wini Place, will be closed Friday.

However, E-Box food distribution remains scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at both locations to make sure families have what they need before the storm. Open to everyone, no preregistration.

Post-storm distributions will be announced as soon as conditions are safe. Call 808-933-6030 with any questions or additional information.

Water conservation

Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply officials urge residents to prepare for possible disruptions to drinking water service as Tropical Storm Nolo is expected to affect the island through the weekend.

Severe weather and high winds could disrupt electrical power and other infrastructure needed to operate the county’s water system.

Such disruptions could lead to temporary or extended service interruptions. Customers are asked to build an emergency supply of drinking water and conserve water.

Residents should limit tap water use to essential needs, including drinking, cooking and personal hygiene, until weather conditions improve. Conservation will help preserve water in storage tanks for essential household needs and emergency firefighting.

People who rely on a continuous supply of county water should assess their needs and make arrangements before the storm arrives.

Check the Department of Water Supply Water Emergency Preparedness Guide for additional information about how to safely store drinking water.

Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply can be reached at 808-961-8050 during normal business hours. After-hours water emergencies can be reported at 808-961-8790. You can also email the department at dws@hawaiidws.org.

Young Brothers shipping schedule update

Young Brothers is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Nolo in coordination with government and relevant state agencies. The storm is forecasted to strengthen into a major hurricane during the next few days.

Accordingly, the shipping firm expects operational changes and will adjust its sailing schedule and gate times to mitigate any impacts.

Sailing schedule updates

Honolulu to Kawaihae sailing; Thursday: CANCELED

• The port is expected to operate normal gate hours Thursday for the acceptance of cargo. 
• The port will not accept any livestock, refrigerated cargo or hazardous cargo.
• The port is expected to be CLOSED on Friday as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard.  

Hilo to Honolulu sailing; Thursday

• The port of Hilo will not accept any refrigerated or hazardous cargo destined for Honolulu.

All sailing schedules remain subject to change based on U.S. Coast Guard and Hawai’i Department of Transportation Harbors Division decisions regarding harbor access, restrictions, reopening status and safe operating conditions.

Cargo acceptance

Cargo acceptance is modified accordingly in anticipation of severe ocean conditions and tropical storm force winds:

• For sailings to Nāwiliwili, Kaua‘i, and Kahului, Maui, on Thursday, all refrigerated and straightload hazardous cargo will be accepted. NO livestock or less than container load hazardous cargo will be accepted.
• NO livestock, refrigerated cargo or less than container load hazardous cargo will be accepted for the rest of the week for all other sailings.

Visit the Young Brothers website and sign up for customer notices.

Young Brothers will continue to provide updates as they become available.

General safety information

• Know the areas prone to flooding, especially near your home, and use extra caution around them. Heavy rain uphill from your location can cause flooding, even if it’s not raining where you are.
• Be prepared for road closures and extended power outages.
• Never try to cross moving water on foot or in a vehicle: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
  Monitor local forecasts from reliable sources for the latest information about the storm and potential hazards.
• Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents and other necessities for members of your household, including pets, if you need to leave in a hurry.
• Check the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that could block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.
• Check in with neighbors, especially those who might have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.

Stay informed

Sign up for Hawai‘i County Civil Defense emergency alerts, and pay attention to the Hawai‘i County Hazard Impact Map.

Be sure to check the National Weather Service Honolulu forecast office website for the latest information on impacts to your specific local community, including any changes to advisories, watches or warnings issued.