Not clear: State of Emergency in Hawaii County?

Is there a State of Emergency on the Island of Hawaii? This is not clear at this time, but according to local media on the Big Island, Will Okabe, Acting Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i, released an emergency proclamation with Hurricane Hector closing in on the shores of Hawaii Island. This information was released by local media, but could not be confirmed by looking at the County of Hawaii Emergency website.

The United States National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the island of Hawai‘i. A tropical storm warning is issued when there is a high probability of tropical storm force winds expected anytime within the next 36 hours.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the center of Hurricane Hector was approximately 370 miles ESE of South Point at latitude 16.6 N and longitude 150.7 W, moving west at approximately 16 mph. Strongest sustained winds are estimated at 130 mph.

The following advisories have been issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center:

1. Tropical storm force winds up to 73 mph are possible for the east and southeast sections of Hawaii Island, especially for the areas around South Point.
2. High winds gusts are forecast through Wednesday and will affect the entire island, especially downslope areas.
3. High Surf Warning up to 15 feet for east and southeast facing shores until 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The following public safety measures and recommendations are now in effect:

• High winds can cause extremely dangerous conditions due to flying debris, downed power lines, and blocked roads. These hazards can occur without advance warning.
• Be prepared for interruptions to utilities, including power outages.
• Secure loose objects in your yard and prepare your house for strong winds.
• Residents along the affected shores should be alert for high and dangerous surf conditions.
• It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency.
• If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large trees, a manufactured home, or on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of strong winds or flooding.
• More information on hurricane preparedness can be found online.

The following beach and road closures are in effect:

• Whittington, Punalu‘u, and Milolii Beach Parks are closed. All pavilion and camping permits for these three parks have been cancelled through Friday.
• South Point Road from the Kamaoa Road junction to South Point is open to local resident traffic only.
• Early voting sites at the Pāhoa Community Center and the Pahala Community Center will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 8.