David Y. Ige

HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige yesterday signed an emergency proclamation in anticipation of the arrival of Tropical Storm Kilo in Hawaii. The storm’s strength and track is highly uncertain at this time, but National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts show a potential impact to the state sometime early next week.

The proclamation activates the Major Disaster Fund set aside by the Legislature for disaster relief for the entire state. It also allows easier access to emergency resources at the state and federal levels, along with the ability to suspend certain laws as needed for emergency purposes.

“As we prepare for any impacts Kilo may bring to our state, coordination amongst local, state and federal emergency management partners is ongoing and will continue with the support and collaboration of Gov. Ige through the weekend,” said Doug Mayne, Administrator of Emergency Management. “We strongly encourage the public to take advantage of the weekend to prepare their homes and families as this aggressively active hurricane season continues.”

As of 4:42 a.m. today, Tropical Storm Kilo was located at 535 miles southeast of Honolulu, and is expected to become Hurricane Kilo over the weekend. The storm is currently moving on a westerly track at 16 mph, but NWS expects it to curve toward the north, and take on a northeasterly track early next week. As the system turns, it will slow down in speed but will build in strength and intensity as it sits over warm ocean waters.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), formerly known as State Civil Defense, recommends the following preparedness actions to prepare for the storm’s arrival:

• Talk with family members about what you plan to do if a hurricane or tropical storm impacts the state. Make an action plan that includes details such as whether or not your family plans to evacuate.
• Download the Ready Hawaii app from the iTunes or Google Play! store. This app can aid in your emergency planning and will list shelters if they are opened for evacuation.
• Download our preparedness brochure at https://www.scd.hawaii.gov/docs/SCD_PrepareBrochure.pdf for detailed recommendations and other resources.
• Follow the Department of Education online at https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org for the latest information on possible school closures. Make sure you know the closure notification procedure if your children attend a private or charter school.
• High winds may affect your travel plans. Check with your airline prior to any planned flights next week.
• Identify small outdoor items that could be picked up by high winds. Make a plan to bring these items indoors if a hurricane/tropical storm watch or warning is issued.
• Prepare your pets by checking or purchasing a carrier and other preparedness items. A pet carrier is necessary for your pet’s safety if you plan to evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter. Don’t forget seven days of food and water for your furry family members.
• Set aside an emergency supply of any needed medication and keep a copy of your prescriptions in case you run out of medication after a disaster.
• Visitors should download and read the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Travel Safety Brochure at https://www.travelsmarthawaii.com.
• Read the Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual for recommended precautions to protect your boat prior to a storm at https://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/sites/default/files/publications/web-final_hurricaneboatersmanual_7-01-13.pdf.

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Anna Koethe
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