HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES PROACTIVE PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF TROPICAL STORM CALVIN

HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES PROACTIVE PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF TROPICAL STORM CALVIN

Mayor Mitch Roth announced today the County’s proactive preparations for Tropical Storm Calvin, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, July 18, in the late afternoon. As the storm approaches, the County is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors.

In response to the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Calvin, the County has made the following decisions:

1.      County Camping Permits Cancellation: In the interest of public safety, all County camping permits islandwide will be cancelled from Tuesday, July 18, through Wednesday, July 19. This measure aims to protect individuals from the potential risks associated with camping during adverse weather conditions.

2.      Waipiʻo Valley Access Road Restrictions: Starting tomorrow, July 18, the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road will only be accessible to residents and farmers. This restriction is necessary to facilitate swift and safe evacuations if required and to prevent any unnecessary congestion on the roadways.

3.      Emergency Shelters Prepared: Two emergency shelters are being readied in the Kaʻū district to provide refuge for those in need. The Robert Herkes Gymnasium and the Nāʻālehu Community Center will serve as safe locations for residents seeking shelter during the storm. These shelters will be staffed with trained personnel and will be equipped with essential supplies to accommodate residents. The shelters are pet friendly, requiring owners to be responsible for providing a carrier, food, and other supplies for their animals.

4.      Advisory Updates: The County’s emergency management team is continuously monitoring the situation and will be providing regular updates on Tropical Storm Calvin’s progress. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official sources of information for the latest developments and safety guidelines.

Mayor Mitch Roth urged all residents and visitors to take this storm seriously and to make the necessary preparations for potential impacts. He stated, “While we hope for the best, it’s crucial that we plan for the worst. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that everyone remains safe and well-prepared throughout the duration of the storm.”

Residents are reminded to prepare emergency kits, secure loose outdoor items, and stay informed about weather conditions through official channels. Evacuation orders, if necessary, should be followed promptly and diligently.

To ensure timely and critical alerts, the County encourages residents to sign up for Everbridge messages from Civil Defense. By doing so, residents will receive important notifications directly to their preferred communication channels, allowing them to stay informed and make informed decisions. To sign up, visit: https://member.everbridge.net/371914103062563/login

The public is also encouraged to visit the official website of the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency at https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/. This website serves as a valuable resource for residents and visitors seeking the latest storm advisories, evacuation orders, emergency shelter locations and hours of operation, and other essential information related to the storm.