HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PROACTIVE PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF TROPICAL STORM CALVIN
HAWAIʻI COUNTY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PROACTIVE PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF
TROPICAL STORM CALVIN
Mayor Mitch Roth and Hawaiʻi County authorities have taken decisive action in response to the imminent threat of Tropical Storm Calvin, projected to make landfall today, July 18, in the late afternoon. The County of Hawaiʻi is currently under a Flood Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning. Potential impacts include 4-8+ inches of rain, 39-57mph winds, and surf reaching 15’ faces on the Eastern facing shores.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, in collaboration with various agencies, has devised a comprehensive plan to address the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Calvin. This includes the following key decisions:
County Camping Permits Cancellation: In recognition of the potential hazards posed by adverse weather conditions, all County camping permits throughout the island will be canceled from Tuesday, July 18, through Wednesday, July 19. This measure aims to safeguard the public and prevent undue exposure to the storm’s risks.
Waipiʻo Valley Access Road Restrictions: Beginning today, July 18, the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road will be limited to access by residents and farmers only. This restriction has been implemented to facilitate a smooth and swift evacuation process if necessary and to ensure unimpeded travel for emergency responders.
Expanded Emergency Shelters: The County has prepared additional emergency shelters to accommodate those needing refuge during the storm. The following locations will open today at 2 pm HST to provide safe shelter: Pāhoa High School, Hilo High School, Keaʻau Armory, Robert Herkes Gymnasium in Pahala, Nāʻālehu Community Center, Honokaa High School, Hisaoka Gymnasium in Kohala, and Waimea Elementary School. We want to remind residents that these shelters are pet-friendly, and pet owners must bring carriers and necessary animal supplies.
County Parks Closure: For the safety of the public and to prevent any potential hazards, all County parks will close at 4:00 pm today and remain closed through tomorrow, July 19. The County encourages residents to seek safe shelter and avoid visiting parks during this period.
Advisory Updates: The County’s emergency management team will be actively monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Calvin and providing regular updates to the public. To stay informed about the latest developments and safety guidelines, residents are urged to rely on official sources of information.
Additionally, the County is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors through its Hawai’i County Mass Transit Agency. Due to the unknown effects of the severe weather conditions and safety concerns regarding the public and Hele-On staff, the following route changes will be in effect on July 18 & 19, 2023:
July 18, 2023:
- Route 2 at 1:15, 4:45 pm (to Kona) & 5:00, 7:45 pm (to Hilo) – CANCELLED
- Route 60 at 2:05 pm (Hilo to Honokaa/Kona) & 8:26 pm (to Hilo)– CANCELLED
- Route 76 at 3:19 pm (Honokaa to Kona) & 6:00 pm (to Honokaa) – CANCELLED
- Route 80 at 7:15 pm (to S. Kohala/KOA) & 11:00 pm (to Hilo) – CANCELLED
- Route 90 at 12:30 pm (to Kona) & 5:00 pm (Southbound to Pahala) – CANCELLED
- Route 101, 102, 103, 104 – Services will end at 7:00 pm
- Route 201, 202, 203, 204 – Services will end at 7:00 pm
- Route 40, 401, 402 – Services will end at 7:00 pm
July 19, 2023:
- All routes will be canceled and will be re-evaluated at 9:00 am.
For route closure/delay updates, please check https://twitter.com/heleonbus or listen to the County Civil Defense messages for more updates.
The Hawaiʻi County Clerk has also announced meeting cancellations and rescheduling due to inclement and potentially hazardous weather. The affected meetings are as follows:
- Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs: Originally scheduled for 1:00 pm on July 18 – Cancelled. Rescheduled for July 25, 2023, at 10:30 am.
- Committee on Finance: Originally scheduled for 9:00 am on July 19 – Cancelled. Rescheduled for July 25, 2023, at 9:00 am.
- Regular Council Meeting: Originally scheduled for 10:00 am on July 19 – Cancelled. Rescheduled for July 26, 2023, at 9:00 am.
Furthermore, in coordination with Governor Green and the State of Hawaiʻi, County offices and facilities, including the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division and Transfer Stations, will remain closed for the safety of the public and staff. Animal Control services will remain open to address any emergency animal needs during the storm.
As the storm approaches, residents are reminded to assemble emergency kits, secure loose outdoor items, and stay abreast of weather conditions through official channels. In the event of evacuation orders, it is imperative to comply promptly and diligently.
