Hawaiʻi County Urges Public to Avoid Non-Essential Travel Due to Severe Weather….CLOSURES!

Hawaiʻi County Urges Public to Avoid Non-Essential Travel Due to Severe Weather

The County of Hawaiʻi calls on residents and visitors to avoid all non-essential travel due to severe weather impacts.

As of 3 p.m. Sunday, shelters will be open in North Hilo, Hāmākua and Kohala districts (see list below). County park and solid waste facilities will be closed starting Sunday, and all non-essential County services will be closed Monday.

Storm winds are still increasing, with peak impacts forecast from Sunday afternoon through Monday evening. Flood risks continue, particularly in windward areas. Strong to locally damaging winds are forecast in Kohala, North Kona and Kaʻū with the potential for gusts higher than 60 mph in some areas.

“We ask residents to avoid all non-essential travel as weather impacts are expected to continue to intensify through tomorrow,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Crews are working hard to keep roads clear, but if you don’t need to go, stay home. Follow our emergency notifications as we will keep the public informed of any updates.”

Mayor Alameda signed an emergency proclamation on Sunday due to ongoing and expected impacts. The disaster declaration allows the County to streamline its response and coordinate resources.

Shelters

*            Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road, Waimea.

*            Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaau.

*            Honokaʻa Sports Complex Gym, 45-541 Lehua St. Honokaʻa.

*            Papāʻaloa Park Community Center, 35-1994 Government Main Road, Papāʻaloa.

Facility Closures

*            Sunday: As of 12 p.m., all solid waste facilities and most County park facilities, including all beach parks, will be closed. (The Hilo Municipal Golf Course and Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens remain open Sunday.)

*            Monday: all non-essential County services and operations, including all park facilities and solid waste facilities, will be closed.

Road Closures

*            Waipio Valley Road, from 12 p.m. Sunday-8 a.m. Tuesday. Access for valley residents and farmers only.

Hele-On Route Cancellations and Modifications

Hele-On has announced that the following bus routes are cancelled on Sunday due to severe weather:

*            Route 1.

*            Route 2.

*            Route 60 @ 5:30 a.m. (to Hilo).

*            Route 75 @ 6:15 a.m., 1:45 pm, 11:10 p.m. (Southbound).

*            Route 75 @ 9:49 a.m., 3:03 pm, 11:20 p.m. (Northbound).

*            Route 80 @ 4:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 7:15 p.m. (to South Kohala Resorts).

*            Route 80 @ 11:30 p.m. (to Hilo).

*            Route 90 @ 1:00 p.m. (Northbound), 5:30 p.m. (Southbound).

The following route will be modified on Sunday:

*            Route 90 will start and end in Nāʻālehu.

The following routes will be cancelled on Monday: 1, 2, 10, 12, 60, 75, 76, 80, 90 and 301.

General Safety Information

*            Winds this strong can push a vehicle off the road. Avoid all non-essential travel; Stay away from routes that have low-lying areas prone to flooding.

*            Know the areas that are 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.

*            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 its potential hazards.

*            Have a “go bag” ready in case you must evacuate the area, especially if your home is in an area prone to flooding. It should include food, water, necessary medication, important documents, and other necessities for the members of your household (including pets) if you need to leave in a hurry.

*            Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.

Report Damages

*            Residential Damage Report <https://hawaiicounty.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ab33b24b699f58a9bd95ca1e5&id=4e8a23fe0d&e=7725201efe> .

*            Commercial Damage Report <https://hawaiicounty.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ab33b24b699f58a9bd95ca1e5&id=3a011f5b38&e=7725201efe> .

*            Request for Assistance <https://hawaiicounty.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ab33b24b699f58a9bd95ca1e5&id=5fb420df7e&e=7725201efe> .