| The County of Hawaiʻi is closing all of its parks and solid waste facilities on Saturday as Tropical Storm Lala continues to strengthen as it approaches Hawaiʻi Island.
All Hele-On bus routes and Paratransit services will be cancelled on Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16. Fixed route cancellations and modifications for Friday, Aug. 14 can be viewed at https://twitter.com/heleonbus or by calling 808-961-8744 ext. 1.
Lala is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches the island early Saturday morning. Residents should complete their preparations now and plan for sheltering and staying off roadways during the storm.
The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Warning for Hawaiʻi Island. Hurricane force gusts are possible across the island depending on the storm track. Based on current forecasts, the strongest winds are expected for the southern areas of the island, while tropical storm winds are likely islandwide.
A flood watch is also in effect through Saturday night for Hawaiʻi Island. Windward areas could see rainfall amounts of 10-15 inches, with isolated totals of over 25 inches possible.
“With this storm we are facing a significant risk of damaging winds and flash flooding, and we encourage all of our residents and visitors to prioritize their safety,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “Complete your storm preparations today, including securing your home, ensure you have access to safe shelter, and check on neighbors who may need assistance.”
Mayor Alameda signed an emergency proclamation on Friday morning, which allows the County to streamline its response and coordinate resources.
Shelters
The County will be opening shelters as of 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at the locations below. Bring your own supplies, including food, water, sleeping bags, and any necessary medicine. Shelters are pet friendly. Pets must be kept in a carrier.
- Ikuo Hisaoka Gymnasium, 54-382 Kamehameha Park Road, Kapaʻau.
- Waikoloa Elementary School cafeteria, 68-1730 Hoʻoko St., Waikoloa.
- Kahilu Town Hall, 67-1182 Lindsey Road, Waimea
- Honokaʻa Gym, 45-541 Lehua St., Honokaʻa.
- Laupāhoehoe Public Charter School Band Room, 35-2605 Mamalahoa Highway, Laupāhoehoe.
- Waiākea High School Gym, 155 W. Kawili St., Hilo
- Keaʻau Armory, 16-512 Volcano Road, Keaʻau.
- Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-2910 Kauhale St., Pāhoa.
- Robert N. Herkes Gym, 96-1219 Kamani St., Pāhala.
- Nāʻālehu Elementary School gym, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Highway, Nāʻālehu.
- Kealakehe High School Gym, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., Kailua-Kona.
- Yano Hall, 82-6156 Māmalahoa Highway, Captain Cook.
Sandbags can be requested by contacting the Department of Public Works at dpwhwy@hawaiicounty.gov or 808-961-8349. For after-hours requests, contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031. Sandpile locations can be found here. Bring your own sandbags.
General Safety Information
- Complete your storm preparations, have a shelter plan, and avoid unnecessary travel by staying off roadways during storm impacts.
- 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 the area around your home. Trim tree limbs and secure awnings, umbrellas and other objects that could become airborne and damage your roof or windows. Remove debris that may block drainage and increase the chance of flooding.
- Check in with neighbors, especially those who may have mobility problems, to make sure they have a safe way to evacuate if flooding strikes.
Sign up for Civil Defense emergency alerts at bit.ly/HCCDAlerts.
View the County Hazard Impact Map here.
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