LIHU‘E — County and state officials, along with representative from the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, American Medical Response and the American Red Cross Kaua‘i Chapter, met at the county’s Emergency Operating Center today to plan for effects of Tropical Storm Felicia, which is expected to impact the Hawaiian Islands later this evening.

 The Kaua‘i team participated in a statewide video teleconference, conducted by State Civil Defense, which included numerous representatives from federal, state and local governmental and private agencies, a news release says.

 National Weather Service officials predict wind and rain impacts to Kaua‘i will be felt beginning late Tuesday afternoon. High surf impacts may begin to be felt later today or early Monday, primarily on east-facing shores.

All beaches remain open at this time.

Preparations for the storm’s arrival have been ongoing for several days. The Department of Public Works began preparing on Friday by fueling vehicles and ensuring ditches and culverts were free of obstruction in anticipation of possible flooding. County Parks and Recreation officials are advising campers of projected weather conditions. 

Kaua‘i Civil Defense has verified with the three hospitals on island to confirm each have operating generators and that they are topped off with fuel. 

Civil Defense has also identified several shelters on Kaua‘i which may be opened by the American Red Cross depending on weather conditions as they evolve. Those locations will be announced as they are opened.

Sue Kanoho of the Kauai Visitors Bureau has been in contact with visitor industry officials on Kaua‘i and throughout the state to plan for any special assistance needed for visitors.

For more information contact Beth Tokioka at 808-652-4190.