HONOLULU — Gov. David Ige urged residents on Tuesday to be prepared for “significant impact” from Hurricane Lane.
“Hurricane Lane is not a well-behaved hurricane,” he said during a press conference. “I’ve not seen such dramatic changes in the forecast track as I’ve seen with this storm. I urge our residents and visitors to take this threat seriously and prepare for a significant impact.”
Ige signed an emergency proclamation Tuesday that will provide relief for disaster damages, losses and suffering caused by Hurricane Lane.
Based on the scientific information and expertise available, Hawaii is in danger of being significantly impacted by Hurricane Lane, whether or not the hurricane directly hits the state, according to a state press release.
The counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Kauai and the City and County of Honolulu are in danger of experiencing high winds, heavy rains, high surf, storm surges and flooding that threaten to harm communities and cause extensive damage to public and private property across the state.
The proclamation declares the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Kauai and the City and County of Honolulu disaster areas for the purpose of implementing emergency management functions. The proclamation also authorizes the expenditure of state monies as appropriated for the speedy and efficient relief of damages, losses, and suffering resulting from Hurricane Lane.
“This emergency proclamation allows us to line up services and necessary resources prior to the event so that we can keep our communities safe and running as efficiently as possible,” Ige said.
County of Kauai officials continue to monitor Hurricane Lane, and are urging the public to get prepared and remain vigilant over the next 48 hours as any shift to Lane’s track could result in severe weather impacts.
“Now is the time to prepare your homes and families,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “Although we are not yet in a watch or warning, the current forecasted track of Hurricane Lane is concerning and I am urging all residents and visitors to prepare themselves.”
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell urged residents to be prepared and check on their neighbors, as well. Stores across the islands were running low on or selling out of water and gasoline.
The entire island of Oahu could be impacted by the storm, he said. It must be ready for winds of more than 100 mph, rain between 10 to 16 inches and high surf on the south shore. There could be major flooding, he said.
“The real test is how we respond,” Caldwell said. “That’s the test we may have to face.”
Ige said that statewide, counties have already started positioning food, water and other supplies to be ready to respond if there is an emergency and shelters must be opened.
They are also working with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and hotels to be sure visitors are informed of the hurricane and dangers that come with it.
Hurricane Lane, Ige said, is alarming because its track is unpredictable. The forecast for what it could do is all over the map, he said, and there is no sure way to say which direction it will go.
“We just want to encourage all of the people of Hawaii to take this storm seriously, it is very different,” he said.
“The cone of uncertainty is wider than I’ve ever seen in a storm.”
Ige granted administrative leave for non-essential state employees in Hawaii and Maui counties, as the state prepares for severe weather conditions resulting from Hurricane Lane. State offices on Hawaii Island and Maui will be closed from Wednesday through Friday.
