LIHUE – Unprecedented back-to-back hurricanes aren’t backing off the Hawaiian Islands. Hurricane Iselle was classified as a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mile per hour winds late Wednesday, and forecasters said it won’t weaken before it hits the islands, as
LIHUE – Unprecedented back-to-back hurricanes aren’t backing off the Hawaiian Islands.
Hurricane Iselle was classified as a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mile per hour winds late Wednesday, and forecasters said it won’t weaken before it hits the islands, as was originally predicted.
It’s expected to hit the Big Island today and could weaken to a tropical storm over the next 36 hours, officials said in a press conference Wednesday.
“What I will be concerned about is the health and safety of the people,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who signed an emergency proclamation activating a major disaster fund set aside by the state Legislature earlier in the day. “I will be making judgments. The National Guard will be making judgments. We will respond in real time with real procedures at the appropriate time.”
Kauai and Niihau were placed under Tropical Storm Watch Wednesday.
Meteorologist Mike Cantin expects up to a foot of rain when Iselle hits the Big Island. He said that wind speeds up to 85 mph could be expected but it should lose steam after it hits land.
“We expect the volcano to do a number on the system,” Cantin said at the Hurricane Center in Honolulu.
Hurricane Julio is right behind Iselle and could hit the islands Sunday.
Places continued to announce their closures as people continued to stock up on supplies statewide and across Kauai in anticipation of the storms.
Kathryn Gallagher Emery, spokeswoman for Home Depot, said the Lihue store was running low on hurricane related merchandise.
“Water is completely out,” she wrote. “The whole state has had similar inventory issues around related items. We have back up orders on all related items that will arrive Monday after the storms.”
The Division of Forestry and Wildlife planned to close all of its managed lands on Kauai this morning. It includes all state forest reserves, natural area reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and game management areas, and Na Ala Hele Trails. All access roads and gates will be closed until further notice.
Young Brothers said it will continue to make shipments to Nawiliwili today, but would only accept straight load containers in light of the shortened delivery window. It also said delivery plans could change in light of the storms.
Officials warned residents to be cautious of downed power lines and trees and of flash flooding. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services said volunteers are prepared to respond with community assistance as needed.
Schools on Kauai, however, hadn’t been canceled as of Wednesday.
Kauai Complex Superintendent Bill Arakaki said he’ll stay in touch with State Civil Defense officials and monitor progress of the storms.
Kauai Humane Society Executive Director Penny Cistaro said KHS will have an animal bunker opened for 30 to 45 pets if an evacuation is ordered.
With the limited space, Cistaro suggested eight other pet and human-friendly designated evacuation shelters around the island. If they open, they would include: Eleele elementary, Kaleheo elementary, Kapaa middle and high school, Kauai middle and high school, Waimea middle and high school.
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Lisa Ann Capozzi, a features and education reporter can be reached at lcapozzi@thegardenisland.com
