Aloha State News

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has initiated several measures in anticipation of a low-pressure system expected to impact the Hawaiian Islands from tonight into Friday.

In preparation at airports, all districts have communicated with tenants about pre-storm actions, such as securing loose equipment on ramps. Airfield drains and outlets have been cleared, and crews are ready to maintain operations during adverse weather conditions. State airports will remain open unless there is damage to facilities, except for the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole, which may limit boarding and deplaning due to its open-air design.

Passengers are advised to rely on airlines for flight information during weather events. Those without ticketed flights should avoid coming to the airport. If shelter is needed at the airport during a storm, passengers should stay within secured areas to avoid additional security screening. Entry will not be allowed if security checkpoints close for the night.

Harbors personnel have informed users, agents, tenants, and contractors about incoming weather conditions and urged them to secure facilities. Coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard is ongoing for port surveys post-storm to resume ocean cargo services swiftly. Harbors crews have prepared vehicles and portable generators for quick deployment if necessary.

On highways across all islands, HDOT crews have completed pre-storm checklists that include fueling equipment and tanks at baseyards, clearing drainage areas, removing Best Management Practices (BMPs) from construction sites, staging equipment away from low-lying areas, and staffing local emergency operating centers. In O‘ahu specifically, crews visited known residential sites to warn residents about the storm and remove hazardous items.

A collaborative effort was made by HDOT crews overnight on January 28th to clear debris from the Ala Wai canal using an excavator assisted by a Department of Land and Natural Resources boom. The removal operation resulted in 12 dump truck loads of debris being cleared from the canal's east side. The Major Disaster Fund released by acting Governor Sylvia Luke will cover costs for additional equipment used in this effort.

HDOT urges residents in Hawai‘i to prepare for heavy rains and high winds by securing loose property items, ensuring vehicles are fueled up with accessible emergency supplies available, and adhering to safe driving practices in wet conditions.

Updates can be followed on HDOT’s social media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDepartmentOfTransportation/ and https://twitter.com/DOTHawaii