Hawaii Declares State of Emergency as Hurricane Kiko Approaches

Hawaii officials on Friday night declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Kiko advanced toward the islands, activating emergency measures and resources to prepare for wind, rain and high surf.

Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor, issued the proclamation to ensure state and county agencies were ready to respond. "The proclamation activates emergency measures and resources to protect public health, safety and welfare," Luke said, adding that "tropical storm-force winds, heavy rainfall and high surf associated with Hurricane Kiko could begin affecting portions of the state as early as Monday, Sept. 8, 2025."

As of Sunday evening, the storm was centered about 635 miles east of Hilo on the Big Island and was forecast by the National Hurricane Center in Miami to pass north of the islands on Tuesday and Wednesday. Kiko was downgraded Sunday night from a Category 3 to a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph as it moved west-northwest at about 13 mph. Forecasters expected the system to weaken further as it moved into cooler waters and drier air on Monday night, before its center passed north of the main Hawaiian Islands midweek.

Officials cautioned that impacts could still occur even if the storm's center remains north of the islands. "There are still possible impacts, including wind and rain, but we're not anticipating tropical force winds," James Barros, administrator of Hawaii Emergency Management, said. Forecasters also warned of potentially life-threatening rip currents and elevated surf along east-facing shores, where waves could reach 10 to 15 feet.

Luke's emergency order authorizes the Hawaii National Guard to be mobilized, frees up state disaster funds and allows state agencies to suspend certain procurement and regulatory laws to speed response. The proclamation directs all state agencies to coordinate disaster efforts through Sept. 19.

Local emergency managers spent the weekend sharpening communications and response plans. At the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, Deputy Director Jennifer Walter said staff worked to improve information flows so shelter locations, city closures and other urgent messages could be delivered quickly. Authorities urged residents to stock up on essentials and advised visitors to monitor flight and hotel alerts for possible cancellations.

"Preparedness is always going to be the answer for this," Matthew Wells, communications director for the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region, said. Walter said she encourages readiness even when storms veer away: "I always think about these storms approaching that miss us almost like when you have a house guest and you've cleaned your house and you've gotten all ready and then maybe they cancel, but at the end of it, you have a clean house and a fridge full of food."

Kiko is the 11th named system in the eastern Pacific this year and comes with roughly three months still remaining in the Pacific hurricane season, which runs from May 15 until Nov. 30. Earlier this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast a below-normal eastern Pacific season, calling for 12 to 18 named storms, five to 10 hurricanes and up to five major hurricanes.

State and local officials said they would remain on alert and stand ready to mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure and respond quickly to any damage. They reiterated that residents and visitors should monitor official updates, follow guidance from emergency managers and prepare for possible disruptions to travel and services as the storm system moves through the region.