Hawaii Declares Statewide Emergency as Hurricane Kiko Approaches

Hawaii declared a statewide emergency Friday as Hurricane Kiko churned across the eastern Pacific on a projected northwest track toward the islands, the state announced.

Acting Governor Sylvia Luke’s proclamation activates the Hawaii National Guard, frees state disaster funds and suspends certain procurement and regulatory laws to speed response and recovery. The order authorizes state agencies to coordinate disaster efforts through at least Sept. 19 and directs preparation of resources to protect public health, safety and welfare.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and state emergency officials said Kiko had weakened slightly to a Category 3 hurricane as of Saturday and was located roughly 1,000 miles east of Hawaii. Forecasters said the storm was likely to lose strength as it moves northwest into cooler waters and drier air, but warned hazardous surf, rip currents and localized rainfall could affect the islands as early as Sunday and into Monday, Sept. 8.

"The proclamation activates emergency measures and resources to protect public health, safety and welfare," Luke’s office said. Luke said state and county crews stood ready to mobilize to clear debris, secure infrastructure and respond to any storm damage. "We urge residents and visitors to monitor updates, follow official guidance and prepare accordingly," her office said.

James Barros, administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, told reporters that while the system continued to weaken on the current track and the state did not expect to issue a tropical storm watch or warning, officials were maintaining readiness in case the forecast shifts. "There are still possible impacts, including wind and rain, but we’re not anticipating tropical-storm-force winds," Barros said. He added that gusts could disrupt trade wind patterns and that most rain was expected from remnants behind the system rather than from the storm center.

Even without a direct hit, forecasters warned that the most immediate hazard to island communities and visitors would be dangerous surf. NOAA and local meteorologists projected rough swells could begin affecting east-facing shores of the Big Island and Maui as early as Sunday, with conditions peaking along some coasts early next week. Officials cautioned that strong rip currents and hazardous surf conditions could persist for days after the storm passes.

The emergency proclamation suspends state laws related to public works, procurement and environmental reviews on a temporary basis to allow crews to move quickly if debris removal or repairs are required. The measure is intended to clear legal hurdles so that equipment, materials and contractors can be mobilized without delay should damage occur.

Residents were urged to stock up on water, batteries and nonperishable food, secure outdoor items, and follow county guidance on shelters and evacuations. Emergency shelters were being prepared in coordination with local counties. Tourism officials and hotels along Kona and Maui were notifying guests to monitor flight and lodging alerts and prepare for possible cancellations as the storm approaches near the end of the summer travel season.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green was traveling abroad and scheduled to return Sunday, his office said. State officials noted that the proclamation would allow a coordinated response whether or not the storm’s forecast track moved closer to the islands.

NOAA models and satellite imagery will continue to guide adjustments to watches, warnings and response posture. State leaders emphasized that forecasts can change and urged continued monitoring of official updates from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, NOAA and local county emergency management offices.