Hawaii Gov. Josh Green speaks Thursday during a presentation of the 2026 Hurricane Weather Outlook, where state and emergency management officials encouraged residents to prepare ahead of hurricane season. Photo courtesy Gov. Josh Green’s Office

State and county officials are encouraging residents to prepare ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, emphasizing that readiness before a storm develops can help save lives.

Gov. Josh Green joined representatives from the National Weather Service, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and county emergency management leaders Thursday at the state Capitol to present the 2026 Hurricane Weather Outlook and discuss preparedness efforts statewide. Green also proclaimed May as Hurricane Awareness and Preparedness Month.

Officials said preparation requires coordination among individuals, families, neighborhoods and government agencies at the county, state and federal levels.

“As we enter hurricane season, we are reminding everyone in Hawaii that preparedness saves lives,” Green said in a statement. “When we prepare early and work in coordination, we strengthen resilience across Hawaii.”

John Bravender, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office, provided the annual hurricane outlook and discussed the importance of monitoring forecasts and taking action when watches or warnings are issued.

Major General Stephen F. Logan, director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said preparedness is a shared responsibility and noted the Hawaii National Guard stands ready to assist during severe weather events.

James Barros, administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, encouraged residents to review emergency plans, refresh disaster supply kits and stay informed through official sources.

County emergency management officials from Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island also discussed ongoing planning and coordination efforts.

Are you prepared?

Officials encouraged the public to take simple but important preparedness steps now, including:

• Make or update an emergency plan for your household

• Build or restock a disaster supply kit

• Know evacuation routes and shelter information for your area

• Sign up for local emergency alerts and notifications

• Monitor official forecasts and guidance throughout hurricane season