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President Donald Trump has approved a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Hawaii as Hurricane Nolo approaches the state, Gov. Josh Green announced Friday.
The declaration covers Maui, Hawaii and Kauai counties and the city and county of Honolulu.
The governor's office said it authorizes federal assistance for emergency protective measures at a 75% federal cost share, including direct federal assistance.
"Protecting the people of Hawaiʻi is our highest priority and this approval gives our state and counties the additional federal support needed to act before conditions deteriorate," Green said in a news release. "Hurricane Nolo threatens to bring dangerous flooding, mudslides, damaging waves and disruptions to critical infrastructure, particularly on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. We are grateful to President Trump, FEMA and our federal partners for responding quickly and helping us prepare. I urge residents and visitors to take this threat seriously, follow official guidance and be ready to shelter in place or evacuate if directed."
As of 11:30 a.m. Friday, Maui County remained under a tropical storm watch, flood watch and high surf advisory.
Officials said the potential for significant impacts to Maui County has decreased as Nolo is expected to pass south of the islands, but tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain, flooding and hazardous surf are still possible beginning Friday night. East Maui faces the greatest potential for heavy rainfall and flooding.
The National Weather Service said windward Maui is among the areas most likely to receive heavy rain through Saturday. A flood watch covers Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe, as well as Hawaii island.
Nolo strengthened into a hurricane at 5 p.m. Thursday and became a Category 2 hurricane Friday morning.
It was expected to strengthen into a Category 3 major hurricane Friday night, around the time of its closest approach to Hawaii Island, with its center passing south of the state.
Based on the latest forecast and current conditions, Maui County has postponed the opening of emergency shelters that were scheduled to open at noon Friday on Maui and Molokai.
The county said it remains prepared to open shelters if weather conditions or impacts warrant. County and American Red Cross personnel and supplies have been pre-positioned so shelters can be activated if needed.
If opened, the shelters will provide protection from the elements and charging stations for personal electronic devices. Residents should bring their own bedding, food, drinking water, medications, charging cables and other essential items. Pets are allowed if they are in crates. Shelter hours and available amenities will depend on weather conditions.
The state Department of Transportation is asking residents and visitors to use caution and avoid nonessential travel to East Maui on Hana Highway, which is susceptible to fallen trees, rocks and flooding.
Maui County Department of Transportation officials also announced changes to Maui Bus service because of the storm. Fixed Route, ADA Paratransit and Commuter service to West and South Maui will be suspended Saturday.
Commuter service to West and South Maui will remain suspended Sunday, while Fixed Route and ADA Paratransit service may resume later in the day if conditions allow.
Several county events also have been affected. The Office of the Mayor's Kokua Kauai Donation Drive, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will be rescheduled. The War Memorial Gymnasium blessing scheduled for Friday was canceled.
Mayor Richard Bissen also signed an emergency proclamation Thursday ahead of potential impacts from Nolo. The proclamation allows Maui County to access state and federal assistance programs and temporarily streamlines county procedures so resources, personnel and services can be deployed more quickly for emergency response and recovery.
Residents are encouraged to:
Review or update a family emergency plan.
Assemble or replenish emergency supplies, including enough food, water, medications and essential items to last at least 14 days.
Prepare an emergency go bag with essential items to take if evacuation becomes necessary.
Secure important documents and know your evacuation zone if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
Prepare your home by securing outdoor items, protecting windows if needed, and ensuring it is ready to withstand possible extended power outages.
Sign up for MEMA Alerts and Genasys evacuation notifications by visiting https://mauicounty.gov/MEMA.
For the latest information, visit NWS in Honolulu at weather.gov/hfo/ and subscribe to Genasys and MEMA alerts at mauicounty.gov/MEMA.