TSUNAMI WARNING FOR HAWAII CANCELLED

Photo of Hana Bay 2/27/10 courtesy: Bobbi Kalama.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 1:45 p.m. 2/27/10)

UPDATE: All Clear Issued for Maui County

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii– Following the “All Clear” issued for Maui County, the following advisories are in effect:

WASTEWATER— Flushing and sending water down drains can begin again at
3:00 p.m.
WATER— Water service will gradually be restored beginning at 3:00
p.m.
ELECTRIC POWER— The public is urged to continue conserving
electricity until about 4:00 p.m. while the system gradually comes back
online.
ROADS— As of 1:50 p.m. Police have reopened all roads.
AIRPORT— Airport officials expect flights to get back on schedule by
approximately 2:00 p.m. following delays. The Airport access road has
been reopened.
BUSES— All Maui Bus services will resume regular schedules.
STATE PARKS– Closed until tomorrow: Ahihi Kinau Marine Preserve;
Makena State Park.
Waianapanapa State Park has been reopened.
ALL BEACH AREAS– All ocean users are advised to avoid entering the
water at the following areas due to possible sewage contamination: North
Shore, from Kuau fronting Mama’s Fish House Restaurant to the Waiehu
Golf Course; South shore from Wailea to Sugar Beach; and West Maui from
Puamana to Kapalua. This advisory will remain in effect until further
notice.
WAIEHU GOLF COURSE– Will remain closed today.
ALL HOLDING AREAS– Have been closed: Lahaina Civic Center; Baldwin
High School Gym; Hana High School Gym.
COUNTY LANDFILLS– Will remain closed today on Maui, including Olowalu
Convenience Center, Hana Landfill and Central Maui Landfill.
Molokai and Lanai Landfills are open.

All DOE activities for Saturday, February 27, 2010 in the Maui/Molokai/Lanai areas are cancelled due to the impending tsunami. These events include:

Maui High School Baseball tournament

Maui District History Day

Kalama Intermediate School Band Performance and Chicken Dinner

Baldwin High School Sophomore Banquet

King Kekaulike High School Sophomore Banquet

This decision honors the work of all Emergency Personnel and safety of our students and families.

______________________________________

(Update: 1:38 p.m. 2/27/10)
THE TSUNAMI WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR THE STATE OF HAWAII EFFECTIVE AT 0138 PM HST.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

ORIGIN TIME – 0834 PM HST 26 FEB 2010
COORDINATES – 36.1 SOUTH 72.6 WEST
LOCATION – NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
MAGNITUDE – 8.8 MOMENT

MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
——————- —– —— —– ————— —–
KAWAIHAE HAWAII 20.0N 155.8W 2211Z 0.52M / 1.7FT 24MIN
BARBERS PT HI 21.3N 158.1W 2140Z 0.19M / 0.6FT 76MIN
KAUMALAPAU HAWAII 20.8N 156.9W 2136Z 0.18M / 0.6FT 56MIN
KAHULUI MAUI 20.9N 156.5W 2147Z 0.98M / 3.2FT 22MIN
NAWILIWILI KAUAI 22.0N 159.4W 2151Z 0.28M / 0.9FT 44MIN
PAGO PAGO AS 14.3S 170.7W 2132Z 0.66M / 2.2FT 12MIN

LAT – LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH)
LON – LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
TIME – TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME)
AMPL – TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL.
IT IS …NOT… CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT.
VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS(M) AND FEET(FT).
PER – PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES(MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT.

EVALUATION

BASED ON ALL AVAILABLE DATA THERE IS NO LONGER A DESTRUCTIVE
TSUNAMI THREAT TO THE STATE OF HAWAII. THEREFORE THE TSUNAMI
WARNING FOR HAWAII IS CANCELLED.

HOWEVER SOME COASTAL AREAS IN HAWAII MAY CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE SMALL SEA LEVEL CHANGES AND STRONG OR UNUSUAL CURRENTS LASTING FOR SEVERAL MORE HOURS.

THIS TSUNAMI WARNING CANCELLATION DOES NOT MEAN IT IS NOW SAFE TO RESUME NORMAL ACTIVITIES OR REENTER EVACUATED SHORELINE AREAS. YOUR COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE THIS DETERMINATION. STAY TUNED TO YOUR LOCAL BROADCAST STATION FOR THE CIVIL DEFENSE -ALL CLEAR- ANNOUNCEMENT FOR YOUR AREA.

REPEAT –
DO NOT REENTER EVACUATED SHORELINE AREAS UNTIL ANNOUNCED BY YOUR COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY. STAY TUNED TO YOUR LOCAL BROADCAST STATION FOR THE -ALL CLEAR- ANNOUNCEMENT FOR YOUR AREA. PLEASE YIELD TO ROADBLOCKS AND UNIFORMED OFFICERS WHO ARE CONTROLLING REENTRY INTO EVACUATED SHORELINE AREAS.

THIS WILL BE THE FINAL MESSAGE ISSUED FOR THIS EVENT UNLESS
ADDITIONAL DATA ARE RECEIVED.

_____________________________________

(Update: 10:37 a.m. 2/27/10)

..TSUNAMI WARNING IN EFFECT…A STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE HAS CREATED A PACIFIC-WIDE
TSUNAMI…AND A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE STATE OF
HAWAII. ACTIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION…AS THE FIRST WAVE IS ESTIMATED TO ARRIVE IN HAWAII

AT 1105 AM HST THIS MORNING. UNUSUAL WAVE ACTION IS POSSIBLE FOR SEVERAL HOURS. EXACT TSUNAMI HEIGHTS CANNOT BE PREDICTED.

A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF LONG OCEAN WAVES…AND ARE NOT SURFABLE
WAVES. ALL SHORES ARE AT RISK NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION THEY FACE…  AND YOU SHOULD REMAIN WELL AWAY FROM THE COASTLINE UNTIL THE TSUNAMI THREAT SUBSIDES…AS EXTREMELY STRONG AND UNUSUAL NEAR SHORE CURRENTS ARE POSSIBLE. DEBRIS PICKED UP AND CARRIED BY A TSUNAMI ALSO POSES A SIGNIFICANT THREAT.

URGENT ADVISORY: WATER CLOSURES IN LOW-LYING AREASIN ANTICIPATION OF TSUNAMI INUNDATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE WATER SYSTEM, WATER SERVICE IS BEING SHUT DOWN IN ALL LOW-LYING AREAS OF SPRECKLESVILLE, KUAU, PAIA, KAHULUI AIRPORT, WAILUKU, WAIHEE, WAIEHU, MAALAEA, PUUNENE, KIHEI, WAILEA, MAKENA, NAPILI, HANA AND MOLOKAI. THESE WATER CLOSURES HAVE ALREADY BEGUN AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE BY 10:00 A.M.# # #

GOVERNOR LINGLE SIGNS

TSUNAMI EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has signed an emergency disaster proclamation two hours before a tsunami generated by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile is expected to affect the State of Hawaii.

The proclamation, which includes the entire State, provides for the “expenditure of State monies as appropriated for the speedy and efficient protection and relief of the damages, loses and suffering resulting from the threatened disaster.”

Governor Lingle said signing the emergency disaster proclamation now will improve the State’s ability to respond quickly to any potential damage caused by the tsunami. Estimated first wave arrival time is 11:05 a.m. in Hilo. The tsunami is expected to affect all shores of all Hawaiian Islands and may last for several hours.

The disaster emergency relief period for the proclamation begins today, February 27, 2010, and continues until the Governor determines an appropriate time for termination.

###

Tsunami Notification #03 – TSUNAMI WARNING

February 27, 2010 – 9:00 a.m.

EVENT: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach has continued the TSUNAMI WARNING for the Hawaiian Islands.

A tsunami warning means that a significant earthquake has occurred. Tsunami approach confirmed.

EFFECTS: An earthquake has occurred at 8:34 p.m. HST on February 26, 2010 near the coast of central Chile with an 8.8 moment measurement. Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated that could cause widespread damage. Estimated earliest arrival time is now 11:26 a.m. HST Saturday February 27, 2010. Wave height at Kahului Harbor is estimated to be 9-12 feet. Sirens will sound at 6:00 a.m. and will sound hourly thereafter. The last siren will sound thirty minutes prior to the estimated arrival time of 11:26 a.m.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: Persons in low-lying areas should begin emergency preparations. Please refer to the front yellow section of the telephone book for preparedness information and evacuation areas. Prepare your “Go Kit” if you need to evacuate to higher ground. Be prepared to evacuate when advised/ordered by Civil Defense.

A tsunami is a series of long ocean waves. Each individual wave crest can last 5 to 15 minutes or more and extensively flood coastal areas. The danger can continue for many hours after the initial wave as subsequent waves arrive. Tsunami wave heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest. Tsunami waves efficiently wrap around islands. All shores are at risk no matter which direction they face. The trough of a tsunami wave may temporarily expose the seafloor but the area will quickly flood again. Extremely strong and unusual near shore currents can accompany a tsunami. Debris picked up and carried by a tsunami amplifies its destructive power. Simultaneous high tides or high surf can significantly increase the tsunami hazard.

INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather broadcasts can be reached by calling 1 866 944-5025. The Tsunami Warning Center web page can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc.

Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov.

-END-

County of Maui Update
(February 27, 2010 9:00 a.m.)

URGENT ADVISORY

THE PUBLIC IS URGED TO IMMEDIATELY AVOID FLUSHING TOILETS AND TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF WATER PUT DOWN THE DRAIN. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED TO USE HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTS OR ANTI-BACTERIAL WIPES FOR HANDWASHING PURPOSES.

IN ANTICIPATION OF TSUNAMI INUNDATION OF THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM, BEGINNING AT 8:30 A.M. THIS MORNING, WASTEWATER PUMPING STATIONS IN LOW-LYING AREAS IN ALL OF CENTRAL MAUI; ALL OF SOUTH MAUI EXCEPT MAUI MEADOWS; ALL OF WEST MAUI EXCEPT WAHIKULI, AND ALL OF KAUNAKAKAI ON MOLOKAI ARE BEING TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN .

EVERYONE IN AFFECTED AREAS, REGARDLESS OF ELEVATION, MUST RESTRICT PUTTING WATER INTO THE SYSTEM.

THIS RESTRICTION MAY REMAIN IN PLACE FOR SEVERAL HOURS UNTIL FURTHER ASSESSMENTS ARE MADE.

# # #

CLOSURES UPDATE

ROADS
As of 9:00 a.m. today, the following roads were reported closed:

In HANA: Waikoloa Road, Haneoo Roadm, Hana Bay Road, Honomanu Road, Lower Nahiku Road, Wailua Road, Ulaino Road, and Honokalani Road.

As of 10:00 a.m. today, the following roads are expected to be closed:
Honoapiilani Highway, from Puamana to Maalaea
North Kihei Road
South Kihei Road
Makena Road
Amala Road
Kahului Beach Road, from Eha Street to Kaahumanu Avenue
Waiehu Beach Road to Kahekili Highway

FACILITIES CLOSED
Maui Community College
Ahihi Kinau Marine Preserve
Makena State Park
Waianapanapa State Park
All County of Maui Beach Parks
Waiehu Golf Course
All County Landfills, including Olowalu
Queen Kaahumanu Center
Maui Mall
All Maui Bus services
All Department of Education scheduled daytime events

Further updates will be issued as information becomes available.

# # #

__________________________________________

(Updated: 10:15 a.m. 2/27/10)

Tesoro Hawaii Refinery on Full Alert Due to Tsunami Warning;
Seven Tesoro Retail Gasoline Stations Closed

As a result of the tsunami warning generated by the earthquake in Chile, Tesoro Hawaii is taking a number of precautions to safeguard its employees and facilities:

• Tesoro Hawaii’s refinery in Kapolei has activated its emergency command center and refinery personnel are monitoring the approaching tsunami. The refinery is located in Campbell Industrial Park near Barbers Point.

• Essential employees at the 24/7 refinery are continuing to operate the refinery, while others have been asked to be on standby.

• No interruption of supply is expected in the short-term, but we urge citizens to refrain from buying fuel beyond their immediate needs to preserve fuel for emergency vehicles. Tesoro Hawaii’s terminal facilities on Oahu and the neighbor islands are being shut down. No fuel deliveries by truck to the retail stations are planned during this period.
• As of last night, all Tesoro stations received fuel shipments as standard operating procedure.

• Seven Tesoro stations in inundation zones have been closed. Four on Oahu: Hawaii Kai, Kapahulu, Nanakuli, and Waianae. Two on Maui: the station on South Kihei Road in Kihei and the station on Puunene Avenue in Kahului, Maui. One on the Big Island: the station on Kamehameha Highway in Hilo.
• Tesoro Hawaii is not increasing its gasoline prices for consumers during this emergency.

___________________________________

County of Maui Update
(February 27, 2010 9:00 a.m.)

URGENT ADVISORY

THE PUBLIC IS URGED TO IMMEDIATELY AVOID FLUSHING TOILETS AND TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF WATER PUT DOWN THE DRAIN. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED TO USE HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTS OR ANTI-BACTERIAL WIPES FOR HANDWASHING PURPOSES.

IN ANTICIPATION OF TSUNAMI INUNDATION OF THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM, BEGINNING AT 8:30 A.M. THIS MORNING, WASTEWATER PUMPING STATIONS IN LOW-LYING AREAS IN ALL OF CENTRAL MAUI; ALL OF SOUTH MAUI EXCEPT MAUI MEADOWS; ALL OF WEST MAUI EXCEPT WAHIKULI, AND ALL OF KAUNAKAKAI ON MOLOKAI ARE BEING TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN .

EVERYONE IN AFFECTED AREAS, REGARDLESS OF ELEVATION, MUST RESTRICT PUTTING WATER INTO THE SYSTEM.

THIS RESTRICTION MAY REMAIN IN PLACE FOR SEVERAL HOURS UNTIL FURTHER ASSESSMENTS ARE MADE.

# # #

CLOSURES UPDATE

ROADS
As of 9:00 a.m. today, the following roads were reported closed:

In HANA: Waikoloa Road, Haneoo Roadm, Hana Bay Road, Honomanu Road, Lower Nahiku Road, Wailua Road, Ulaino Road, and Honokalani Road.

As of 10:00 a.m. today, the following roads are expected to be closed:
Honoapiilani Highway, from Puamana to Maalaea
North Kihei Road
South Kihei Road
Makena Road
Amala Road
Kahului Beach Road, from Eha Street to Kaahumanu Avenue
Waiehu Beach Road to Kahekili Highway

FACILITIES CLOSED
Maui Community College
Ahihi Kinau Marine Preserve
Makena State Park
Waianapanapa State Park
All County of Maui Beach Parks
Waiehu Golf Course
All County Landfills, including Olowalu
Queen Kaahumanu Center
Maui Mall
All Maui Bus services
All Department of Education scheduled daytime events

Further updates will be issued as information becomes available.

# # #

_______________________________________

(Update @ 8:53 a.m. 2/27/10)

Additional ROAD CLOSURE: HANA HWY

Road Closed Hana Hwy 360 at Honomanu Bay up to Wailua.
Hana Hwy 31 Closed between Lelekea all they way to Manawainui Bridge.

Kaiser:

The Kaiser Clinic in Lahaina is closed today due to the tsunami warning.

The Kaiser Maui Lani Clinic remains open.

____________________

MECO UPDATE 8:40 a.m. 2/27/10

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC ADVISORY RE: TSUNAMI PREPARATIONS

HONOLULU – With a tsunami warning in effect, Hawaiian Electric Company is making preparations to respond to the potential impact to the electric system and coordinating efforts with other emergency response agencies. These actions are underway:

• Ensuring fuel supplies for trucks and other equipment are topped off;
• Mobilizing field crews and equipment, staging them in locations where they can respond as quickly as possible;
• Securing Hawaiian Electric facilities, making sure employees and equipment are safe;

In addition, Hawaiian Electric urges customers to take the following precautions, as appropriate:

• Make sure you have a battery-powered radio on hand to listen for updates on the tsunami.
• Double check your emergency equipment at home such as flashlights, radios, cell phones and other battery-powered equipment to be sure they are operational.
• If your home or business is in an inundation zone, turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment before you leave, especially sensitive electronics. In the event of an outage, this will help prevent damage to the equipment from surges when power is restored.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electric powered, life sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go should the need for evacuation occur, and remember to take your equipment, medicine and/or supplies with you.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. If power goes out, this will keep food fresher longer.

• If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is placed in a well ventilated area (preferably outside) and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. As a general rule, do not plug portable generators into household outlets. Doing so could cause electricity to backflow into power lines endangering the public and Hawaiian Electric workers who may be working to restore power. Electric appliances should be plugged directly into the generator using heavy duty extension cords. Make sure the wattage of the appliances you are using does not exceed the capacity of your generator.
• Keep cash on hand. If power outages do occur, you may not be able to withdraw cash from banks or ATMs.

Electrical safety advice

• Do NOT approach downed utility lines or touch fallen or low hanging wires, nor anything they may be in contact with. As a precaution, assume that all cables and lines may still be energized, regardless of whether they are power lines or telephone or cable television lines
• Stay away from downed lines. Warn others to stay away. Call Hawaiian Electric Company’s Trouble Line at 548-7961 or dial 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Communications

• Check local media and/or tune in to radio stations for important reports from local officials and additional safety and status reports from Hawaiian Electric Company.
• Keep telephone lines clear for police and other emergency services. Call Hawaiian Electric Company only to report downed sparking power lines or unsafe electrical equipment. Key numbers to note:

1. Customer Service inquiries: 548-7311

1. Trouble Line: 548-7961
2. Emergency: 9-1-1

_______________________________________

What’s open and closed in Maui county:

(Update provided at 6:44 a.m. 2/27/10)

Stay off phones unless it’s an emergency (phone lines are beginning to overload)
Stay put if you are in high land area – leave roadways open for those who need to evacuate. Be careful when driving and considerate Civil Defense will sound the sirens every hour on the hour until we are in the all clear

MCC CLOSED
QUEEN KAAHUMANU SHOPPING CENTER CLOSED
MAUI MALL CLOSED

OTHER CLOSURES
Ahihi Kinau
Makena State Park
Wainapanapa State Park
County Beach Parks
Landfills

AT 10 am ROAD CLOSURES
Honoapiililani Highway Lahaina to Maalaea
North Kihei Road
South Kihei Road
Wailea Alanui Road
Amala Road
Makena Road
(Molokai road closures pending)

AT 8:30 am
All Maui Bus service will stop

All MEO Transportation services except dialysis treatment in suspended for the day.

Maui Electric Company will maintain service at its Maalaea Power Plant, but will close its Kahului Power Plant, which is in a tsunami inundation zone.

Maui High School Tournament:

• The 9 a.m. game at War Memorial Stadium in Cancelled
• The 10 a.m. game at Maui High School is Cancelled
• Tournament officials have not made a determination on the rest of the games and are monitoring news reports at this time.

________________________________

UPDATED 6:37 a.m. 2/27/10

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Updated EVALUATION

A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED THAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE ALONG COASTLINES OF ALL ISLANDS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII. URGENT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY.

A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF LONG OCEAN WAVES. EACH INDIVIDUAL WAVE CREST CAN LAST 5 TO 15 MINUTES OR MORE AND EXTENSIVELY FLOOD COASTAL AREAS. THE DANGER CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL WAVE AS SUBSEQUENT WAVES ARRIVE. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE LARGEST. TSUNAMI WAVES EFFICIENTLY WRAP AROUND ISLANDS. ALL SHORES ARE AT RISK NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION THEY FACE. THE TROUGH OF A TSUNAMI WAVE MAY TEMPORARILY EXPOSE THE SEAFLOOR BUT THE AREA WILL QUICKLY FLOOD AGAIN. EXTREMELY STRONG AND UNUSUAL NEARSHORE CURRENTS CAN ACCOMPANY A TSUNAMI. DEBRIS PICKED UP AND CARRIED BY A TSUNAMI AMPLIFIES ITS DESTRUCTIVE POWER. SIMULTANEOUS HIGH TIDES OR HIGH SURF CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE TSUNAMI HAZARD.

THE ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME IN HAWAII OF THE FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE IS 1119 AM HST SAT 27 FEB 2010

FORECAST WAVE ARRIVAL TIMES AND AMPLITUDES CREST TO TROUGH.

HILO 1105AM HST 2.5 METERS 8.2 ft
HONOLULU 1137AM HST 0.5 METERS 1.64 ft
KAHULUI 1126AM HST 2.2 METERS 7.2 ft
NAWILIWILI 1142AM HST 0.9 METERS 2.9 ft
HALEIWA 0.5 METERS 1.64 ft
KAWAIHAE 0.6 METERS 1.9 ft

THESE ARE ONLY ESTIMATES…ACTUAL VALUES MAY DIFFER.

_______________________________________

ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO TSUNAMI WARNING

(Updated @ 6:05 a.m. HST 2/27/10)

Effective at 10:00 a.m. February 27,2010 the following road closures will occur:

Lahaina/Kihei:

• Honoapiilani Hwy from Puamana to Maalaea,
• North Kihei Rd from Maalaea,
• South Kihei Rd (Traffic will be directed Mauka to Piilani Hwy to Mokulele Hwy and Makena Road.)

Wailuku- Kahului:

• Beach Road at Kaahumanu Ave and Eha St,
• Waiehu Beach Road to Kahekili Hwy and
• Amala Road.

No estimated time element on when the roads will reopen.

________________________________

DOT to Close Hilo Airport at 6 a.m.

(Updated at 5:30 a.m. Feburary 27, 2010)

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, has issued a TSUNAMI WARNING for the State of Hawaii effective 12:46 a.m. HST.

A TSUNAMI WARNING means that a destructive wave, or waves, may have been generated by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Chile at 8:34 p.m. HST, February 26, 2010.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center estimates the first wave arrival time in Hawaii will be at around 11 a.m. today, Saturday, February 27, at Hilo. Outdoor siren systems in each county will sound simultaneously at 6:00 a.m. HST, Saturday, February 27, to alert residents and visitors to evacuate coastal areas.

Hilo International Airport will be closed at 6:00 a.m. HST, Saturday, February 27. Please contact your airline if you have a flight booked at Hilo International Saturday morning. All other state airports will remain open at this time and flight operations have not been affected. All vessels and ground crews are being asked to evacuate state harbor areas at this time.

Residents will be advised by their respective county civil defense or emergency management agencies to evacuate coastal areas. Residents are urged to follow civil defense instructions. Please minimize travel to keep roads clear for those in the low-lying areas who are asked to evacuate.

To determine whether or not you live or work in an evacuation zone, go to www.scd.hawaii.gov and enter your address in the Tsunami Evacuation Zone Mapping Tool, or check the Disaster Preparedness Guide in the front of your telephone directory.

Please tune in to your local radio and/or television stations for civil defense instructions and information.

_________________

(Updated at 4:00 a.m. February 27, 2010)

EVENT: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach has issued a
TSUNAMI WARNING for the Hawaiian Islands.

A tsunami warning means that a significant earthquake has occurred.
Tsunami approach confirmed.

EFFECTS: An earthquake has occurred at 8:34 p.m. HST on February 26,
2010 near the coast of central Chile with an 8.8 moment measurement. Sea
level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated that could
cause widespread damage. Estimated earliest arrival time is now 11:00
a.m. HST Saturday February 27, 2010. Wave height at Kahului Harbor is
estimated to be 9-12 feet. Sirens will sound at 6:00 a.m.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: Persons in low-lying areas should begin
emergency preparations. Please refer to the front yellow section of the
telephone book for preparedness information and evacuation areas.
Prepare your “Go Kit” if you need to evacuate to higher ground. Be
prepared to evacuate when advised/ordered by Civil Defense

INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the
situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA
Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather broadcasts can be
reached by calling 1 866 944-5025. The Tsunami Warning Center web page
can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc.

________________________________________

Image Courtesy USGS.

(Updated 1:30 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010)

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has upgraded the State of Hawaii from an Advisory to Warning status. The Tsunami warning was issued following an 8.8 moment quake that struck near the coast of Central Chile at 8:34 p.m. Friday.

Again, a tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii. Action should be taken to protect lives and property.

A tsunami is a series of long ocean waves. Each individual wave crest can last 5 to 15 minutes or more and extensively flood coastal areas. The danger can continue for many hours after the initial wave and subsequent waves arrive. Tsunami wave heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest.

Tsunami waves efficiently wrap around islands. All shores are at risk no matter which direction they face. The trough of a tsunami wave may temporarily expose the seafloor, but the area will quickly flood again. Extremely strong and unusual nearshore currents can accompany a tsunami. Debris picked up and carried by a tsunami amplifies its destructive power. Simultaneous high tides or high surf can significantly increase the tsunami hazard.

The estimated arrival time in Hawaii of the first tsunami wave is 11:19 a.m. HST on Saturday, Februrary 27, 2010.

A tsunami warning means that a significant earthquake has occurred.
Tsunami approach confirmed.

EFFECTS: An earthquake has occurred at 8:34 p.m. HST on February 26, 2010 near the coast of central Chile with an 8.8 moment measurement. Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated that could cause widespread damage. Therefore, a Tsunami Warning has been generated for the State of Hawaii. Estimated earliest arrival time is 11:19 a.m. HST Saturday February 27, 2010. Sirens will sound at 6:00 a.m.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: Persons in low-lying areas should begin emergency preparations. Please refer to the front yellow section of the telephone book for preparedness information and evacuation areas. Prepare your “Go Kit” if you need to evacuate to higher ground. Be prepared to evacuate when advised/ordered by Civil Defense. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the
situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA
Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather broadcasts can be
reached by calling 1 866 944-5025. The Tsunami Warning Center web page
can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc.

The official evacuation is expected at 6 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010.