Coast Guard Reopens Ports in Hawaiʻi

The Horizon Pacific enters the commercial port of Honolulu as the first cargo ship to return to the port following Hurricane Lane Aug. 25, 2018. The Coast Guard Captain of the Port reopened all remaining commercial ports in Hawaii as of 9 a.m except for Lanai, which pends assessment, following the downgrading of Tropical Storm Lane and completion of port assessments.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kim Fennick and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Vincent inspect the pier at Kahului Harbor in Kahului, Hawaii, Aug. 25, 2018. Coast Guard assessment teams are working to ensure ports are safe to reopen following Hurricane Lane. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick Kelley.

Update: 

Kaumalapau Harbor on Lānaʻi was taken out of “Zulu” as of 11 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2018. All commercial harbors in the State of Hawaiʻi have been returned to Hurricane Season Preparedness status, which means that normal operations can resume with caution.

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The Coast Guard Captain of the Port reopened all remaining commercial ports in Hawaiʻi as of 9 a.m. with the exception of Lānaʻi Saturday following the downgrading of Tropical Storm Lane and completion of port assessments.

Honolulu, Maui, and Kauʻi County ports saw limited impacts.

“Restoring this vital commerce has been a top priority,” said Capt. Michael Long, Coast Guard Captain of the Port. “Cargo vessels and barges offshore can bring in their cargo, cargo already at the port can be processed and distributed to Hawaii. We are continuing damage assessments.”

Crews from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Coast Guard and maritime industry assessed the ports at first light. The teams surveyed aids to navigation and evaluated any damage to water channels and shore facilities. The Coast Guard coordinates with the State of Hawaii and port partners to ensure vessels can transit safely, tie up and receive services, offload their cargo and return to the sea.

“Opening the ports on Hawaii Island was a positive first step,” Long said. “We’re pleased we were able to speed our other assessments along and appreciate the strong relationship with our partners to restore commerce. Lānaʻi is pending assessment but should be open soon.”

The Coast Guard will continue to Broadcast Notice to Mariners and send out Marine Safety Information Bulletins to notify the maritime community as needed. All maritime users are requested to monitor the progress of this remaining storm and heed all warnings.