Maritime Heavy Weather and Hurricane Plan Informational Meetings Scheduled

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Harbors Division and the US Coast Guard will be holding informational meetings on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu regarding preparations for storms this coming hurricane season. Hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30.

The meetings will be held at the following locations and times:

• Hawaiʻi Island:

Tuesday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

West Hawaiʻi Council Chambers (Building A)

75-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway

Kailua-Kona

• Maui:

Wednesday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

NOAA Humpback Whale Sanctuary

726 South Kihei Road

Kīhei

• Kauaʻi

Thursday, April 11 from 9 a.m to 11 a.m.

Coast Guard Station Kauai

3070 Waapa Road A

Līhuʻe

• Oʻahu

Friday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Honolulu Harbor, Pier 19

Kukahi Street makai from Nimitz Highway

Honolulu

According to the department, Hawaiʻi is on alert for hurricane season. As a member of the Unified Seaport Incident Command Structure, the HDOT works with the Captain of the Port of the USCG and its team, along with the Hawaiʻi Harbors Users Group to ensure that Hawaiʻi’s commercial ports remain open to provide food, medical supplies, clothing, and household goods for the community.

In order to keep commercial ports open before, during, and after storms, the command structure evacuates all vessels that may sail away during storm conditions. According to the department, these vessels are evacuated to protect the safety of the crew and to remove and secure cargo and containers in ship yards to prevent debris from flying away.

In accordance with Annex C of the USCG Captain of the Port Sector Honolulu “Maritime Heavy Weather and Hurricane Plan,” all ocean going vessels that weigh 300 gross tons or more will be required to leave the port during a heavy weather event. Owners who plan to keep any vessels that weigh under 200 gross tons in the port during a heavy weather event must submit a mooring plan for approval by the Captain of the Port and HDOT.

More information can be found on the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, Harbors Division Hurricane Preparedness website.