#s

Out of an abundance of caution and to keep forest users and emergency responders safe during Tropical Cyclone Douglas,  the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is closing all State forest lands on Sunday, July 26, 2020, until the threat has passed.

Mayor Michael Victorino is urging Maui County residents to shelter in place overnight and through Sunday due to Hurricane Douglas. County crews plan to assess damage and any additional safety concerns after the hurricane has passed.

Douglas has maintained its Category 1 status with 90 mph sustained winds, according to the latest 5 p.m. update from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.  The system is now 240 miles E of Hilo.  According to the latest cone of uncertainty, a portion of South Maui is no longer included in the cone of uncertainty.  

The Category 3 system will continue to experience gradual weakening today through the weekend; however, the Central Pacific Hurricane Center says Douglas is still forecast to be near hurricane strength as it approaches the eastern end of the Hawaiian Island chain late Saturday night or Sunday.

The National Hurricane Center says gradual weakening is expected to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend; and Douglas is forecast to be near hurricane strength when it approaches the Hawaiian Islands. “On the forecast track Douglas will approach the Hawaiian Islands Saturday night, and be near the Islands on Sunday,” according to the latest NHC forecast.

“Hurricane Douglas is expected to gradually weaken as it approaches us, but we should prepare for the worst,” Mayor Victorino said. “I strongly urge everyone to prepare their families now, and be ready to possibly shelter in place.”

The US Department of Justice has cleared The Pasha Group’s purchase of the Hawaiʻi trade-lane business Horizon Lines Inc, which paves the way for an anticipated final closing before the end of the second quarter.