Gov. Josh Green signed a statewide emergency proclamation ahead of three hurricanes encroaching on the island chain this weekend.
In an Instagram post today, Green cautioned that Lowell, currently a Category 4 storm with 140 mph winds, could veer toward Kauai over the weekend, with potential impacts on Monday. He emphasized that the storm’s path remains uncertain and that the forecast will solidify over the weekend.
Lowell’s path could be influenced by Hurricane Karina, which is passing northeast of the island chain, while Hurricane Marie in the East Pacific is still too far to tell what its impacts will be. Green said in his post that the proclamation is “for potential impacts from Lowell, Karina, Marie and any other storms that may threaten Hawaii.”
According to the National Weather Service, Kauai has a significant risk of flash flooding and wind, and an extreme risk for surf and storm surge on Monday.
The state is sending six high-water vehicles to Kauai and has activated the Hawaii National Guard to ensure personnel and equipment are ready if needed. The proclamation also allows state and county agencies to move resources, access emergency funding and respond to the crisis faster.
Green encouraged all residents to have 14 days of emergency supplies stocked, including stored water.
“This is a very serious hurricane,” Green said. “It’s missing most of the state, but again, if it veers back we would see heavy winds starting in on Sunday and then Monday it could be very ferocious.”
According to the governor’s office, the proclamation is in effect until Nov. 1 and provides the following support for storm-response efforts:
• Authorizes the activation of Hawaii National Guard units to support civilian authorities and disaster-relief operations.
• Activates the Major Disaster Fund and suspends the normal $10 million spending limit for a single emergency.
• Directs state agencies to provide personnel, materials, equipment and facilities needed for emergency operations.
• Allows public property to be used for preparation, response and recovery activities.
• Authorizes measures to protect utilities and other critical infrastructure, including restricting public access when necessary.
• Temporarily streamlines procurement, contracting, budgeting, hiring, permitting and repair processes when normal requirements would delay emergency work.
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