School and office closures set for Hawaii, Maui counties

Where closures apply

Public schools and state and county offices across Hawaii Island and Maui County will close Friday as Tropical Storm Nolo approaches. Hawaii Island schools and government offices will also close Thursday, and Hawaii County is suspending non-emergency services and operations on both days.

All school-sponsored athletics, extracurricular programs and other events in the affected counties are canceled on their respective closure days. Weekend school activities may also be canceled if weather conditions warrant.

Public schools and state offices elsewhere in Hawaii will remain open unless officials announce additional closures. Judiciary facilities on Hawaii Island and in Maui County will issue separate closure decisions.

Services and employees

Essential government services and emergency operations will continue during the closures. State employees affected by the shutdowns will receive administrative leave, with exceptions for emergency coordinators, disaster response personnel, remote workers and employees responsible for essential operations.

Those essential functions include hospitals, corrections, building and grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and food service. Employees covered by an exception must work in person or remotely unless their department excuses them. County employees should follow instructions from their agencies.

Gov. Green has requested a federal emergency declaration covering all four counties. The request seeks federal assistance for search and rescue, emergency power, electrical-grid support, debris removal, temporary access, communications and transportation, with a requested 75% federal cost share.

Preparing for the storm

Nolo was forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane while nearing Hawaii Island, bringing risks that include heavy rain, damaging winds and flooding. Officials urged residents to secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices, prepare food, water and medication, and avoid unnecessary travel or flooded roads.

School closure and reopening notices will be posted through the Hawaii State Department of Education. State and county agencies will announce further changes as conditions develop, as detailed in Hawaii News Now’s report.