(BIVN) – Multiple government facilities and services on Hawaiʻi island will be closed on Thursday and Friday, as Hawaiʻi County remains under a Hurricane Watch due to the approach of Tropical Storm Nolo.
As of 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, Nolo was 295 miles south of Kaʻū, moving west-northwest at 7 mph. A sharp turn to the north is expected late tonight through Thursday, as Nolo strengthens into a hurricane. Nolo is expected to approach the Big Island on Friday and Saturday, possibly at major hurricane strength.
The County of Hawaiʻi on Wednesday evening announced the suspension of non-emergency County services and operations on Thursday and Friday. The closure includes County offices, all park facilities, and Hele-On services.
Solid waste facilities that are scheduled to be open on Thursday will remain open. However, solid waste schedule changes may be announced later, officials say.
“Our administration has been closely monitoring the development of Nolo, and in coordination with the State, we are suspending non-emergency operations to protect public safety and to give our residents time to prepare,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda in a news release. “We ask residents to take this storm seriously, ensure that you have safe shelter, be prepared for flooding and power outages, and avoid non-essential travel during inclement weather.”
All Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools on Hawaiʻi Island will be closed on Thursday and Friday, September 24th and 25th.
“If your child attends a private or charter school, please check school status with school administration,” a Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense message advised.
The University of Hawaiʻi will close UH Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College and all other UH units on Hawaiʻi Island on Thursday and Friday.
The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary says all courts and judiciary operations on Hawaiʻi Island (Third Circuit) will be closed Thursday, September 24, and Friday, September 25.
