City offices and non-essential services closed Tuesday due to Hurricane Lowell
HONOLULU – With the worst conditions from Hurricane Lowell expected on Oʻahu overnight, Mayor Rick Blangiardi has ordered the closure of all non-essential City and County of Honolulu offices and services on Tuesday, September 8.
Oʻahu remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, with strong and gusty winds, heavy rainfall, possible flash flooding, and dangerous ocean conditions expected through the overnight hours.
The closure will allow emergency response and recovery operations to continue through the night and into Tuesday morning, while keeping unnecessary traffic off the roads as first responders and City crews assess conditions across the island.
All disaster response and recovery personnel, as well as employees designated by their departments and agencies, must report to work as directed. All other City and County of Honolulu employees will be granted administrative leave.
“The strongest conditions for Oʻahu are expected overnight, and we want to give our crews the time and space they need Tuesday morning to assess conditions and address any impacts,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Closing non-essential City operations is a precautionary step that will help keep unnecessary traffic off our roads and allow our first responders and crews to focus on where they are needed most. There is no reason for alarm. We are prepared, our essential employees will be working throughout the night, and we are asking everyone to stay informed, use good judgment and stay safe.”
The City’s Emergency Operations Center and First Responders Joint Operations Center have been activated and will remain operational throughout the storm.
City crews and emergency personnel will work throughout Monday night and Tuesday to respond to storm-related impacts and, once conditions allow, assess damage, remove fallen trees and debris, address flooding and drainage issues, clear roadways and respond to other hazards.
City to activate call center at 7 p.m.
The City will activate a non-emergency call center at 7 p.m. today to provide residents and visitors with information and assistance related to Tropical Storm Lowell.
The public may call 768-CITY (2489) for information about storm conditions, Hurricane Refuge Areas and other City services and resources. The call center is for non-emergency information only. For emergencies, call 911.
City facilities and services Tuesday
The following City facilities and services will be closed Tuesday, September 8:
- All public park facilities
- Honolulu Zoo
- Municipal golf courses
- City botanical gardens
- Satellite City Halls
- Driver Licensing Centers
Other non-essential City offices, facilities, programs and services will also be closed or suspended Tuesday.
Essential services and transportation
Refuse: Residential refuse will be collected as scheduled. Transfer stations, refuse convenience centers, H-POWER and the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill will be open, conditions permitting.
Public transportation: TheBus, Skyline and TheHandi-Van will operate on their normal schedules, conditions permitting. Riders should allow additional travel time and be prepared for localized road closures, detours, or delays.
Public safety: Police, fire, emergency medical services, Ocean Safety and other critical emergency response functions will continue without interruption.
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay home overnight and avoid unnecessary travel Tuesday morning until conditions can be assessed.
If you encounter a flooded roadway, do not attempt to drive through it. Stay away from downed power lines, fallen trees, and storm debris, and obey all road closures and barricades. Residents should also stay away from shorelines and out of the ocean as dangerous surf and rip currents associated with Lowell continue.
Keep phones and portable batteries charged and continue monitoring HNL Alert, the City and County of Honolulu, the National Weather Service, and trusted local news and weather sources for updates overnight and Tuesday morning.
The City will assess conditions across Oʻahu Tuesday morning and provide additional information about the resumption of normal City operations as soon as appropriate.
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