Hawaii Braces for Severe Storm: Schools Closed, Emergency Proclamation Issued
Honolulu – A significant storm system is bearing down on the Hawaiian Islands, prompting Governor Josh Green to issue an emergency proclamation on March 9, 2026, to prepare for heavy rain, flooding, strong thunderstorms, and damaging winds.1
State of Emergency Declared
The emergency proclamation allows the state to proactively protect public health and safety, coordinate resources between agencies, and support county emergency response efforts.1 A Kona low weather system is expected to bring prolonged heavy rainfall, with the highest risk of flooding across smaller islands and urban areas. Strong to severe thunderstorms and gusty southerly winds are too possible, potentially intensifying later in the week.1
School and University Closures
All public and charter schools on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island, Molokai, and Lanai will be closed on Friday, March 13, 2026, with no in-person instruction or extracurricular activities.2 All Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) offices will also be closed.2
University of Hawaii campuses on Oahu and Maui County will also be closed on Friday, including all scheduled classes and events, such as the OUTRIGGER Invitational men’s volleyball tournament and a Rainbow Wahine softball game.2 The status of campuses on Kauai and Hawaii Counties is pending, with further updates to be announced.2
Several private schools have also announced closures for Friday, including:2
- Damien Memorial School
- Le Jardin Academy
- Iolani School
- Punahou School
- Sacred Hearts Academy
- Island Pacific Academy
- All Kamehameha Schools campuses
Students and parents are advised to contact their schools directly to confirm operating status.
Government and Public Service Closures
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has ordered the closure of all non-essential City and County of Honolulu offices and services through at least Friday.2 This includes the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, Honolulu Zoo, and municipal golf courses.2
Kauai, Maui County, and Oahu public libraries will also be closed on Friday.2 The Hawaii State Legislature will be closed on Friday, with all committee hearings and floor sessions postponed.2
Park and Transportation Impacts
Haleakala National Park will be closed beginning after sunset on Thursday, affecting both the Summit District and Kipahulu District.2
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is suspending special-employ lanes on Kauai and Oahu to prepare for storm impacts.2 Drivers are advised to turn on headlights, avoid driving through floodwaters, slow down to prevent hydroplaning, and drive defensively.2
While airports remain open, travelers are strongly encouraged to check with their airlines, as inter-island flights are expected to be canceled.2 Skyline will operate as scheduled, but TheBus and TheHandi-Van services may be paused due to unsafe wind conditions.
Power Outage Preparedness
Hawaiian Electric (HECO) is preparing for potential extended power outages and does not anticipate implementing its Public Safety Power Shutoff Program.2 Customers are encouraged to prepare for outages and report them to HECO at 1-855-304-1212 (Oahu), 1-855-304-8181 (Maui County), or 1-855-304-9191 (Hawaii Island).2
Emergency Shelters
The City and County of Honolulu will open emergency shelters starting at 5 p.m. On Thursday, in partnership with the Hawaii Red Cross.2 Shelter locations include Asing Community Park, Waialua High and Intermediate, Nanakuli High and Intermediate, Manoa Valley District Park, Kaneohe District Park, George Fred Wright Wahiawa District Park, Kahuku Elementary, and Waialua High &. Intermediate.2
On Kauai, a shelter has opened at Kapaa Middle School.2 Maui Emergency Management Agency is coordinating shelter openings on Molokai, West Maui, and South Maui at 5 p.m. On Thursday, at Kaunakakai Gym, Lahaina Civic Center, and South Maui Community Park gym, respectively.2
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