Hurricane Hone, a powerful storm with top winds of 80 mph (130 kph), passed just south of Hawaii early Sunday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the islands. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued red flag warnings for the drier sides of the islands, warning of the potential for strong winds to spark wildfires. However, as the storm made its closest approach, the NWS lifted the warnings, citing the storm’s rain-soaked winds as a mitigating factor.
Hone, which was named after the Hawaiian word for “sweet and soft,” was moving west near the southernmost point of the Big Island. The storm’s rain-soaked winds were expected to bring heavy rainfall to the windward and southeast-facing slopes of the Big Island, with locally higher amounts possible. The NWS warned of potential flooding, damaging winds, and large surf along east-facing shores. Some Big Island beach parks were closed due to the high surf, and officials were preparing to open shelters if needed.
Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth urged residents to take the storm seriously and to be prepared for any potential disruptions. “We’re taking this storm very seriously,” Roth said. “We’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. We want to make sure everyone is safe and that we can get through this storm without any major issues.”
The storm’s passage was a welcome relief for residents of the Big Island, who were still reeling from the devastating wildfires that swept through the island last year. The August 8, 2023, blaze that torched the historic town of Lahaina was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, with 102 dead. The dry, overgrown grasses and drought helped spread the fire, and residents are still recovering from the trauma.
Calvin Endo, a Waianae Coast neighborhood board member who lives in Makaha, a leeward Oahu neighborhood prone to wildfires, said, “They gotta take this thing serious.” He has been worried about dry brush on private property behind his home and has taken matters into his own hands by clearing the brush himself. However, he is concerned about nearby homes abutting overgrown vegetation.
“All you need is fire and wind and we’ll have another Lahaina,” Endo said Saturday. “I notice the wind started to kick up already.” Endo is not alone in his concerns. Many residents of the Big Island are still on edge after the devastating wildfires last year, and are taking precautions to prevent another disaster.
The cause of the Lahaina blaze is still under investigation, but it’s possible it was ignited by bare electrical wire and leaning power poles toppled by the strong winds. The state’s two power companies, Hawaiian Electric and the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, were prepared to shut off power if necessary to reduce the chance that live, damaged power lines could start fires. However, they later said the safety measures would not be necessary as Hone blew past the islands.
In addition to the potential for wildfires, the storm also brought a small blaze that started Friday night in Waikoloa, on the dry side of the Big Island. The fire was brought under control without injuries or damage. The NWS warned that the storm’s rain-soaked winds could still cause problems, and residents were urged to stay informed and to follow any instructions from authorities.
As Hurricane Hone continues to move west, residents of the Big Island are grateful for the rain-soaked winds that have brought relief from the threat of wildfires. However, they are also aware that the storm is not over yet, and they will need to remain vigilant to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
The storm’s passage has also brought concerns about the potential for flooding. The NWS warned of potential flooding, especially in low-lying areas, and residents were urged to take precautions to protect their homes and property. The storm’s heavy rainfall could also cause landslides and rockfalls, and residents were warned to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid any areas that may be prone to these types of events.
Despite the concerns, many residents of the Big Island are breathing a sigh of relief as the storm passes. The rain-soaked winds have brought relief from the threat of wildfires, and the storm’s passage has given residents a chance to prepare for any potential disruptions.
As the storm continues to move west, residents of the Big Island will need to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. The NWS will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates as necessary, and residents are urged to stay informed and to follow any instructions from authorities.
In the meantime, residents are taking steps to prepare for any potential disruptions. Many are stocking up on supplies, such as food and water, and are making sure they have a plan in place in case of an emergency. Others are taking precautions to protect their homes and property, such as boarding up windows and securing outdoor furniture and decorations.