HONOLULU — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port is closely monitoring the movement of Hurricane Ignacio and the projected arrival of storm force winds could facilitate the need to close commercial ports throughout the main Hawaiian Islands due to severe weather.
The COTP has already moved the ports of Hilo and Kawaihae on the Big Island and the ports of Kaunakakai, Kaumalapau and Kahului in Maui County to Condition Whiskey (IV): The ALERT condition in which winds above 34 knots (39 mph) are expected within 72 hours. Port Conditions on the islands of Oahu and Kauai may move through the Port Condition continuum as the storm nears. As a reminder, Port Conditions are subject to change based on the projected path and intensity of Ignacio.
The Port Conditions are:
- Condition Hurricane Season Preparedness (V): Seasonal readiness, 1 June - 30 Nov.
- Condition Whiskey (IV): The ALERT condition in which winds above 34 knots (39 mph) are expected within 72 hours.
- Condition X-Ray (III): The READINESS condition in which winds above 34 knots (39 mph) are expected within 48 hours.
- Condition Yankee (II): The WARNING condition in which winds above 34 knots (39 mph) are expected within 24 hours.
- Condition Zulu (I): The DANGER condition in which winds above 34 knots (39 mph) are expected within 12 hours and until the storm has passed and is no longer a threat.
The Coast Guard will continue to Broadcast Notice to Mariners and send out a Marine Safety Information Bulletin to notify the maritime community of port condition changes. Additionally, all maritime users are requested to monitor the progress of this hurricane and make preparations accordingly.
For more information contact the Coast Guard 14th District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.