As a brisk cold front is set to sweep through the Hawaiian Islands, The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) is bracing for the impact. According to a recent announcement by the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, they have already initiated a series of precautionary measures. These actions include readying equipment, securing construction sites, and coordinating with tenants at state airports, harbors, and along highways to safeguard against the pending high winds and heavy rains.
For those planning to fly, it's essential to touch base directly with airlines for the latest updates on flights. Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has tirelessly worked to clear airfield drains and communicated with airport tenants to move potentially hazard-causing loose equipment. As Hawai‘i Department of Transportation reminds us, all airports are planning to "remain open unless there is damage to runway or terminal facilities," with Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport being the exception where boarding may become restricted during inclement weather due to its open-air design.
Maritime operations are equally vigilant, with Harbors personnel having notified all pertinent parties to secure their operations. In preparation to swiftly resume the crucial ocean cargo lifeline post-storm, port surveys and assessments are set to be carried out in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard. The rapid response readiness goes further, evidence being in the fueled vehicles and portable generators standing by.
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation's highway crews aren't taking any chances either. Their pre-storm checklist is a thorough run-through: from fueling up all necessary equipment and staging them out of low-lying areas, to clearing drainage facilities and warning individuals residing in vulnerable sites of the peril that looms. "Please continue to follow HDOT’s social media accounts," they advise, for real-time updates and essential tips for safe driving during the challenging weather conditions presenting themselves.
The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation effort includes not just the preparatory work but also ongoing maintenance and response. Just overnight on January 28, Hawai‘i Department of Transportation crews were able to clear a significant volume of debris from the Ala Wai canal, a testament to their commitment to mitigating the storm's potential effects.
