August 24, 2024, 8:11 p.m. HST
As of 8 p.m. Saturday, Tropical Storm Hone was located southeast of the Big Island, about 105 miles south-southeast of Hilo.
According to the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, the storm is moving westward at 22.5 km/h.
The tropical storm is strengthening slightly, reaching near hurricane strength with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.
Several road and park closures were reported due to the storm.
Road closures include Waipi’o Valley Access Road and Kohala Mountain Road due to a fallen tree at mile 17.
Further road closures may occur without warning.
All east-facing Hawai’i County beach parks are closed.
The Hele-On Bus Service has canceled its routes over the weekend. A list of canceled bus routes can be found on the County of Hawaii Civil Defense website at https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/.
Public emergency shelters are open at the following locations:
- Ka’ū Herkes Gym, located at 96-1219 Kamani St. Pāhala.
- Nā’ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria, 95-5545 Māmalahoa Highway in Nā’ālehu.
- Pāhoa High School Gym, 15-3038 Pāhoa Village Rd. in Pāhoa.
- Kea’au High School Library and Building G, 16-725 Kea’au-Pāhoa Rd. in Pāhoa.
- Mountain View Elementary School Cafeteria, located at 18-1235 Volcano Rd. in Mountain View.
- Waiākea High School gymnasium in Hilo, 155 W Kawili St.
- Honoka’a High School and Intermediate School Cafeteria, located at 45–527 Pakalana St. in Honoka’a.
Anyone who wants to wait out the storm in a public shelter should stay there at this time. Pets are welcome in all shelters.
Those who must go to the evacuation centers must bring essentials. Families are responsible for their own bedding, food, water and medicine. Also, make sure you have your phones, chargers and other necessary items with you.