Public schools, government offices closed Friday across Hawaii Island and Maui County

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Public schools and government offices across Maui County will close Friday, while Hawaii Island will see closures both Thursday and Friday, officials announced Wednesday.

Read more Tropical Storm Nolo: Island-by-island list of Hawaii closures, cancellations

The closures comes as Hawaii prepares for potentially dangerous impacts from Tropical Storm Nolo.

“The safety of our people must come first,” said Gov. Green. “Please complete your preparations, avoid unnecessary travel and follow all instructions from emergency officials.”

All school-sponsored activities, athletics, extracurricular activities and other school events in the affected counties are canceled on their respective closure days. Weekend activities and events may also be canceled depending on weather conditions.

Essential government services and emergency operations will continue throughout the closures. State offices and public schools on islands not included in the closure will remain open unless otherwise announced.

The closures are intended to keep residents off the roads, give families time to prepare and allow emergency personnel to respond safely as heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding and other hazardous conditions threaten both counties.

The governor has submitted a request for a federal emergency declaration covering all four counties.

Read more County of Maui officials urge preparedness ahead of Tropical Storm Nolo

The official Pre-Landfall Presidential Emergency Declaration request seeks direct federal assistance at a 75% federal cost share, including the following support for emergency protective measures and response:

Judiciary facilities on Hawaiʻi Island and across Maui County will announce closures separately. State employees affected by the closures will receive administrative leave, except for:

Employees in these categories must report to work or perform remote work unless excused by their department. Employees who are unsure of their status should contact their immediate supervisor or manager. County employees should follow instructions from their respective county agencies.

Officials will continue monitoring Nolo and will announce any additional closures or changes as conditions develop.

Emergency preparedness

Residents are advised to make the following storm preprations:

Families, students and employees can check the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest school closure and reopening information.

Further updates can also be found on official state and county websites, ready.hawaii.gov and government agencies’ social media channels for updates.

Read more Depression now Tropical Storm Nolo, may approach state as a major hurricane