Office of the Governor – News Release – Closure of Some State and County Offices, Public Schools, UH for TS Nolo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2026

HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green today announced that state and county offices, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools and University of Hawai'i (UH) campuses and facilities on Hawaiʻi Island will close Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25, as the state prepares for potentially dangerous impacts from Tropical Storm Nolo.

On Friday, September 25, closures of state and county offices, public schools and UH campuses and facilities will expand to Maui County.

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.

Governor Green has submitted a request for a federal emergency declaration covering all four counties. The official Pre-Landfall Presidential Emergency Declaration request seeks federal support for debris removal, emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance, including search and rescue, emergency power and electrical-grid support, debris clearance, temporary access, communications, transportation and other critical logistics, at a 75% federal cost share.

"We are closing offices and schools on Hawaiʻi Island starting Thursday to give families time to prepare - and we are expanding those closures to Maui County on Friday as Nolo moves further along its projected track," said Governor Green. "The safety of our people must come first. Please complete your preparations, avoid unnecessary travel and follow all instructions from emergency officials."

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:

• Departmental disaster and emergency coordinators;
• Disaster response workers;
• Employees whose work involves essential operations or services, including hospital, correctional, building and grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and food service workers; and
• Employees assigned to remote work.

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.

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.

Officials will continue monitoring Tropical Storm Nolo and will announce any additional closures or changes as conditions develop. Residents should secure outdoor items, charge electronic devices and prepare necessary food, water and medications. As always, avoid driving through flooded areas.

Families, students and employees should check the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education website and social media channels for the latest school closure and reopening information. They should monitor official state and county websites, ready.hawaii.gov and government agencies' social media channels for updates.

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