Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Declares State of Emergency, Pre-Positions Resources Ahead of Tropical Cyclones

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

GOVERNOR GREEN DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY, PRE-POSITIONS RESOURCES AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER TROPICAL CYCLONES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2026

HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation (EP) covering the entire state to support preparations for and potential impacts from Hurricane Lowell, Hurricane Karina, Tropical Storm Marie and any additional storms that could affect Hawaiʻi.

As part of the state's preparations, six high-water vehicles are being sent to Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi National Guard members will be activated in advance of potential storm impacts. The proclamation allows state and county agencies to mobilize personnel, equipment and resources more quickly as Hawaiʻi continues recovering from Tropical Cyclone Lala.

"Our state is still recovering from Lala, and we are not waiting for another storm to get close before preparing," said Governor Green. "This proclamation gives our agencies and counties the flexibility to move people, equipment and resources quickly so we can protect communities across every island. We encourage everyone to remain prepared and continue following official weather updates."

The proclamation:

• Authorizes the activation of Hawaiʻi National Guard units as needed to support civilian authorities and disaster-relief operations.
• Activates the Major Disaster Fund and suspends the normal $10 million spending limit for a single emergency.
• Directs state agencies to provide personnel, materials, equipment and facilities needed for emergency operations.
• Allows public property to be used for preparation, response and recovery activities.
• Authorizes measures to protect utilities and other critical infrastructure, including restricting public access when necessary.
• Temporarily streamlines procurement, contracting, budgeting, hiring, permitting and repair processes when normal requirements would delay emergency work.

The proclamation does not order evacuations, impose a curfew or close schools, businesses, or government offices. Any such actions would be announced separately by the appropriate state or county authorities.

The emergency relief period began immediately upon issuance of the EP and will continue through Nov. 1, 2026, unless terminated or superseded by a separate proclamation.

For more information and to prepare for upcoming storms, visit: https://ready.hawaii.gov/.

A copy of the executed proclamation relating to September 2026 tropical cyclones can be found here.

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