HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Coast Guard Sector Honolulu is urging the local maritime community to be updated on the status of Hurricane Kiko and heed to weather warnings.
While Kiko is currently more than 1,200 miles away from the closest Hawaiian island, the Coast Guard is urging boaters, those who fish and anyone else who may be in the ocean to protect themselves and their vessels.
The hurricane can generate swells that are expected to reach the islands toward the end of this upcoming weekend, which can cause life-threatening surf and rip currents, the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard, in tandem with local and federal partners, plans on evaluating the need for life-saving support in areas affected by the storm so they may take appropriate action.
However, dangerous conditions provided by the storm could severely limit the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct rescues, and it may even render rescue services completely unavailable.
To prepare for a dangerous storm, the Coast Guard advises to do the following:
- Store your vessel in a secure location
- Secure all paddlecrafts
- Loose paddlecrafts that end up in the water can cause false distress calls
- Remove all loose items from your vessel while not in use, such as life jackets
- Contact local marinas for vessel securing advice
- Stay off the water
- Monitor the weather and abide by all warnings
- Avoid rocks and jetties due to unpredictable waves
Be sure to heed to instructions from local emergency managers and officials in the event of an evacuation.
Mariners will receive notices on VHF-FM channels 16 and 22A. Those in distress are urged to call 911.