We’re in the midst of hurricane season, and while it’s been a breeze thus far, it’s vital to remember just how close we’ve come to experiencing windy disasters numerous times over the last 75 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been tracking our region since 1950 and to date, we have had 67 events (tropical storms or hurricanes) that have come within about 200 miles of our homes.
Take a bunch of pebbles (to represent our island chain) and strew some wet ramen noodles all around them. That’s what NOAA’s Hawai`i hurricane map of near misses looks like over the past 75-years. About 30 of those wet and wild systems have been full blown hurricanes. Many remember the devastation and destruction of Iniki (1992) and Iwa (1982). And we all know what flooding can do.
Experts postulate, with historical precedent, that our cooler ocean water, volcanic slopes, subtropical high-pressure systems, and vertical wind shear tendencies push the wildest winds away from our island chain, but that doesn’t eliminate the possibility that gargantuan gales might one day huff and puff throughout our archipelago.
NOAA’s 2026 crystal ball suggests a 70% chance of increased hurricane activity in the Central/Eastern Pacific area, exacerbated by warmer waters and reduced wind shear, thanks to the so-called El Niño effect.
Our local focus shouldn’t be on what we cannot control; it’s about preparedness beyond the basics (water, food, toilet paper). How vibrant is our current emergency communication framework, including redundant/back-up systems? How will the populace know what’s going on if the lights go out for days? Ever thought your car radio might be an information savior? It could be.
If emergency cargo ships take up to a week to arrive, and port operations are kapakahi, what’s Plan B? Shelters will be available statewide, but will visitors need to bring their own supplies? On October 15, 2006, our state lost power (in some areas) for up to 24-hours due to an earthquake. Top local officials had their means of communicating, but a million-plus residents and visitors had a hard time getting information.
Sessions were held post-mortem with vital emergency response personnel including media, the military, non-profits, the government, HPD, and notable utility entities. Are we truly ready in 2026 to provide comprehensive, regular messaging? Cell phones? Good luck. COVID reminded us of our isolation. It’s 2026; are the tools in place if weather woes arise?
Think about it…