Hurricane Closes Big Island Schools, Parks

HONOLULU -- Several agencies announced on Monday that they will close their facilities, including all Big Island public schools, on Tuesday because of Hurricane Flossie.

The Department of Education announced that the closure will also affects public charter schools and the two adult schools in Hilo and Kona, officials said. (See the list of closed schools.)

State Civil Defense officials recommended the closings, the DOE said.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Big Island community colleges said they will close on Tuesday.

Officials at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park said they would close a number of areas of the park in response to the hurricane as well.

National Park Service officials said the following are closed: all backcountry trails and campsites, Mauna Loa Road and Hilina Pali Road, Chain of Craters Road is closed at Kealakomo Overlook, about 10 miles from the intersection with Crater Rim Drive, Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki campgrounds, Kipukapuaulu Trail and Picnic Area and all ranger-guided hikes are cancelled.

More roads and areas of the park could close if the storm changes its path more toward the islands or if conditions intensify, NPS officials said.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it will close all state parks, forest and natural area reserves and trails on the island through Wednesday.

"We urge people on the Big Island to heed the warnings, avoid remote or exposed areas, and to take precautions for protection of life and property. We will reopen these areas on the Big Island as soon as the weather improves, and we can assess them for safe conditions," DLNR interim chairperson Laura H. Thielen said.

DLNR said it also urges boaters on the Big Island to have a plan when around the Big Island. They suggested going into Honokohau, Kawaihae and Wailoa small boat harbors.

Hurricane Flossie dropped to a Category 3 hurricane on Monday. However, forecasters at the National Weather Service said that the storm is still dangerous and could create severe weather conditions on the Big Island as it passes south of the state. (Find out more about the forecast.)