DOE extends Big Island school closures through Friday

Public schools on Hawaii Island will be closed Thursday and Friday, with a few schools closing at 2 p.m. Wednesday, state Department of Education officials said this afternoon.

Two storms advancing toward Hawaii prompted the closures.

“The force of these storms remain uncertain, however, we do not want to wait until last minute to close our schools,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “Additionally, many of our schools are designated emergency shelters and it is necessary to prepare these facilities as the storms approach.”

State and County Civil Defense officials expect Iselle to impact Hawaii Island and Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai) on Thursday. Julio is currently forecasted to impact the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday. School closures are being made according to the storms’ paths and in preparation of designated emergency shelter sites.

On Wednesday, the following Hawaii County public schools, which are designated emergency shelters, will close at 2 p.m. This means all afterschool activities for students and staff are canceled at these schools, as well as any scheduled public meetings.

Hawaii County designated shelters:

Laupahoehoe

Kohala High & Elementary

Kealakehe High (pet friendly)

Konawaena High (pet friendly)

Hilo High (pet friendly)

Waiakea High (pet friendly)

Keaau High (pet friendly)

Pahoa High & Intermediate (pet friendly)

Honokaa High & Intermediate (pet friendly)

Ka’u High (pet friendly)

Waikoloa Elementary

The schools in Hawaii County that are designated emergency shelters will remain closed on Friday.

DOE officials continue to meet with State Civil Defense and are closely monitoring the storms’ patterns. Information regarding public schools and afterschool activities will be announced as needed.

For updated information, follow the DOE on Twitter at @HIDOE808.