Hawaii County issues emergency proclamation for severe weather and concurrent hazards

Hawaii County has issued an emergency proclamation as a new round of severe weather brings flooding risk and other hazards to Hawaiʻi Island.

The proclamation, effective April 8, 2026, cites severe weather, saturated ground, recent damage from Kona low systems and concurrent volcanic and coastal hazards. County officials said the move was prompted by the potential for prolonged impacts as the storm system moved across the island.

State emergency management officials said heavy rain and flash flood warning conditions were affecting the Big Island on April 8. The National Weather Service also warned of prolonged rainfall, strong Kona winds and thunderstorms.

The county action gives officials additional flexibility to respond to the weather emergency as conditions evolve. As of the latest official updates, the situation remained developing, with questions still open about how long the proclamation will last and whether more closures, shelters or evacuations will follow.

Hawaiʻi Island has already been dealing with layered weather and hazard concerns, making the current event a broader emergency response rather than a single isolated storm. Officials are urging residents to stay alert to county and state updates as the system continues.