Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release September 16, 2015

DLNR CLOSING COASTAL AREAS, TO ASSESS FOLLOWING
ARRIVAL OF TSUNAMI WAVES IN HAWAII

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will keep closed its coastal and low-lying state parks and forest areas (including wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves and game management areas) on all islands on Thursday morning until staff are able to monitor adjacent ocean conditions for safety before reopening them.

This action is being taken in the interest of public safety, and in coordination with tsunami advisory messages by Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which is projecting the arrival a little after 3 a.m. tomorrow of possible waves reaching one to three feet on Hawaii coastlines generated by today’s 8.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Central Chile.

State small boat harbors will remain open for any boat owners who may choose to take their vessels out. Wave action may continue for three to four hours.

The public is advised to avoid coastal waters, beaches, rocky shorelines between 3 a.m. to at least 7 a.m. Further information about this event may be found at
ptwc.weather.gov and at www.tsunami.gov

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320