Tropical Storm Olivia weakened from a hurricane Monday as it moved toward the Hawaiian Islands, and the visitor industry responded with stepped-up safety measures while many shops planned to stay open.
Industry members on Hawaii island and Maui, which could begin feeling impacts today, started preparations Monday, according to Jerry Dolak, president of the Hawaii Hotel & Visitor Industry Security Association.
“They are bringing in outdoor furniture, staging sandbags to protect against water intrusion and erecting storm barriers,” Dolak said.
Dolak said Oahu preparations would begin Monday night, though they were not as intensive as on Hawaii island and Maui where barriers were already going up. He noted the system could still deliver winds around 50 mph, strong enough to toss outdoor items and cause freight trucks to sway.
Harris Chan, area vice president for Marriott International Hawaii & French Polynesia, said the company is closely tracking Tropical Storm Olivia and has activated storm protocols. “The safety of our guests and associates is always a top priority. We have detailed hotel contingency plans, and we take steps throughout to prepare. A few storm preparedness measures include securing outdoor equipment, checking supplies and testing emergency systems,” Chan said.
Dolak said the hospitality sector has been “ready to go” since Aug. 24 when Hurricane Lane threatened the state, but he worries that complacency could undermine readiness. “We saw people relax after Hurricane Lane got downgraded to a tropical storm. I keep telling everyone that a tropical storm can still be bad,” he said. “You can’t go wrong over-preparing.”
George D. Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, reinforced the call for vigilance. “Being prepared and staying safe needs to be everyone’s top priority these next couple of days. Whether Olivia is a hurricane or a tropical storm is irrelevant as the potential for dangerously high winds and torrential rainfall are threats statewide,” he said. He urged residents and visitors to stay off the roads, remain near homes or accommodations, and follow civil defense guidance and local news until the system passes.
Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, advised members to keep their plans active and be ready to shelter in place until authorities issue an all-clear. He also recommended that guests purchase bottled water and nonperishable foods in case businesses and restaurants close early.
During Hurricane Lane, guests were told to set aside up to 14 days of supplies. For Tropical Storm Olivia, Dolak said a week’s worth should be sufficient since widespread closures or power outages are not expected.
Retailers plan to stay open during Tropical Storm Olivia
Barbara Campbell, vice president of retail leasing for Outrigger Enterprises, which oversees 175 retail businesses throughout Waikiki, said the company is advising tenants that, unless conditions change, they should remain open.
She said the broad closures seen during Hurricane Lane were driven by the storm’s forecast intensity and the shutdown of TheBus, which made it difficult for employees to reach work. “We want our guests to stay in during the bad weather, but we want businesses to stay open for them,” Campbell said. “During Hurricane Lane, there wasn’t much for guests to do.”
For now, both the International Market Place and Royal Hawaiian Center said they intend to keep regular hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., barring any changes in conditions.
During Hurricane Lane, guests were told to set aside up to 14 days of supplies. For Tropical Storm Olivia, Dolak said a week’s worth should be sufficient since widespread closures or power outages are not expected.
He urged residents and visitors to stay off the roads, remain near homes or accommodations, and follow civil defense guidance and local news until the system passes. Those broader preparedness messages echo the importance of prioritizing essential services highlighted when the Hawaii House budget advances, prioritizing essential services.
