The City and County of Honolulu closed all four of its emergency shelters across Oahu by 10 a.m. Wednesday, signaling a wind-down of the island’s response to a period of heavy rain and flash flood threats. The shelters, which were activated Tuesday afternoon at district parks in Wahiawa, Kaneohe, Waianae, and Manoa, served as temporary refuges as a weather trough brought the potential for isolated thunderstorms and intense showers, Hawaii News Now reported.
Parks resume normal operations
With the immediate threat subsiding, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has transitioned back to regular activities. However, the recovery isn’t instantaneous. Officials warned that some playing fields may remain soggy, which could impact immediate use.
The city’s Emergency Operations Center, which was partially activated Tuesday evening to coordinate storm preparations and response efforts, has scaled back its operations. For residents who had permitted activities scheduled for Wednesday, the city is directing them to contact their specific park’s recreation director to verify the status of their bookings.
Rescheduled community meetings
The storm response forced the rescheduling of two Field User Meetings. The meeting for Kaneohe District Park is now set for Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m. The meeting for Waiʻanae District Park has been pushed further back to Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m.
While the shelters are closed, the Hawaii News Now First Alert Weather Team has designated Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as First Alert Weather Days.
