Beach parks closed on Big Island, open on Oahu, Maui, Kauai
Advertiser Staff
John Cummings, spokesman for Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management said no Oahu beaches are being closed today, but beachgoers are being urged to stay out of the water because of the possibility of unusual sea-level changes and surges related to this morning's earthquake off the Samoa islands.
Beach parks on Maui and Kauai also will remain open.
Big Island beach parks were ordered closed until 7 a.m. tomorrow.
"Although there's no longer a tsunami threat, there is the possibility of sea-level changes or unusual currents," Hawaii County Civil Defense director John Drummond said.
The usual conditions could be hazardous to swimmers, surfers, beach goers and boaters.
“Hawaii does not have the threat of a major tsunami, but ... there could be sea-level changes and strong currents right at the coastline,” Pacific Tsunami Warning Center director Charles McCreery said.
Bay areas are more vulnerable, he said, mentioning Hilo Bay and Kahului Bay in particular.
“We are asking for the kokua of all of our residents and visitors to keep out of the water and away from the beaches and river mouths,” Mayor Mufi Hannemann said. “These precautionary measures are being implemented to keep everyone safe.”