Emergency shelters open as Hurricane Lane nears islands

KAHULUI, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - As Hurricane Lane bears down on the islands, authorities are opening emergency shelters for those who cannot shelter in place.

Here's a look at the shelters that opened on Maui County on Wednesday:

• Maui High (pet-friendly)
• Lokelani Intermediate (pet-friendly)
• King Kekaulike High
• Hana High & Elementary
• Lahaina Intermediate
• Molokai High
• Lanai High & Elementary (pet-friendly)

The Big Island has also opened shelters for residents:

• Hookena Elementary School
• Kamehameha Park Hisaoka Gym (pet-friendly)
• Kealakehe High School (pet-friendly)
• Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School:
• Konawaena High School Gym

Oahu said it will open 20 emergency shelters at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Shelters will open at:

• Aiea HIgh
• Leilehua High
• Radford High
• Waialua High and Intermediate
• Dole Middle
• Farrington High
• Kaimuki Middle
• Kaiser High
• McKinley High
• Stevenson Middle
• Campbell High
• Kapolei High
• Leihuki Elementary
• Nanakuli High and Intermediate
• Pearl City High
• Waipahu High
• Brigham Young University Hawaii
• Castle High
• Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate

Authorities will continue to announce emergency shelters when they're opened.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says public schools can serve as shelters but most are not strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds. Authorities are evaluating which school facilities are strong enough and in safe areas.

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