Tsunami evacuation rule established for Hawaiian Islands commercial harbors

 For a high resolution photo of the 2011 Honolulu Harbor tsunami evacuation click the image.

News Release from USCG Oct 11, 2013

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard has created safety zones within the commercial harbors of the main Hawaiian Islands that will require evacuation if a tsunami warning is issued.

The commercial harbors included are: Hilo Harbor, Barbers Point (Kalaeloa) Harbor, Hana Harbor, Honolulu Harbor, Kahului Harbor, Kaumalapau Harbor, Kaunakakai Harbor, Kawaihae Harbor and Nawiliwili Harbor.

The purpose for this rule is to evacuate the commercial harbors quickly and efficiently in the event that a tsunami warning is issued. Once a tsunami warning is issued, the Captain of the Port will order the evacuation of the commercial harbors that could be affected.

“Evacuating the commercial harbors before the arrival of a tsunami is a key component to reopening the commercial harbors after the threat has passed so that normal operations can resume,” said Lt. Cmdr. Scott Whaley. “This rule is intended to allow the commercial harbors to return to everyday business quicker following a tsunami or tsunami threat.”

The authority for the establishment of these safety zones is taken from 33 CFR 6, Protection and Security of Vessels and Waterfront Facilities.

To view the full Notice of Security Zone, please visit www.regulations.gov, insert the text “USCG-2013-0021” in to the keyword box and click search. (PDF of regs here: LINK)

For more information, call Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Prevention at (808) 522-8264 x.3352.

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