HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Honolulu is scheduled to increase port heavy weather conditions for all commercial ports of Hawaii, Maui, Honolulu, and Kauai counties at 8 a.m. Aug. 14., due to Tropical Storm Lala.
The current port heavy weather conditions are in effect as follows:
- Hawaii County: Yankee
- Maui County: X-ray
- Honolulu County: X-ray
- Kauai County: Whiskey
The following changes are scheduled to take place effective August 14, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. HST:
- Zulu for the commercial ports of Hawaii County
- Yankee for the commercial ports of Maui County
- Yankee for the commercial ports of Honolulu County
- X-ray for the commercial ports of Kauai County
To minimize risk, operators of vessels 200 gross tons (GT) and greater should plan to depart port now. The COTP may direct departures to reduce the number of vessels in port. Vessels that request to remain in port must receive written permission from the COTP and Hawaii DOT Harbors Division (HDOT Harbors). Requests received after X-ray may not be considered.
During heavy weather condition Zulu, tropical storm force winds (39 mph) are expected within 12 hours.
At port condition Zulu:
- The port is closed.
- All pleasure craft shall seek sheltered waters.
- No terminal, facility, or vessel operations are permitted within the port unless specifically approved by the COTP.
- All vessels remaining in port will continue to monitor their vessel and will appropriately and safely attend to their vessels, to preserve the vessel and the facilities of the port.
During heavy weather condition Yankee, sustained tropical storm force winds (39 mph) are expected within 24 hours. Incoming traffic is prohibited without specific approval of the COTP. Cargo operations must cease within the next 12 hours and lightering and bunkering are to cease. All cargo operations within the affected port will be prohibited when port condition Zulu is set.
During heavy weather condition X-ray, port facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while X-ray remains in effect. Sustained Tropical Storm Force Winds are predicted within 48 hours. All vessels should prepare to complete cargo operations and depart port within 36 hours.
During heavy weather condition Whiskey, port facilities are currently open to all commercial traffic and all transfer operations may continue while Whiskey remains in effect. Sustained Tropical Storm Force Winds are predicted within 72 hours.
At port condition Whiskey:
- All pleasure craft shall seek sheltered waters.
- Operators of vessels 200 gross tons (GT) and greater should plan to depart port. The COTP may direct departures to reduce the number of vessels in port.
- Vessels that desire to remain in port must submit the Request to Remain in Port form and receive written permission from the COTP and the Hawaii DOT–Harbors Division.
Send requests to D14-DG-SH-SecHonoMTSRU@uscg.mil and the appropriate HDOT Harbors email which is found at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/harbors/hurricane-preparedness/. Submit requests immediately and note that requests received after Port Condition X-ray may not be considered.
Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands should seek sheltered waters and anticipate additional restrictions and possible port closures as conditions progress. The COTP may restrict the operations of, or deny port entry to, vessels transporting oil or certain hazardous materials.
The Coast Guard is advising the public of these important safety messages:
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
- Secure belongings. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to double up all lines, update their beacon’s registration, and secure all devices safely to their vessel prior to a major storm. These devices often float free from vessels in marinas or at docks during storms and signal a distress when there is none. Ensure life rings, life jackets, paddlecraft, and small boats are secured. If not properly secured, these items can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
- Stay clear of beaches. Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
- Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and internet. Mariners should monitor VHF-FM Channels 16 and 22A for Broadcast Notice to Mariners and watch for MSIB updates via email. Monitor the USCG Navigation Center website at Port Status | Navigation Center for up-to-date port status information.
For questions, contact the Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit (MTSRU) at d14-dg-sh-sechono-mtsru@uscg.mil or the Sector Honolulu Command Center at 1-800-552 6458.
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-USCG-