Businesses Face Immediate Disruptions as Severe Storm Prompts Emergency Proclamation

Governor Josh Green has issued an Emergency Proclamation, effective immediately, in anticipation of severe weather expected this upcoming weekend. This declaration signifies a heightened risk of hazardous conditions, potential infrastructure damage, and widespread disruption across the islands. Businesses must prioritize activation of their disaster preparedness and business continuity plans to safeguard operations, assets, and personnel.

The Change

On February 6, 2026, Governor Green declared a state of emergency due to predicted severe weather. This proclamation authorizes the use of state resources to prepare for and respond to the anticipated impacts, which may include heavy rainfall, high winds, flash flooding, and coastal inundation. While specific damage is not yet quantified, the declaration itself mandates an elevated level of vigilance and preparedness from all sectors of the economy. This is not a drill; it's a direct signal for immediate risk assessment and action.

Who's Affected

Small Business Operators (small-operator)

Small businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, and service providers, face immediate threats to operational continuity. Potential impacts include:

• Temporary Closures: Roads may become impassable, and power outages are likely, forcing closures that directly impact revenue.
• Staffing Challenges: Employees may be unable to commute safely, leading to understaffing or complete inability to open.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Interruption of logistics due to port closures, ground transportation issues, or damage to distribution centers could halt inventory replenishment.
• Property Damage: Direct impact from wind, rain, or flooding could result in costly repairs.

Real Estate Owners (real-estate)

Property owners, landlords, and property managers must act proactively to mitigate storm damage and ensure tenant safety.

• Structural Integrity: Assess roofs, windows, and drainage systems for vulnerabilities. Secure loose outdoor fixtures.
• Flood Risk: Identify properties in flood-prone areas. Prepare for potential water ingress and protect critical infrastructure (e.g., electrical panels).
• Access and Egress: Ensure safe access and egress for tenants and emergency services. Clear storm drains.
• Insurance Claims: Document pre-storm conditions and understand insurance policy coverage for storm-related damages.

Tourism Operators (tourism-operator)

The tourism sector is particularly vulnerable to severe weather events that can ground flights and deter travel.

• Cancellations and Rebookings: Expect a surge in cancellations and requests for rebooking, straining administrative resources.
• Travel Advisories: Airlines and ferry services may suspend operations, stranding visitors and impacting future bookings.
• Property Damage: Hotels, vacation rentals, and tour facilities can suffer direct damage, leading to closures and loss of revenue.
• Guest Safety: Ensuring the safety of guests currently on-site will be a primary operational concern.

Agriculture & Food Producers (agriculture)

Farms, ranches, and food producers are directly exposed to weather-related risks that can devastate crops and livestock.

• Crop Damage: Heavy rainfall, high winds, and potential flooding can destroy standing crops and impact future yields.
• Livestock Safety: Animals need immediate shelter from severe weather. Critical infrastructure like barns and fences may be compromised.
• Infrastructure Damage: Irrigation systems, processing facilities, and transportation routes can be damaged or rendered unusable.
• Market Disruptions: Road closures can prevent produce from reaching markets, leading to spoilage and lost sales.

Healthcare Providers (healthcare)

Healthcare facilities must ensure uninterrupted patient care despite potential external disruptions.

• Emergency Protocols: Activate established emergency response plans for patient care, facility protection, and staff safety.
• Staffing: Ensure adequate staffing levels, considering potential difficulties for staff to commute. Consider on-site accommodations if feasible.
• Supply Chain: Secure essential medical supplies, medications, and backup power for critical equipment.
• Telehealth: Leverage telehealth services for non-critical appointments where appropriate, but ensure communication infrastructure is robust.

Second-Order Effects

The immediate impacts of severe storms can cascade through Hawaii's unique, constrained economy. Road closures and transportation disruptions during this proclamation period will likely bottleneck the flow of goods and services. Disrupted inter-island and local freight transport → delays in critical supply chain replenishment for small businesses & grocery stores → increased local prices for essential goods due to scarcity and higher transport costs → reduced consumer spending power, impacting retail and hospitality sectors. Furthermore, extended power outages can cripple digital services, impacting everything from remote work capabilities to essential communication channels for businesses and residents alike.

What to Do

For Small Business Operators:

Act Now: Immediately activate your business continuity plan. This includes:

1. Secure Premises: Board up windows, secure outdoor furniture, and perform a risk assessment of your building's vulnerability. If you have inventory stored in potentially vulnerable areas (e.g., basements, ground floors in flood zones), move it to higher ground.
2. Staff Communication: Communicate with your employees about potential closures, safety protocols, and reporting procedures. Ensure they have a plan for their own safety and that of their families. Identify essential personnel and establish communication redundancies.
3. Inventory & Supplies: If possible, secure perishable inventory and critical supplies. Consider temporary storage solutions if your primary location is at high risk. Check backup power sources for essential equipment.
4. Customer Communication: Notify customers of potential disruptions or closures via social media, email, or website updates.
5. Insurance Review: Review your business interruption and property damage insurance policies. Document any pre-storm conditions with photos or videos.

For Real Estate Owners:

Act Now: Prioritize securing properties, especially those in high-risk areas.

1. Site Inspection: Conduct immediate visual inspections of property exteriors and common areas. Secure loose items like outdoor furniture, signs, or construction materials that could become projectiles.
2. Drainage Systems: Clear gutters and storm drains of debris to prevent water backup and flooding. Evaluate sump pump functionality.
3. Tenant Notification: Inform tenants of safety guidelines, emergency contact information, and what to do during the storm. Remind them to secure their own units.
4. Vulnerable Structures: For properties with known vulnerabilities (e.g., older roofs, poor drainage, low-lying areas), consider temporary protective measures if feasible and safe to do so.
5. Emergency Power: For properties with common area essential services (e.g., elevators, emergency lighting), ensure backup power systems are functional.

For Tourism Operators:

Act Now: Implement your emergency response and guest safety protocols.

1. Guest Communication: Proactively communicate with guests regarding potential disruptions, severe weather advisories, and safety procedures. Offer flexibility for cancellations or rebookings where possible.
2. Property Securing: Secure all outdoor amenities, furniture, and movable objects. Check for and address any potential water ingress points.
3. Staff Preparedness: Ensure staff are briefed on emergency procedures, have transportation plans, and know their roles. Consider accommodations for essential on-site staff if travel becomes impossible.
4. Supplier Coordination: Contact key suppliers (food, linen, etc.) for potential delivery disruptions. Secure any critical on-site inventory.
5. Travel Advisory Monitoring: Closely monitor advisories from airlines, ferry services, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority for operational status.

For Agriculture & Food Producers:

Act Now: Protect crops, livestock, and essential infrastructure.

1. Livestock Sheltering: Move all livestock to secure, sheltered locations. Ensure ample food and water are available and protected from contamination.
2. Crop Protection: Harvest any immediately vulnerable crops if possible and safe. Secure or tie down any plastic sheeting or protective coverings. For crops in fields, consider enhanced drainage measures if applicable.
3. Facility Securing: Secure all farm buildings, equipment, and outbuildings. Ensure fuel storage is secure and accessible for backup generators.
4. Irrigation & Utilities: Shut down and secure irrigation systems if they are vulnerable to damage. Test backup power for critical operations like ventilation or pumping.
5. Transportation Planning: Confirm access to markets and contingency plans for transportation delays or disruptions.

For Healthcare Providers:

Act Now: Full activation of emergency management plans.

1. Patient Care Continuity: Ensure all critical patient care services will remain operational. Confirm availability of emergency medications, supplies, and backup power for life-support equipment.
2. Staffing & Communication: Implement surge staffing plans and ensure robust communication channels are available for staff, especially if cellular or internet services are disrupted. Consider on-site accommodation for critical personnel if feasible.
3. Facility Assessment: Conduct a final check of building integrity, particularly for potential leaks, wind damage, and emergency exits. Secure outdoor medical equipment.
4. Resource Stockpiling: Verify adequate stockpiles of essential supplies, including PPE, linens, and food, to sustain operations through potential disruptions of 48-72 hours.
5. Visitor & Patient Movement: Limit non-essential movement into or out of facilities. Communicate with patients regarding appointment status and emergency care options.