Democrats have canceled their traditional election eve rally in Hilo because of the approaching storms.

Democratic candidates typically gather at the Mooheau Bandstand in Hilo for a get-out-the-vote event on the night before elections.

Sarah Beamer, the executive director of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, said Hawaii Island Democrats chose to cancel the Friday event due to safety reasons.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie had urged for the cancellation. “I do not do so lightly,” the governor said in a statement. “I understand fully the history and tradition of this event. However, my primary responsibility is to ensure that residents stay safe.”