7 shelters to open today; public is urged to stay in

Those who need shelter from the storm can stay at seven emergency shelters being opened by the city and the American Red Cross today.

Meanwhile, people who have homes should stay there as Tropical Storm Darby, or what’s left of it, passes near or over Oahu, bringing rainy and windy weather, city officials said at a news conference Saturday.

Hanauma Bay is closed today because of the threat of high surf on east shores. All other city parks and golf courses are open.

But officials said those who are thinking of going outdoors should reconsider their plans because of the possibility of dangerous weather.

“Please, please don’t go into the mountains. Please don’t go in the water. … Don’t endanger our first responders,” Mayor Kirk Caldwell said. “Read a good book. Play Monopoly.”

Honolulu Police Capt. Gerald Kaneshiro said, “If you don’t have to be on the road today, please stay home.”

Kevin Allen, chief of operations for the Ocean Safety Division, said lifeguards are reporting to work two hours early, at 6 a.m.

A high surf advisory is in effect for the east shore of Oahu, where 10- to 14-foot waves were expected overnight, lowering to 6 to 9 feet today.

Rain could also prompt brown water advisories. Murky waters attract sharks and contain pollution and animal waste from streams, Allen said.

The city has set up a phone line — 768-CITY (2489) — for those who have questions about shelters or city services today.

The shelters open at 7 a.m. and TheBus will provide rides for those who need transportation.

The seven shelters are: Waialua, Wahiawa, Waianae and Waimanalo district parks; Ewa Beach Community Park; McKinley High School gym; and Brigham Young University Hawaii in Laie.

Jun Yang, director of the city’s Office of Housing, said homeless outreach counselors have been going to beach parks and other areas to let people without shelter know they can have a place to stay during the storm.

People seeking shelter should bring their own food, water and bedding. Pets can be taken to the shelter, but animals should be on a leash or in secure containers.

“We want to make sure people are safe,” Yang said.

Areas prone to flooding are of special concern, such as along shoreline areas, lakes and streams.

Coralie Matayoshi, chief executive officer of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Red Cross, said she’s not sure how many people will show up at shelters today.

In 2014, about 2,100 people needed shelter during Tropical Storm Iselle, she said. But the storm approached the islands as a hurricane and the city had more shelters open, so it’s not clear if as many people will show up this time.

Caldwell said Saturday that an emergency proclamation is prepared and ready for him to sign. But he’s holding off on signing it because the storm doesn’t appear to be a major threat yet.

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Star-Advertiser reporter Robert Shikina contributed to this story.