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Big Island schools, parks, more to close as Calvin threatens

The impending arrival of Calvin tonight has led to a list of closures for Hawaii island, which remains under a tropical storm warning today and Wednesday.

All Hawaii Department of Education schools and offices, and all public libraries, on Hawaii Island will be closed on Wednesday.

State Department of Education schools and offices will be closed to students and staff, a spokesperson said. Of the more than 40 traditional public schools on Hawaii Island, only some have been operating during summer break.

The approximately 15 public charter schools there are expected to make their own announcements to parents.

All library programs for Wednesday are canceled, and fines for books and materials due during the closure will be waived, a news release from the Office of the State Librarian said. Online materials such as ebooks and streamed movies will continue to be available at librarieshawaii.org.

State officials said all 14 Big Island state parks and campsites will close at 4 p.m. today and will remain closed Wednesday, and all Division of State Parks offices will also be closed Wednesday. Parks will reopen following assessments of any damage, officials said.

Division of Forestry and Wildlife Keanakolu and Ainapo cabins are closed on the island and Waimanu campground is also closed, as is the Muliwai trail to Waimanu and Waipio Valley Road. Residents and visitors should stay home until after the storm, state officials said.

Most of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park will close by 5 p.m. today, according to a news release:

>> Chain of Craters Road to the coast and the Kulanaokuaiki Campground

>> Crater Rim Drive past Kilauea Military Camp

>> All backcountry areas

>> Kilauea Visitor Center will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday and may remain closed through Wednesday.

>> Tuesday night’s After Dark in the Park program has been rescheduled for Aug. 22.

>> All ranger programs are canceled through Wednesday.

>> Volcano House’s Namakanipaio Campground is closed. The A-frame cabins will remain open for reservation holders. Call (808) 756-9625 for more information.

>> Mauna Loa Road from Highway 11 to the lookout, including Kipukapuaulu Trail, the day-use area and Tree Molds.

Hawaii County officials, meanwhile, said they have expanded emergency shelters. The county has prepared additional emergency shelters to accommodate those needing refuge during the storm. The following locations opened today at 2 p.m.: Pahoa High School, Hilo High School, Kea’au Armory, Robert Herkes Gymnasium in Pahala, Naalehu Community Center, Honokaa High School, Hisaoka Gymnasium in Kohala, and Waimea Elementary School.

These shelters are pet-friendly, though pet owners must bring carriers and necessary animal supplies, officials said.

County officials also announced the following closures and cancellations:

>> County camping permits canceled: All county camping permits throughout the island will be canceled from today through Wednesday.

>> Waipio Valley Access Road restrictions: Beginning today, the Waipio Valley Access Road will be limited to access by residents and farmers only.

>> County parks closures: All County parks will close at 4 p.m. today and remain closed through Wednesday.

Most state offices in Hawaii County will be closed on Wednesday.

State officials said non-essential employees affected by the closing of those offices should not report to work and will be granted administrative leave, except for:

>> Departmental Disaster/Emergency Coordinators

>> Disaster Response Workers

>> Employees whose work involves continuing crucial operations/services, such as hospital workers and correctional workers.

Employees who fall into one of the above categories are required to report to work to ensure essential operations continue throughout the County of Hawaii.

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