GARY T. KUBOTA / GKUBOTA@STARBULLETIN.COMRascal Charters co-captains Dwayne Groff, left, and John Jordan said yesterday that they and other boaters at Maalaea Harbor on Maui are preparing for high swells from Hurricane Flossie. CLICK FOR LARGE |
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Boaters weigh staying or going
10-foot-high waves expected
WAILUKU » Boaters statewide are preparing for high winds and waves from Hurricane Flossie, especially on the south side of the islands.
State officials are expecting 10-foot-high waves on the south side of the Big Island, including Honokohau Harbor where there are about 125 vessels, said Charlie Nahale, a state harbors district enforcement supervisor.
Nahale said some of the 15 vessels usually anchored at Kailua-Kona bay might be traveling north to Honokohau Harbor because it is less vulnerable to south swells.
He said the winds were blowing normal trades of 10 to 15 mph at 4 p.m. yesterday, but tropical storm-force winds are expected to hit the islands today.
"It's going to come straight through the south side and west side," Nahale said.
State Board of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward said officials have advised boaters to take precautions.
Ward said it is the boaters' decision whether they want to go out to sea to ride out the hurricane or find space at a state harbor.
On Maui, Rascal Charters co-captain John Jordan said state officials are expecting 8-foot-high swells at Maalaea Harbor, higher than when Hurricane Iniki hit the Valley Isle. Winds at Maalaea Harbor were whistling through at about 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts yesterday afternoon.
Jordan said some boaters have already left Maalaea Harbor and decided to anchor farther north in Lahaina Harbor.
Boaters are beginning to take precautions by tying more lines to secure their vessels, especially at Maalaea Harbor, where the entrance is vulnerable to south swells.
At least two recreational boats were pulled out of waters at Maalaea Harbor and put on their trailers yesterday, said Stacy Masuda, a harbor agent.
Ward said state officials are focusing their attention on the Big Island, where Flossie is expected to hit first.
They will then turn their attention to Maui and Oahu as the hurricane moves south of the island chain.