Gov. Linda Lingle has decided to consult with the county mayors before taking an aerial survey of the effects of the coming tsunami.

Lingle said she has held meetings every two hours with the  county officials every two hours since 4 a.m.

Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi is expects to survey the damage from a national guard helicopter shortly after 11 this morning. A wave projected to be 8.2 feet high is rushing towards Hilo harbor, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

State officials are holding arriving and departing passengers at the Honolulu and Maui airports and not letting them leave unless they have independent means of transportation Lingle said.

Lingle also said that Kauai officials are opening schools to serve as temporary holding areas until plans can be made to open emergency shelters.

Earlier today, speaking on KSSK Radio, Lingle  said she had been in teleconferences with all county emergency operating centers and they are “;very prepared”; for destructive waves that may have been generated by a massive earthquake off the coast of Chile.

She asked residents to “;take it seriously”; and follow instructions of emergency personnel. “;We're counting on people to do the right and smart thing.”;

She urged residents to stay off the roads and leave them accessible for those who have to evacuate. “;Procede in an orderly fashion,”; she asked.