Hurricane Lane: Hawaii Credit Unions Shut Down
Officials say credit unions could remain closed through the weekend, depending on the storm's path.
Credit unions in Hawaii are shutting their doors and hunkering down as Hurricane Lane nears the state, according to the Hawaii Credit Union League.
Engagement Manager Tracy Aiwohi told CU Times Thursday that credit unions across Hawaii will close over the next two days and possibly on Saturday. Credit unions on the Big Island, Maui and a few on Oahu are already closed today and will be closed tomorrow; credit unions on Kauai will close tomorrow, she said.
The Hawaii Credit Union League has been in touch with Hawaii Financial Industry Resilience Security and Teamwork for Continuity (HawaiiFIRST), which is a volunteer organization that helps the financial industry coordinate with local, state and federal agencies, as well as other industries, to improve business continuity planning, Aiwohi added.
“Over the last two days, [Hawaii Credit Union League] has relayed several communications from HawaiiFIRST tracking Hurricane Lane and sharing closers of financial institutions across the state,” she said. “Next week, we will reach out to our members and determine next steps, if needed.”
The hurricane is currently a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. The agency said it expected the hurricane to continue on its northwest path today, turn north overnight, and then head west over the weekend.
“The latest forecast track from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center brings the center of Lane dangerously close to the Hawaiian Islands during the Thursday through Saturday time frame. Regardless of the exact track, life-threatening impacts are likely over many areas as this strong hurricane makes its closest approach,” it warned.
Aiwohi said credit unions should refer to their business continuity plans to prepare for the storm.
It wouldn’t be the first time this year that some Hawaii credit unions have had to do so. The Kilauea volcano has been erupting on the Big Island for months. Among other things, that event has covered houses in lava and spewed tiny particles of glass into the air, making air quality a concern.
But Hawaii’s mountains could thwart Hurricane Lane’s progress as it approaches the island chain, Aiwohi said. Wind shear is also tearing at the hurricane, pushing it away, she noted.
“Let’s pray the wind shear will remain,” Aiwohi said.