Full Breakdown
Hawaii Public Schools and State Offices Closed Due to Severe Weather
3/13/2026, 2:34:20 PM
Overview of Closures
On March 13, 2026, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced the closure of all public schools and HIDOE offices across the state, including O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui County, and Hawai‘i Island. This decision was made in response to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flooding, hazardous road conditions, and potential power outages, as directed by Governor Josh Green and local mayors. The closures are precautionary, prioritizing the safety of students and staff, with no in-person instruction or extracurricular activities scheduled for that day.
Emergency Proclamation and Weather Conditions
Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation on March 12, 2026, as a Kona low storm threatened major population centers with heavy rain and high winds. The National Weather Service warned of flash flooding and damaging winds, with predictions of up to 15 inches of rain over the weekend. The governor emphasized the need for preemptive action, citing past experiences with severe weather that led to significant disruptions.
Impact on Schools and Community
Several schools had already closed on March 12 due to flooding, including Waialua High & Intermediate School and Hale‘iwa Elementary School on O‘ahu, and multiple schools on Molokai. The HIDOE is coordinating with state and county emergency management agencies to monitor conditions and ensure safety. The closures coincide with the start of spring break for students and teachers, scheduled for March 16-20.
Criticism and Community Concerns
While the closures are intended to protect public safety, they have raised concerns among working families regarding childcare options. Malia Tsuchiya, an early childhood policy and advocacy coordinator at the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, noted that many families struggle to find last-minute childcare, which can force parents to take time off work. The lack of emergency childcare solutions reflects broader challenges in supporting child care programs in the state.
Official Statements
Governor Josh Green stated, “I want to err on the side of caution,” highlighting the increasing intensity of storms in recent years. He also noted that the emergency declaration was influenced by the storm's timing, which was expected to impact major population centers overnight.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Please be careful out there. We are getting a lot of rain out there,” — Gov. Josh Green
- “Once you get into a situation where it’s one, two, three inches an hour of rain,” — Jim Ireland, Director of Emergency Services
What's Next
As the storm continues to develop, officials are urging residents to stay home and avoid travel unless necessary. The HIDOE and state agencies will provide updates as conditions evolve, and further assessments will be made regarding the reopening of schools and offices after the storm passes.
