Pinoys in Hawaii told to brace for Hurricane Lane

The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu on Thursday advised the 375,000-strong Filipino community in Hawaii to brace for a powerful hurricane that is expected to hit the islands beginning today.

Consul General Joselito Jimeno said a hurricane warning is in effect in the Big Island (Hawaii Island) and Maui, while a hurricane watch is in effect in Oahu, where Honolulu is located, and Kauai Island.

Authorities in Hawaii earlier said Hurricane Lane - a category 4 storm is likely to cause catastrophic damage with winds of up to 155 mph (miles per hour) or above.

"We have advised the members of the Filipino Community to prepare emergency kits good for 14 days, as well as heed all the warnings and advise of Hawaii State and Federal government authorities and the specific warnings for their areas," Jimeno said in his report to the home office in Manila.

State officials led by Governor David Ige earlier issued an emergency proclamation for the entire state to mobilize emergency agencies ahead of the hurricane, described as the most dan- gerous to hit the islands in 25 years.

In their advisory to the Filipino community, Jimeno said Hurricane Lane is expected to bring in torrential rains, lightning, tornadoes, and floods.

Jimeno echoed the warning made by officials in the Aloha state that there is not enough shelter space to meet the "estimated demands" of the population.

The Philippine Consulate, he added, will remain open to serve the Filipino Community but will make an announcement if it has to be closed.

"Filipino nationals in the affected areas are advised to inform the Consulate General so it could update their relatives in the Philippines of their conditions. It also stands ready to provide assistance to anyone who will be affected by the hurricane," the Filipino diplomat said.