By Matt Underwood Hawaii under a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Kiko, it seems, is a standard procedure. This is the kind of move states make to ensure they have access to emergency funding and can get the ball rolling quickly. This is all done as a precaution, just in case the storm has any impact on the islands. The forecast, at least at the time of these conversations, suggested that Kiko was tracking well north of Hawaii. This means the most likely effects were going to be things like increased humidity and a bit more rain, which, ironically, they actually need.
There was some concern about the potential for a poor federal response. It was suggested that past experiences with federal disaster relief have been problematic, particularly impacting vulnerable communities. The comment alluded to a fire tornado that leveled Lahaina. This concern led to some individuals expressing that it would be bad.
However, others were more relaxed about the situation, pointing out that the declaration of a state of emergency is, in fact, a very normal thing. It’s a proactive measure, a way to ensure that resources are available. The forecast seemed to indicate that the storm might miss a direct hit on the islands, potentially weakening and passing them by. There were even suggestions that the storm would be downgraded to a tropical storm, not a full-blown hurricane.
The discussion took some interesting turns, veering into a little bit of dark humor. There were some humorous comments about what one might do if the worst-case scenario unfolded. Of course, these were made in jest, and it is important to emphasize that they are not to be taken seriously. The main point was to highlight the need to stay calm and the importance of preparedness, but in a humorous and sarcastic way.
One point that was clarified was the terminology used for these types of storms. In the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean, they are called hurricanes. In the northwestern Pacific Ocean, they are called typhoons. It is, however, a moot point here as it has also been made clear that the storm is expected to pass Hawaii by, possibly even missing it completely.
The discussion also touched on the tendency of the media to hype up potential disasters. There were examples of the media playing up the risk of another recent hurricane, which ultimately did not even make landfall in the US. This is the basis of the “prepare for the worst, hope for the best” mantra.
So, while a state of emergency might sound alarming, it’s simply a way to be prepared. The current forecasts suggest that the actual impact of Hurricane Kiko on Hawaii will be minimal, if anything. The main takeaway is to stay informed, stay calm, and remember that a state of emergency declaration isn’t necessarily a sign of impending doom; it is a sign of good governance and preparation.