Media release | Office of the Governor

HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie issued the following statement following the downgrade of the tsunami warning to a tsunami advisory:

“The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has downgraded the tsunami warning to an advisory for the state of Hawaii. Please continue to exercise caution – stay out of the waterways and shoreline areas. Tidal activity around our islands remains unpredictable.

“Our government agencies worked diligently and collaboratively throughout the night and into the morning to ensure the safety and comfort of our residents.

“Although we were fortunate that a more destructive tsunami did not materialize, I can assure everyone that our agencies and officials are well-prepared to respond to emergencies of this nature.

“I want to thank our residents who live in inundation zones who heeded the directions of our first responders and civil defense agencies. I also appreciate the hard work of everyone involved in the disaster-preparedness effort.

“As we assess the extent of the damage here in Hawaii, our hearts go out to the people of Japan who have suffered and continue to suffer immeasurable loss as a result of this major earthquake, tsunami, and aftershocks. As one island people to another, we stand with them in solidarity and in sympathy for the challenges they face.

“During the upcoming hours, county agencies will assess their respective districts. State agencies will continue to work with the counties in this effort.”