(BIVN) – The Tsunami Watch issued for the State of Hawaiʻi by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has cancelled, as of 12:20 p.m. HST.

A Tsunami Watch was issued for Hawaiʻi earlier after a Magnitude 8.1 struck in the Kermadec Islands region of the Pacific Ocean.

“Based on all available data there is no tsunami threat to the State of Hawaiʻi,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated. “Therefore… The Tsunami Watch for Hawaiʻi is now cancelled.”

“This will be the final message issued for this event unless additional data are received,” officials said.

UPDATE – (12:47 p.m.) – Governor David Ige confirmed the cancellation of the Tsunami Watch for Hawaiʻi. “Many thanks to our partners at HIEMA, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the National Weather Service for working to keep our state safe and informed. Thank you to our citizens for your patience as PTWC expertly evaluated the threat level to our islands,” the Governor said.

UPDATE – (1 p.m.) – In a message issued by the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, officials said Kona-side beaches would still be closed at 2 p.m. HST. The message stated:

As a precaution beaches and beach parks in West Hawaiʻi from Keokea Beach Park in North Kohala, south to Hoʻokena Beach Park in South Kona, will be closed at 2:00 pm today. There is no tsunami threat from the earthquake in New Zealand but strong currents and rip tides may affect coastal waters and beaches this afternoon.

UPDATE – (3 p.m.) – The County of Hawaiʻi later clarified that the West Hawaiʻi beach closures would include Miloliʻi in South Kona, however “Miloliʻi will remain open to boaters who are on the water so that they may return to shore safely.”

“All other ocean goers are asked to remain alert and vigilant near the coastline,” the County said. “Hawaiʻi County officials will continue to monitor the situation and alert the public when beach parks are re-opened.”

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources also announced the following actions, to mirror Hawai‘i County’s precautionary closure of West Hawai‘i beach parks:

• All State Parks in West Hawai‘i that have a beach or shoreline component closing at 2 p.m.
• All unencumbered beaches in West Hawai‘i under DLNR Land Division management closing at 2 p.m.
• Mariners and boaters with vessels in Kona or North Hawai‘i area State Small Boat Harbors should take precautions to secure their vessels.

Normal hours and operations are expected to resume on Friday, the DLNR said.