Guide to Help Hawaii Boaters Prepare for Disasters

Hawaii boaters have a new guide to help them protect themselves and their vessels from natural disasters.

The University of Hawaii and the state worked together to prepare the Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual.

University of Hawaii Sea Grant Coastal Hazard Mitigation Specialist Dennis Hwang said in a statement Monday it’s essential that boaters have a plan for both hurricanes and tsunami.

He says past hurricanes and recent tsunami events show boats and marinas are extremely vulnerable to damage from inundation.

He says for hurricanes the emphasis is on preparing the boat for high waves and wind. For tsunami, he says the plan is generally to move the boat to waters deeper than 300 feet.

The new manual is available at Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation offices.