HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Don’t get in your car during a tsunami warning.
That was the key message at Wednesday’s Visitor Public Safety Conference, which drew more than 200 tourism and public safety leaders.
The Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association sponsored the event, which aimed to discuss issues that impact visitors, residents, and those who work in the hospitality industry.
Public advised against driving in emergency
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One of the topics discussed was what to do when a tsunami or similar natural disaster threatens Hawaii.
This comes more than five months after Hawaii faced a tsunami warning on July 29, 2025.
The event brought busy and crowded roads across the state as people attempted to leave their homes and various areas.
Rick Egged, president of the Waikiki Improvement Association, addressed the issue, saying people should stay where they are.
“Don’t go on the roads because the traffic is going to be totally backed up,” said Egged. “You’re not going to get from one place to another. You’re probably safest to stay where you are.”
Egged advised the public to follow emergency broadcasts from the media. He said one of the worst things a person can do in an emergency is get in their car and drive into wall-to-wall traffic.
“If you have to evacuate because you’re in a danger area and a low-hanging area, you may be best to walk as opposed to trying to drive,” he said.
Hotels urge guests to remain in building during emergency
Jerry Dolak, head of security at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, said hotels are prepared to handle all types of emergencies. He said if you work at a Waikiki Hotel, stay put, and while you may be tempted, don’t even consider trying to drive home.
“So, we brought up that the hotels are probably your best sheltering option, and the employees should consider the same and stay there until the threat’s over,” said Dolak. “Otherwise, you may end up sitting in your car inside the tsunami zone with nowhere to go.”
“Your only option would be, at that point, to abandon your car where it is and walk to a safe zone,” said Dolak.
Public advised to create own emergency plan
Dolak also pointed out that everyone should have an emergency response plan and not wait until it is too late.
“We need residents and visitors to take some responsibility to take care of themselves,” he said. “Prepare for this with enough warning, get the supplies that you need, and typically stay in place.”
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