The Hawaiian Islands are facing an unprecedented pair of extreme weather events. Hurricane Iselle is scheduled to hit the Big Island Thursday night, possibly as a weakened tropical storm, possibly a Category 1 hurricane, although the Wunderground models disagree considerably on just how weak it'll be. Following up, Hurricane/Tropical Storm Julio is currently forecast to veer north of the islands Sunday. In any case, Iselle will likely be the first hurricane/tropical storm to make landfall on the islands since Hurricane Iniki devastated Kauai in 1993.
The governor has issued an emergency proclamation. However, I am hearing from sources on the ground that the August 9 primary will not be rescheduled, moved, or extended. The good news: many polling places are also emergency shelters.
Are these hurricanes fueled by climate change? Maybe. Hawaii can certainly expect more hurricanes.
The hurricanes thus act as both a stark deterrent to voting, and a reminder that this Saturday is Hawaii's most important climate-related election in history. Brian Schatz, a fierce climate hawk in the Senate, faces a primary challenge from the right from Colleen Hanabusa, who has sided with polluters and against the Environmental Protection Agency. In the First Congressional District covering Honolulu and environs, the front-runners are DINO Donna Kim, moderate/pro-nuclear-power Mark Takai, and climate hawk Stanley Chang, recently endorsed by Progressive Democrats of America. Schatz and Chang are both endorsed by Climate Hawks Vote. Saturday, Hawaii's voters have a chance to return Brian Schatz to the Senate and send Stanley Chang to Congress... if only Iselle doesn't deter them. #VoteClimate.