EVENT:  The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has ISSUED a TSUNAMI WATCH for the Hawaiian Islands effective at 9/16/2015 at 1:04 p.m(HST). If tsunami waves impact Hawaii, the estimated earliest arrival of the first wave is: Thursday, September 17, (Thursday) at 2:28 a.m.

EFFECTS: An earthquake occurred of the coast of northern Chile on 9/16/2015, at 10:59 a.m. with a preliminary magnitude of 7.9 on the Richter Scale.

Based on all available data from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter.  An investigation is underway to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaii.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:  PERSONS IN LOW-LYING AREAS SHOULD BEGIN EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS.  PLEASE REFER TO THE FRONT YELLOW SECTION OF THE TELEPHONE BOOK FOR PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION AND EVACUATION AREAS.  PREPARE YOUR “GO KIT” IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND.  BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE WHEN ADVISED/ORDERED BY CIVIL DEFENSE.

INFORMATION:  Maui Civil Defense Agency will continue to monitor the situation.  Please listen to your local radio and TV stations.

Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200.  This same notification can be found on the Maui County website at mauicounty.gov.