Mon Sep 08 07:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the information, written in a journalistic style:
**Hawaii Remains Under State of Emergency as Hurricane Kiko Weakens, Approaches Islands**
HONOLULU – A statewide state of emergency remains in effect in Hawaii as Hurricane Kiko, currently a Category 2 storm with 110 mph winds, continues its westward trek across the Central Pacific. While the storm has weakened slightly, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as Kiko is forecast to pass north of the Hawaiian Islands this week.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke declared the emergency over the weekend, mobilizing state agencies and the Hawaii National Guard to prepare for potential impacts. As of Sunday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Kiko was located approximately 635 miles east of Hilo and just over 900 miles east-southeast of Honolulu, moving west-northwest at 13 mph.
While the current forecast track suggests a close pass to the north of the islands on Tuesday and Wednesday, diminishing the likelihood of a direct hit, dangerous swells are expected to begin impacting the Big Island as early as Sunday. The NHC warns that these swells will gradually build, peaking along east-facing coasts of the Hawaiian Islands from late Monday through midweek, potentially causing life-threatening surf and rip currents.
“To ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, the state and counties will stand ready to mobilize resources to clear debris, secure infrastructure, and respond quickly to any possible damage caused by the storm,” Luke said in a statement.
Forecasters anticipate Kiko will weaken to a tropical storm by Tuesday as it encounters cooler sea surface temperatures and unfavorable upper-level winds. While this weakening trend is expected, the potential for heavy rain remains a concern if the storm tracks closer to the islands.
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross noted the storm’s relatively small size, with hurricane-force winds extending only 25 miles from the center, makes accurate prediction of impacts challenging. “Because the circulation is small… a slight deviation in Kiko’s track will make a dramatic difference in the weather that impacts Hawaii,” Norcross explained. “We won’t really have a good idea about that until the storm gets closer, but right now, the consensus is that Kiko’s center will pass just north of the islands with most of the moisture and wind offshore.”
Residents are urged to monitor forecasts and heed official warnings.