MARINE WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI
252 PM HST WED OCT 7 2009

Kauai Northwest Waters-Kauai Windward Waters-Kauai Leeward Waters- Kauai Channel-Oahu Windward Waters-Oahu Leeward Waters- Kaiwi Channel-Maui County Windward Waters- Maui County Leeward Waters-Maalaea Bay-Pailolo Channel- Alenuihaha Channel-Big Island Windward Waters- Big Island Leeward Waters-Big Island Southeast Waters-
252 pm HST Wed Oct 7 2009

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has occurred near the vanuatu islands in the Southwest Pacific ocean this early this afternoon. Based on all available data a major tsunami is not expected to strike the state of Hawaii and therefore the tsunami watch has been canceled. However sea level changes and strong currents may occur along the coast that could be a hazard to swimmers…boaters and beach goers. the estimated time such effects might begin is 700 pm HST this evening.

Listen to NOAA weather radio or your local media for any possible updates on this situation.

See ocean effects from Samoa earthquake