Tour boat operators say they were “blindsided” when state harbor officials barred them from taking shelter in commercial ports — a change from years past.

In Hawaii and the Pacific surface temperatures and sea level continue rising, while extremes such as drought and flooding continue affecting the islands.

A new estimate finds nearly 4,000 families would have been displaced, mostly those living in wooden-frame houses built before the stronger 1995 building regulations.

The recent approach of Hurricane Lane was a reminder that the islands will be hit hard sooner or later. We are far too vulnerable right now.

The U.S. territory still hasn’t recovered from Maria. Hawaii officials hope better coordination and a more resilient electric grid will help avoid a similar fate.

Hawaii has been hit directly by a hurricane or tropical storm five times since 1950. Three of those direct hits came in the last four years.

Congress has authorized $345 million to strengthen the aging canal to protect against flooding in Waikiki and nearby neighborhoods.

The state is assessing the conditions of shelters and retrofitting some, but the work is expensive and slow.

Maintaining electricity in the wake of a major storm is also key to keeping the water supply flowing.

The isolated islands would rapidly burn through food and supplies should the port close. Plan B is to bring limited goods through Pearl Harbor.

Walaka is expected to continue weakening as it veers southwest of the atolls.

UPDATED: Heavy rains had raised the reservoir level to within about 1.5 feet below the spillway, causing officials to consider evacuations.