Hawaii is executing its emergency response plans to prepare for a possible tsunami issuing from the Chile earthquake. The first waves were expected to arrive in Hawaii at 11:05 a.m. Saturday (4:05 p.m. EST).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning — its highest alert — for Hawaii, where incoming waves topping out at six feet could cause damage along the coastlines across the island chain. A warning was also in effect for Guam, American Samoa and dozens of other Pacific islands.
“It’s a big concern,” said Shelly Ichishita, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Defense Civil Defense Division. “We’re taking this very seriously.”
Hilo International Airport on the big island of Hawaii, which is near the southern coast where the tsunami is expected to hit first, has been closed, she said. All crews aboard vessels and on the ground in state ports have been ordered to evacuate, she said. A warning siren sounded at 6 a.m. local time, alerting residents to tune into their local television and radio stations for instructions.
“We are counting on the public to follow all the instructions of our emergency personnel,” said Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle. “Anyone who is ordering you to evacuate you need to take it seriously. We need you to evacuate in an orderly fashion.
Lingle expressed confidence in the state’s preparations, adding that early indications are that Maui might be hit harder than Honolulu.
“Every county is very prepared, whether it’s issues of the homeless or the visitors, the airports. I think everyone is playing the role that they are assigned in this knid of emergency,” she said.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano had been briefed and was monitoring developments from Vancouver, where she is leading a U.S. delegation for the Olympics.

More here. Thoughts and prayers.