As Hurricane Douglas threatened Hawaii, KITV4 Island News moved into continuous emergency breaking news coverage.

Led by KITV4 Chief Meteorologist Pete Caggiano, the station tracked the storm’s movement hour-by-hour.  The ABC affiliate broadcast more than 15 hours of special news and weather coverage over the weekend in addition to expanded editions of KITV4 Island News. 

Anchors Brenton Awa and Mika Miyashima joined Caggiano to detail the storm threat to the islands.  KITV4 Island Weather team of Caggiano, Tesia Worley, Meteorologists Paul Drewes and Malika Dudley provided forecasts around the clock.

Douglas was Hawaii’s first Hurricane threat in two years and the first hurricane to threaten Oahu in eight years.  Emergency sirens sounded Sunday morning to warn residents of the approaching storm.

KITV4 provided live reports from the Big Island, Maui and Oahu.  Nicole Tam reported live from emergency shelters opened to accommodate storm victims.

KITV4 News Director Janice Gin praised the work of the KITV4 team.

“It took a lot of work and coordination today to pull off what we did," said Gin. "We maximized our resources; everyone stepped up and worked long shifts.”

Officials from throughout Hawaii including local and state government leaders, the Red Cross, representatives from homeless shelters and Coast Guard provided the latest information about precautions during detailed briefings carried live Saturday and Sunday. 

KITV4 expanded live coverage following Good Morning Hawaii, the state’s only weekend morning news anchored by Tom George and Annalisa Burgos.  Coverage was available live on KITV4’s mobile apps, social media platforms and website in addition to Hawaii TV and KITV4. 

The COVID-19 pandemic increased the challenge of dealing with both emergencies simultaneously.

Several viewers posted appreciation on social media despite relatively light damage to the islands.  One wrote, “thank you for all the good work keeping us up to date all day, KITV!!! Much appreciated!”   

KITV4 serves all of Hawaii and is operated by Lilly Broadcasting.