April 7, 2026

Spring on Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha campuses often brings sunshine and wind, but also unpredictable storms. For many of us, that might mean getting caught in the rain on the way to class or waiting out a delayed game. For athletic trainers like Kamehameha Schools Maui’s Erin Barnett, though, weather requires quick decisions to keep students safe.

Barnett, who has spent close to two decades working with student-athletes at the ‘Aʻapueo campus, approaches weather with a mindset shaped by both experience and care.

“We do all of this for a reason because their safety, at the end of the day, is our responsibility,” Barnett said.

A “hard stop” for safety

In athletics, not all weather is treated the same.

“It depends on the sport and the surface they are playing on,” Barnett said. “But lightning is a hard stop.”

One of the most important shifts in safety guidance is simple: if you hear thunder, you are already at risk. Storms can move quickly in the islands and waiting until you see lightning can be too late.

Athletic programs follow clear protocols guided by statewide and national standards. With lightning detection systems and coordinated communication, teams prepare ahead of time and activate emergency plans before conditions worsen. Still, executing these plans, especially in the middle of a much-anticipated game, is not always easy.

Athletic trainers are often met with hesitation when they pause play or clear a field. In the moment, it can feel like the storm will pass or that it is safe enough to continue.

“We’re not doing it to make everyone mad… their safety is in jeopardy,” Barnett said.

What counts as safe shelter?

When conditions shift, where you go matters. Running under bleachers, into a dugout or taking cover under a tree may feel instinctive, but these are not safe options because metal structures and open-sided shelters do not provide real protection.

The best choices: a fully enclosed building or a vehicle.

“If you can’t get to either,” Barnett said, “crouch down as low as you can without lying flat on the ground. Stay on the balls of your feet and tuck your head to protect it.”

It is not ideal, but it reduces risk when no other option is available. Another key takeaway: Do not rush back too soon. Even when the rain slows or the sky begins to clear, storms may still be nearby. The general guideline is to wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before resuming activity.

Why preparation matters (even off the field)

Outside of organized sports, most of us do not have a formal emergency action plan, but Barnett says the same mindset should apply, especially for hikes, beach days and outdoor workouts.

Simple habits can make a difference:

• Check the forecast before you go
• Know your exit route or where you can find shelter
• Bring basic supplies if you are in a more remote area

In both athletics and everyday life, Barnett has seen how serious weather-related situations can become.

“We can practice but it’s so much different than being in the moment,” Barnett said. “This is what we have to do to keep that child safe and get them the help that they need.”

Moments like that reinforce why preparation and quick action matter. Kamehameha Schools haumāna are surrounded by a community of specialists, resources and systems that prioritize their safety and well-being in any environment and activity.