Pacific Warning Center issues tsunami message Published Oct. 7, 2009 HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- The National Weather Service Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach, Hawaii, issued a tsunami advisory for the state of Hawaii effective 12:17 p.m. HST An earthquake has occurred near the Vanuatu Islands with a preliminary 8.0 magnitude. The pacific tsunami warning center has issued an expanding regional tsunami warning and watch for parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake. An evaluation of the Pacific wide tsunami threat is underway and there is a possibility that Hawaii could be elevated to a watch or warning status. If tsunami waves impact Hawaii their estimated earliest arrival time is 6:50 p.m. HST. Messages from the NWS Pacific Tsunami Warning Center will be issued hourly or sooner as conditions warrant.