HONOLULU – Weather officials say a hurricane approaching Hawaii won’t weaken into a tropical storm before passing over the islands as they had predicted.

Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters now say Hurricane Iselle appears to have strengthened and will maintain its speed as it passes the Big Island Thursday night.

Hurricane Julio, meanwhile, has followed closely behind and is expected to pass the islands this weekend.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed an emergency proclamation activating a major disaster fund set aside by the state Legislature.

Residents have been stocking up on supplies such as bottled water and canned meat. Some tourists are changing vacation plans, either by going home early or cancelling trips.