Big waves expected on Oahu’s shores

A high-surf warning is in effect for the north and west shores of Oahu until 6 a.m. Thursday with waves expected to reach 25 to 35 feet on the North Shore.

West-facing shores should see waves of 15 to 25 feet, the city’s Department of Emergency Management said.

Surf is expected to increase dramatically this morning on Kauai and by this afternoon on Oahu, Molokai and Maui, officials said. A peak is anticipated on Wednesday morning.

Under a high-surf warning, dangerous waves can pound the shoreline in low-lying areas, and swimming conditions are extremely hazardous with deadly rip currents possible.

Rock removal to close part of Hanauma

The city is closing part of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for an extra day this week so crews can remove potentially hazardous rocks and debris.

The area from the third bathrooms to the Ewa side of the preserve will be closed until the work is completed on Wednesday. Work will begin today, when the popular snorkeling spot is usually closed.

Crews will remove rocks and debris that could loosen and roll down a steep slope by the bathrooms.

The rest of the preserve will be open as usual.

Police set traffic checks for 2 months

Police at checkpoints across Oahu will look for impaired drivers throughout January and February.

Checkpoints will be set up at unannounced times and locations through Feb. 29, police said. They are part of a continuing effort to crack down on accidents on the island’s roads.

As of Wednesday, 52 people had been killed in 50 traffic accidents on Oahu during 2011. Speed, alcohol and/or drugs were factors in at least 19 of them. During the same period in 2010, 63 people were killed. Speed, drugs and or alcohol were contributing factors in 29 of them.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Visitor suffers fatal injuries at waterfall

A Missouri woman died New Year’s Day after falling about 25 feet off a waterfall along a hiking trail in North Maui.

Maui police identified the woman as Susan E. Stephens, 46, of Chesterville, Mo.

Officers spoke to witnesses who saw Stephens fall about 25 to 30 feet off the waterfall and land on rocks in the pond below, police said. Police classified the fall as a miscellaneous accident and said foul play is not suspected.

Police and firefighters responded to reports of the fall in an area called Bamboo Forest Trail at 1:13 p.m. Sunday. The waterfall is about two miles off Hana Highway, between the road’s sixth and seventh mile markers.

Firefighters transported Stephens by helicopter to a landing zone where paramedics were waiting.

Police said Stephens, who had massive head injuries, died before being taken to the hospital.

Watch speed in construction zone, police say

The Kauai Police Department is reminding residents to follow construction zone speed limits at all times, not only during construction hours.

"Possible lane closures, traffic delays or sudden stops can create hazardous driving conditions in these areas, even when construction is not actively occurring," says Lt. Mark Scribner of the Traffic Safety Unit. "It is important that drivers observe the reduced speed limits at all hours of the day or night."

Police are warning motorists that officers will be enforcing these speed limits.

The fine for speeding in a construction zone is $297.