Big surf forecast for eastern shores
The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory for the east-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island effective through 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Strong tradewinds are expected to generate rough surf along east-facing shores, the weather service said. Waves are expected to reach 6 to 8 feet.
The tradewinds are expected to decrease slightly during the next two days.
Rain is also expected over windward areas, with some heavy showers possible.
Although drier tradewind conditions are expected for the latter half of the week, wetter weather is possible this coming weekend, forecasters said.
The weather service also issued a winter storm warning for the upper slopes and summits of Hawaii island through this morning. Potential hazards include freezing rain, snow and black ice in the affected areas.
Sewage spill sullies sea near Keehi Lagoon
Officials warned people Sunday to stay out of the water near Keehi Lagoon Park after thousands of gallons of sewage spilled into the water.
Army officials said about 15,000 gallons of waste water went into the water from a main under the Sand Island bridge, adjacent to the Marine Education and Training Center, which is operated by Honolulu Community College.
Officials said the discharge, reported at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, was stopped shortly after 12:30 p.m. by crews with the Army’s Directorate of Public Works.
The state Department of Health posted signs warning people to stay out of the water near the Marine Education and Training Center, the University of Hawaii Marine Center, Snug Harbor, Kapalama Basin, Mokauea Island and the Kalihi Channel of Keehi Lagoon.
The cause of the spill was under investigation.
Blaze scorches Waikoloa land
Hawaii County firefighters contained a brush fire that burned an estimated 80 acres Saturday in Waikoloa.
The fire was reported at 11:33 a.m. directly below the Kekumu Apartments and Paniolo Estates, the Hawaii County Fire Department said.
By that time the fire had covered about three acres, but because the terrain was hard to work on, firefighters could not keep it from spreading to the southwest, the department said.
A wind shift caused the fire to jump a firebreak and spread out of reach of firefighters on the ground. Water drops by two Fire Department helicopters brought the fire under control at 2 p.m., and firefighters spent Saturday evening monitoring hot spots.
There were no reports of injuries.
Twenty-six county firefighters participated, along with 10 volunteer firefighters and five military personnel. Nine engine companies and three tankers were dispatched.
Banyan Drive will be 1-way
To accommodate a large group of walkers expected to participate in the 15th annual Hilo Heart/Stroke Walk & Health Fair on Saturday, Hawaii County officials will impose a temporary one-way traffic pattern on Banyan Drive.
Traffic will be allowed to travel east on Banyan Drive between both ends of Lihiwai Street. The one-way traffic pattern will be in effect from 8 to 8:30 a.m. During that period, parking will be allowed only on the side of Banyan Drive where traffic is flowing.
Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. The Health Fair will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. at Liliuokalani Gardens.
