Flood advisories issued for 4 islands

Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii island were under flood advisories Saturday as heavy rain moved over the islands.

National Weather Service forecasters say radar and gauges showed heavy rain over the Waianae mountains and western portions of Central Oahu at a rate of 1 to 2 inches an hour just before 2 p.m.

Heavy rain also soaked Kula, Maui, and the leeward slopes of Haleakala. The advisory for Maui was lifted Saturday afternoon.

A flash flood warning was issued for Kauai Saturday evening as waters rose swiftly in the Wailua River.

A gale warning was also in effect for Hawaiian waters and a winter weather advisory for Hawaii island summits because of freezing rain and hazardous road conditions.

Northeast winds of 29 to 40 mph were forecast for today and Monday, with seas building to up to 19 feet today and 20 feet on Monday. The wind and seas were expected to diminish Tuesday and Wednesday.

A high surf advisory was in effect for the north and west shores of Kauai and Niihau and the north shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui. The advisory, in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday, predicted waves of 12 to 16 feet.

Budget leaves posts vacant

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi will not fund 222 vacant county positions in his proposed $365.3 million budget for fiscal year 2012-13.

That would save the county $7.1 million, Kenoi said. The number of county employees have been reduced to 2,586 as of Feb. 29 from 2,787 on Nov. 30, 2008.

He submitted the budget to the County Council on Thursday.

The biggest loss in revenues is the anticipated $8.8 million, or 4.2 percent, drop in real property tax revenues, but he does not propose to increase property taxes.

Kenoi’s proposed operating budget is $2 million, or 0.5 percent, less than the current operating budget, and 9.4 percent less than when he took office in 2008.

Kenoi also wants to cut appraisals, environmental assessments and surveys; reduce workers’ compensation; and eliminate the lava viewing program at Kalapana and the West Hawaii golf subsidy.

Upward Bound students sought

Upward Bound, a college preparatory program funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is accepting applications from low-income and potential first-generation college-bound ninth-and 10th-grade students attending Waiakea, Hilo, Kau, Keaau and Pahoa high schools on Hawaii island. Students must be motivated to prepare for and pursue a four-year degree.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has sponsored Upward Bound since 1979. Call 974-7337 or visit hilo. hawaii.edu/academics/ub.