Big waves and high winds to continue
A high-surf advisory remains in effect through 6 p.m. Tuesday for the east shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island, the National Weather Service says.
The agency says "very rough" waves will increase to 7 to 10 feet today.
Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water and away from the shorebreak because of dangerous wave action and strong rip currents.
The weather service also issued a gale warning for the Alenuihaha Channel, between Maui and Hawaii island, with east winds of 40 mph and seas of 16 feet forecast for today and Tuesday. The gale warning, which takes effect at 9 a.m. today and ends at 6 p.m. Tuesday, also covers the Pailolo Channel, between Maui and Molokai, and Maui’s Maalaea Bay.
The winds should ease to 35 mph Tuesday night, the agency said.
A small-craft advisory also is in effect for through 6 p.m. Tuesday, with east winds of 25 knots and seas of 13 feet today and Tuesday.
A strong high-pressure area north of the state will build through today and generate strong and gusty tradewinds across the mountains of Hawaii island and the summit of Haleakala, forecasters said.
State flags to fly at half-staff for victims
Hawaii is joining the rest of the nation in lowering flags to half-staff in honor of the victims of the mass shooting at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday ordered all Hawaii flags at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaii National Guard be flown at half-staff alongside U.S. flags through sunset Tuesday.
In a statement on his website, Abercrombie said "hearts are heavy" at the loss of so many innocent lives in Connecticut. He says his thoughts are with the families of the victims and the people of Connecticut.
Twenty-six children and adults were killed in Friday’s school rampage. The gunman also killed his mother and himself.
Fishing areas will be closed for the year
State officials will close Waikiki and Diamond Head fishing areas for one year starting Jan. 1 to allow populations to replenish themselves.
It’s part of a regular closure every other year by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Fishing will be banned between shore and 500 yards into the ocean from the Diamond Head Lighthouse to the Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium.
Those who fish in the restricted area are subject to a fine and could be charged with a petty misdemeanor.
Workers will shore up shoreline protection
A contractor will be beefing up a protective stone structure extending into the ocean at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki starting Tuesday.
State officials said the work, expected to take three days, is meant to lessen the possibility of portions of the groin failing and causing sand to move westward down the shoreline.
The structure, built in 1926 and lengthened in 1930, is used to stabilize the sandy beach fronting the resort.
HTM Contractors Inc. received a $51,500 contract to shore up the groin with heavy-duty geotextile sandbags.
State Land Board Chairman William Aila said the temporary repairs are being made until his department receives funds to either repair or enhance the structure.
Officials said public access will be limited in and around the construction zone while work is occurring, but lateral access will not be impeded along the shoreline.
Electoral College votes will be cast today
Presidential electors around the country are meeting today to cast their votes for U.S. president and vice president.
The Electoral College convenes after each presidential election.
Hawaii has four presidential electors, who will cast their votes during a ceremony at the state Capitol.
President Barack Obama carried his birth state during last month’s election.
Iao Valley park reopens after repairs made
KAHULUI, Maui » Iao Valley State Monument has reopened with repairs of the park’s walkways completed, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources says.
In addition to the walkways, a new parking attendant booth was installed, replacing one that had been burned by vandals last month.
The department says the new booth was made possible through a donation by Maui Land & Pine Co.
Rotary Club aids in fixing up Hanalei Pier
Kauai’s Hanalei Pier is getting badly needed repairs thanks to a collaboration between the state and the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay.
The work, which began Dec. 10, will include replacing an existing shed-canopy and a roof while preserving the character of the site, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 1979.
Depending on the weather, the project is expected to take two to three months and cost more than $200,000, state officials said. The state will provide about $50,000.
"The Rotary’s leadership and community engagement has made it possible to preserve and perpetuate the essence of this historic structure while ensuring public safety," said William Aila Jr., director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, in a statement.
Hanalei pier was built in 1892 and has undergone several modifications.
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Associated Press and Star-Advertiser staff
