Surfers can expect gift of big waves
The National Weather Service says surf on north shores will rise overnight to 14 to 24 feet by this morning.
The waves, generated by a storm last week, should gradually taper off by Thursday and then rise again from another storm, peaking Thursday night into Friday, forecasters say.
West shores were 1 to 3 feet Monday, up to 10 to 15 feet by this morning.
South shores should see 1- to 3-foot surf with occasional 4-foot sets Wednesday afternoon.
Forecasters warn that the surf will likely create strong rip currents, which could be dangerous for inexperienced ocean swimmers.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Parks close to curb illegal fireworks
Two Kona Coast parks, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Kekaha Kai State Park, will close early on New Year’s Eve.
Both parks will be closed at 5 p.m., the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced. Affected areas include the Waialea Bay section of Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and the Manini‘owali (Kua Bay) and Mahaiula sections of Kekaha Kai State Park.
"We are closing the park early to discourage use of fireworks, which is prohibited in state parks, and to protect the public and natural resources of the area," said DLNR Director William Aila.
Regular park hours will resume Jan. 1: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kekaha Kai State Park.
Maui County issues holiday fire warning
The Maui County Fire Department is asking people to be extra careful this New Year’s holiday when setting off fireworks given the potential for wildfires because of persistent drought conditions.
Capt. Paul Haake of the Maui Fire Prevention Bureau says the past year has been very dry and that the threat from wildfires is a major concern.
The Maui News says fireworks for New Year’s celebrations go on sale Wednesday.
People may use fireworks and firecrackers from 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve to 1 a.m. New Year’s Day.
Maui County residents need to get a permit in order to buy firecrackers. Each $25 permit allows a person to buy up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. There is no limit on the number of permits a person may purchase.
