High-surf warning affects 4 islands
The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf warning for the north and west shores of Kauai and the north-facing shores of Oahu, Molokai and Maui effective through 6 p.m. today.
The advisory was prompted by a large northwest swell that is expected to produce waves of 10 to 15 feet.
The weather service warns of strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents that could make swimming difficult and dangerous.
Meanwhile, Easter should be dry and cool on Oahu and Kauai, but rain is still possible on Maui and Hawaii island as a weather system gradually moves away from the islands.
While the umbrellas can mostly be put away, it may be time to bring out the sweaters and extra blankets at night. The cool north winds and clear skies will drop temperatures at night into the 50s through Tuesday night.
Candle caused Big Island fire
An unattended candle caused a fire that damaged a Pepeekeo house Saturday morning, the Hawaii County Fire Department reported.
The family of five, with two adults and three young children, escaped the home before firefighters arrived at the scene.
A fire spokesman said the house sustained 50 percent fire damage and the remainder of the house had smoke and water damage. Damage to the structure was estimated at $84,000.
The fire depart-ment was called at 8:09 a.m. and the first unit arrived at 8:20 a.m. Fifteen firefighters brought the blaze under control by 8:30 a.m.
Two back bedrooms were most heavily involved, the fire department said.
The Red Cross responded to offer help to the family.
Bike path foes escape charges
Kauai County will not prosecute two men arrested while protesting the removal of an altar during construction of a bicycle path in Wailua.
James Lee Alalem, 55, of Kapaa, and Raymond Anthony Catania, 62, of Lihue, were arrested for allegedly obstructing government operations on the morning of Feb. 6.
The Garden Island reports that the two, who consider the site sacred, found out at the courthouse Monday that there was no case against them.
County Prosecutor Justin Kollar later confirmed that his office will not pursue the charges. The two were accused of crossing a construction barrier as work on the path neared a rock altar they built to represent a heiau they believe once stood on the site.
The county says that construction of the Wailua corridor portion of the Ke Ala Hele Makalai path does not cross over any of what was once part of the Mahunapu‘uone Heiau.
