Cold front brings storm and flood watches
Thunderstorms and locally heavy rain remain a possibility for Oahu and Kauai today as a cold front moves in from the west, according to the National Weather Service.
The rainy weather could persist through the early part of the coming week as the front stalls. Light to moderate tradewinds are expected to return on Wednesday and continue through the end of the week.
Kauai bore the brunt of the rain on Saturday, prompting preventive action by local officials. The Kekaha landfill was closed and Kauai County transfer stations discontinued accepting greenwaste until further notice.
In addition, the Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the Kalalau Trail due to the possibility of flash flooding.
Kauai and Oahu spent much of Saturday under severe thunderstorm and flash flood watches.
A special marine warning for Kauai leeward waters was also in effect through Saturday afternoon.
In response to gusting winds of up to 60 mph, the weather service also issued a high wind warning for the summit areas of Hawaii island effective through 6 a.m. today.
3 water main breaks disrupt service
Board of Water Supply crews repaired three water main breaks Saturday in Kailua and on opposite ends of Kapahulu Avenue.
Aikahi Loop reopened shortly after 4:15 p.m. after crews fixed a 12-inch main and damage to the road.
Police closed Aikahi Loop at Mokapu Road at about 5 a.m. after the first water main break. About 200 customers along Old Mokapu Road lost water service, which was restored to all customers by 3:30 p.m.
Crews also finished repairs on two other water main breaks on opposite ends of the Kapahulu area.
A lane of Waialae Avenue between Kapahulu and 1st avenues reopened by 10:45 a.m. after crews replaced an 8-inch pipe. Service was restored by 9:30 a.m. to 30 customers, including a low-rise apartment building, that had been without water since about 10:30 p.m. Friday.
The main was originally installed in 1931.
Crews also reopened the makai-bound lanes of Monsarrat Avenue between Campbell and Kanaina avenues by about noon after finishing repairs. Water service was restored at about 7 a.m. after a 6-inch main, installed in 1928, broke at about 5:15 p.m. Friday.
Man badly hurt in 15-foot fall
A 32-year-old Maui man was in critical condition after falling about 15 feet from a rock outcropping at Red Sand Beach in Hana on Saturday afternoon.
Witnesses helped the man to shore, where he was treated by medics and fire rescue personnel.
The man suffered serious head injuries and a broken right leg.
He was transported by air to Maui Memorial Medical Center.
No tsunami from quake
A magnitude-4.4 earthquake Saturday centered in the ocean north of Hawaii island did not generate a tsunami, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.
The earthquake struck at 10:45 a.m. and was centered 42 miles north of Hilo at a depth of about 11.1 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It was widely felt on Hawaii island, with responses on the USGS website coming from Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Keaau, and even Kula on Maui.
No significant damage or injuries were reported.
Meet and greet Big Isle police
The Hawaii Police Department will hold a community meeting from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center in Honokaa.
The public can meet the department’s command staff and discuss police-related concerns with the chief and commanders who oversee operations in Hamakua. Those unable to attend can email concerns or comments to copsysop@hawaiipolice.com.
