OHA gives $8M in grants to 32 groups

Thousands of Native Hawaiians are expected to directly benefit from $8 million in grants.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says 32 community-based organizations that aim to help improve conditions for Native Hawaiians will receive the grants. The money will fund programs that involve priorities such as preserving culture, protecting land and prenatal care.

One of the organizations is Effective Planning Innovative Communications Inc., which provides rental housing help to foster youth who are trying to transition into adulthood.

The grants will fund programs between July 1 of this year and June 30, 2015.

OHA says more than 6,200 Native Hawaiians are expected to directly benefit from the money.

Road reopens after water main repairs

Kili Drive between Farrington Highway and Huipu Drive in Makaha was reopened Sunday following preliminary repairs to a 16-inch water main break.

According to the Board of Water Supply, final repairs to the main will be completed at a later date because additional materials are needed. The repairs will take place off the roadway.

No customers are without water service.

The main break was reported Saturday at around 10:30 a.m.

Kauai, Niihau warned of risk for flash floods

Kauai and Niihau are under a flash flood watch through 6 a.m. Tuesday as a cold front approaching from the north carries the possibility of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service issued the watch at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Heavy or persistent rain will cause streams to rise even in areas where rain is not occurring, the agency warned. Heavy rain will also create slick roadways and reduce visibility, making driving hazardous, the weather service said on its website.

The potential for thunderstorms on Kauai is particularly strong tonight.

Meanwhile, the weather service issued a high-wind advisory for Mauna Kea and Moana Loa, forecasting southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts of more than 50 mph. That advisory also remains in effect through 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The strongest winds are expected today.

Kauai lifeguards want donations of solar panels

The Kauai Fire Department and Ocean Safety Bureau want photovoltaic panels to power communications equipment on the island’s 10 lifeguard towers.

And they would like island businesses and organizations to "adopt" a tower and provide the equipment for free, the Garden Island reports.

Kauai Fire Chief Robert Westerman introduced the idea of Adopt-a-Tower at a meeting Friday.

In the past year the Ocean Safety Bureau has received four new jet skis, four all-terrain vehicles and two rescue sleds through the support of the Kauai Lifeguard Association.