Showers likely as weather system passes

An upper-level low is expected to produce locally heavy showers with a possibility of thundershowers as it passes across the state over the next two days, the National Weather Service reported.

A low, also called a cold-core cyclone, is a cyclone aloft that has an associated pool of cold air and occurs at a high altitude. Water vapor imagery indicates that the low is centered about 350 miles east-northeast of Hawaii island and has been drifting slowly westward.

According to the weather service, the threat of heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorms were likely to begin over Hawaii island Sunday or Monday and will reach the middle of the island chain by Monday evening.

Rainfall is most likely over windward and mauka areas.

Meanwhile, a high-pressure system north of the state is expected to keep tradewinds blowing through the early part of the week.

Narrow branch of lava is now new flow front

The former leading edge of the June 27 lava flow from Kilauea Volcano has slowed and has been overtaken by a second narrow branch of the flow, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense.

An aerial assessment Sunday morning found that the breakout on the north side of the flow front advanced about an additional 60 yards since Saturday.

According to Civil Defense officials, all burning activity is limited to vegetation in direct contact with the flow, and is producing moderate to heavy smoke in the Kaohe Homesteads area.

The flow continues to move northeast and does not pose an immediate threat to area communities, Civil Defense reported.

Officials reminded the public that the flow is not visible and cannot be accessed from public areas. Access to the Kaohe Homesteads subdivision is restricted to area residents.

Bill would ban e-cigarettes in isle’s parks

KAILUA-KONA » Hawaii County Councilman Dru Kanuha is proposing to ban electronic cigarettes and vaporizers from county beaches, parks and facilities.

West Hawaii Today reported Saturday that Kanuha is sponsoring a bill that is scheduled to be reviewed Tuesday by the Council’s Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee.

Kanuha says the bill follows the state’s lead on the issue. He says the bill also takes into account complaints he’s heard from people who say "their air is violated by the use" of the electronic devices.