Huge waves are heading to Oahu’s North Shore again, with surf projected to reach heights of 30 to 40 feet today.
The west side will get its share, as well, with waves projected to build to heights of 18 to 25 feet. (Forecast surf heights refer to the face or front of the waves.)
The National Weather Service in Honolulu issued the high-surf warning for the north and west shores of Oahu, Niihau, Kauai and Molokai, as well as north shores of Maui. It will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Ocean water is likely to surge across beaches, coastal benches and lava flows, potentially threatening coastal homes and roads, the service said. It warned that entering the water will be hazardous.
A small-craft advisory will also be in effect until early Tuesday due to high seas. Large waves and strong currents might affect harbor entrances and channels, making boats difficult to handle. Inexperienced mariners, especially those with small craft, should stay out of the water.
The jumbo waves come courtesy of a large northwest swell spreading southeast across the island chain.
An even bigger northwest swell is expected to arrive Wednesday, unleashing waves that could reach 50 feet on Oahu’s North Shore. The surf should peak that night, then diminish through the weekend.
Ige’s State of the State address on agenda
The state Legislature is heading into its first full week of the 2016 legislative session, and lawmakers are busy submitting new bills.
The week will begin with an overview of the state as Gov. David Ige delivers his annual address today.
Later today mayors from each county will talk with committees about the funding and program support they’d like to receive from the state.
Wednesday is the deadline for new bills to be introduced, so lawmakers are preparing proposals on everything from micro-apartments to genetically modified food.
The Women’s Legislative Caucus plans to introduce a package of bills Thursday.
Also on Thursday a Senate committee will discuss lowering the amount of blood alcohol content that’s legally allowed while driving.
Hawaiian nene subject of talks
The first in a series of public talks about the ecology and recovery of the endangered nene on Kauai will be held Thursday in Hanalei.
The number of nene, or Hawaiian geese, across the state fell to 50 in the mid-1950s, but conservation efforts have helped the species rebound.
The Kauai Nene Habitat Conservation Plan is holding the public talks in conjunction with the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
Christian Vlautin, project coordinator of the Habitat Conservation Plan, will discuss the birds’ history and biology. Conservation staff are also seeking input on addressing potential conflicts between nene and agriculture, public safety and private property.
The talk will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei Community Center, 5299 Kuhio Highway.
Tourist injured off crater trail
The Hawaii County Fire Department rescued a 54-year-old tourist injured in the Kilauea Iki Crater at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The woman and her daughter wandered about 50 feet off the trail across the floor of the crater when she lost her balance on some rocks and flipped backward, striking her head and back, according to a Fire Department news release. She also suffered multiple cuts and scrapes.
The incident happened at about 1:50 p.m. Saturday off the 4-mile loop trail.
The Fire Department helicopter lifted the woman out of the crater to an ambulance. She was taken in stable condition to a hospital, the Fire Department said.
