Strong winds and waves buffeted the islands Wednesday as a high-surf warning went into effect.
The National Weather Service posted a high-surf warning for the east shores of all islands except Lanai and Niihau on Wednesday morning. Surf along affected shores was expected to reach 10 to 15 feet through the night, easing to 8 to 12 feet today.
The high-surf warning is in effect through 6 a.m. Friday.
“Large breaking surf, significant shorebreak and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death,” weather officials said in a bulletin.
Strong winds whipped through windward areas of Molokai, Maui and Hawaii island.
Weather officials caution the public of easterly winds of 20 to 35 miles per hour, with localized gusts over 50 mph in interior areas of Hawaii island through the Humuula Saddle, with the strongest over the western end. Winds are also expected on the windward side of Hawaii island from Laupahoehoe northward around Upolu Point, and over the Kohala mountains, and around South Point in the Kau district. Winds also are expected over Molokai, Maui and Kahoolawe.
Forecasters say gusty trades associated with a strong high-pressure system will hold through the upcoming weekend. Mostly cloudy skies are expected for the rest of the week, with scattered showers windward and mauka.
Public warned of Maui, Oahu beach pollution
State health officials are warning about pollution at beaches on Maui and Oahu.
A high bacteria count was detected during routine beach monitoring Wednesday morning at Hanakaoo off Honoapiilani Highway on Maui, officials with the Department of Health Clean Water Branch said. Officials said potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or parasites may be present in the water.
Swimming at beaches with pollution in the water might make people ill, they said.
In addition, the state Health Department on Wednesday afternoon issued brown water advisories for Kalama Beach Park in Kailua and Bellows Field Beach Park in Waimanalo due to stormwater runoff entering the ocean.
Also on Oahu, brown water advisories remain in effect for the shorelines from Oneula Beach Park to Puuloa Beach Park and from Kaneohe Bay to Hauula Beach Park.
Visit the state’s Clean Water Branch website at bit.ly/2COPMKi for updates.
Lanikai General Store closing after 5 years
Lanikai General Store, a convenience shop at Kailua Beach Center, opened its doors for the last time Wednesday for a going-out-of-business sale.
Owner Donna Festa said in a Facebook post addressed to customers that she was closing after five years in business to focus on family.
“I am sorry to announce we will be closing for business on March 1st,” she wrote. “This has been a very difficult decision, but it is one solely based on quality of life. I have done the best I could the last five years to run a business and balance a home. With an aging parent and wanting more for my own personal time, I realized I couldn’t keep this pace. Please know I have treasured my time in the neighborhood, and I still plan on doing my part in community service.”
The convenience store sold coffee, beverages, snacks, ice cream, beach accessories and souvenirs, and showcased local products like Deb’s BBQ sauce, Hamakua Toffee Co. items and locally made jewelry.
