MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

National Weather Service’s Hydronet system of automated rain gauges showed significant rainfall fell especially on the Big Island of Hawaii. The National Drought Monitor showed improved drought condition ratings on November 8, 2011, at 7:00 AM EST compared to the previous week. Extreme drought ratings persisted on the Kohala coast and the extreme southern tip of Maui and Hawaii Islands. Extreme drought conditions were approximately 3 percent compared with slightly below 17 percent one year ago on November 2, 2010. The Seasonal Drought Outlook shows persistence drought tendencies for November 3, 2011, through January 31, 2012, show ongoing drought with some improvement for the leeward coasts of all islands plus most of Hawaii Island.

Hawaii County
The Waimea Irrigation System’s water level was marked at 50.00 feet (51.70 million gallons) on Monday, November 14, 2011, up 10.00 feet or 25 percent from the November 7, 2011 reading. Laupahoehoe (HI80) weather station reported 8.46 inches of rain for this reference week. The conservation status remains unrestricted.

Maui County
The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 12.00 feet (264.00 million gallons) on Monday, November 14, 2011, down 0.25 foot or 2 percent from the November 7, 2011 measurement. Drought condition ratings improved especially for windward slopes of Maui Island. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent conservation in usage from all non-homestead users.

Honolulu County
The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 22.50 feet (9.90 million gallons) on Monday, November 14, 2011, down 0.50 foot or 2 percent from the November 7, 2011 reading. Rainfall was heavier in the higher elevations and mountains as Mililani (HI14) received 1.87 inches of rain with the majority falling on Tuesday through Friday. Windward slopes and coast were no longer rated being in some stage of drought conditions by the Hawaii Drought Monitor. Effective October 17, 2011, a Phase I – Modified Conservation Measure is in place requiring a 10-percent mandatory water conservation was declared.

Kauai County
Kauai County was partly cloudy throughout the week with measurable rainfall which echoed Honolulu County patterns. Similar to Honolulu County, the windward coast was no longer rated being in some stage of drought.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards
Rainfall and irrigation (where available), coupled with clear skies, were beneficial for crop development. Coffee and macadamia nut harvest activities continued with no delays attributed to weather conditions.

Vegetables
Vegetables were mostly in good to fair condition depending on location and availability of irrigation water.

Livestock and Pasture
Rains on the mountain and windward slopes enhanced forage growth, but more moisture was needed especially on pastures located on the leeward slopes.