MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

On August 19, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that 0.61 percent of the State was abnormally dry or drier, unchanged from the previous week. In Hawaii, scattered light to moderate rain was not enough to improve the low reservoir situation in central Molokai, thus conditions were unchanged this week. Complete information provided by the Drought Monitor can be found on their internet informational site location at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu.

Hawaii County

The Big Island had warm trade wind weather last week. Trade winds blew in morning and evening showers to various windward areas for the majority of the week. Leeward areas were warm and hazy with some isolated showers. The warm weather and partly sunny skies helped optimize growing conditions around the island. Trade winds were moderate with stronger gusts at times.

The Waimea Irrigation Systems level at the Puukapu reservoir was marked at 50.0 feet (51.7 MG) on August 21, 2014, unchanged from the level recorded one week prior on August 14, 2014. The Puu Pulehu reservoir was marked at 18.5 feet (106.75 MG) on August 21, 2014, unchanged from the level recorded one week prior on August 14, 2014. Mandatory 10 percent conservation remains. The Honokaia Reservoir was 8.0 feet (1.0 MG) on August 21, 2014, unchanged from the previous Thursday’s reading. The water level at the Paauilo reservoir was marked at 21.0 feet (10.0 MG) on August 21, 2014, unchanged from the previous Thursday’s reading. The Paauilo and Honokaia Reservoirs feed into the Lower Hamakua Irrigation System where no conservation measures were in effect.

Honolulu County

The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 60.0 feet (55.3 MG) on Thursday, August 21, 2014, down 0.5 feet from the previous Thursday’s reading. No conservation measures were in effect.

Maui County

In Maui County, there were mostly sunny, clear skies with some occasional cloud cover over the upper elevation sections of the island. The normal trade winds returned, allowing for slightly cooler temperatures. The windward and mountain areas received late evening and early morning rainfall. Some of these areas received a significant amount of precipitation that allowed for elevated stream flows. This rainfall contributed to an increase in the various reservoirs for irrigation water storage.

The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 28.5 feet (627.0 MG) on Thursday, August 21, 2014, down 0.25 feet from the August 14, 2014 reading. Conservation measures required all non-homestead water users to cutback water consumption by 20 percent.

Agricultural Highlights

On Maui, pastures along the windward coastline and in the northwest areas of the islands were in fair to good condition and were able to supply a good amount of green forage. Pastures along the lower elevation areas of Kula, Pulehu and Kihei remained dry. Field activities continued last week with planting and harvesting of sugarcane and various field crops.

On the Big Island, damaged trees in the Puna district have continued to fall over in some areas affected by the past storm. Pastures in windward areas are greener than normal for this time of the year. Daily rainfall received around the island reduced the need for irrigation.