Weather Review
Rainfall varied by location throughout the week but was generally light and passing with activity heavier later in the week. The northern island of Kauai County received approximately twice the amount it had compared to last week. Central Oahu also received more rain than the previous week with the Mililani rain gauge receiving approximately .9 inches of rain. Rainfall elsewhere on Oahu and in the southern islands was relatively unchanged from last week’s totals. The Drought Monitor indications remained the same as the previous week’s with 97.8 percent of the State under some type of drought condition.
Hawaii County
During the week skies were partly cloudy with light showers, mostly located on the windward coast. Laupahoehoe received the most rain, with the weekly total coming in at 1.12 inches. Highlighting dry conditions, a major brush fire on the Big Island continued to burn this week on the Pohakuloa Training Area. The fire, which has been burning for over a week had consumed nearly 1,400 acres, and had not yet been completely contained as of the end of the week. High winds, low humidity, and dry conditions during the week increased the intensity of the fire. These conditions also helped to create a fire phenomenon called a fire whirl. The Waimea Irrigation System water level was marked at 48 feet on Friday, August 27th; decrease of 4 percent from the previous Thursday’s reading of 50 feet.
Maui County
Skies remained mostly clear early in the week with breezy conditions present throughout the week. Cloudy skies and windward showers came late in the week leaving .58 inches of rain in Hana. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 14.5 feet on Thursday, August 26th; no change from previous week’s reading. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent conservation in usage from all non-homestead users.
Honolulu County
Weather was fair throughout the week with very light passing morning and evening showers in some locations. A small fire burned some agricultural debris near the Waialua area. The leeward side remains very dry with the Waianae gauges registering no rain this month compared to an average of .7 inches. The Waimanalo Irrigation System water level was marked at 17 feet on Friday, August 27th; an increase of 26 percent from the previous Thursday’s reading of 13.5 feet. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent reduction in use and water service limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 pm.
Kauai County
Mostly cloudy skies brought about rain during the middle part of the week in Kauai. Mount Waialeale has received 27.17 inches of rain over the month of August. This represents 69 percent of average rainfall for this gauge. This percentage was roughly par for the island in August. Other locations on the island, such as the Lihue airport, have received 1.26 inches which represents 66 percent of normal.
Agricultural Highlights
Orchards
Orchards were in good condition where irrigated. Clear skies were beneficial for growth.
Vegetables
Conditions were generally good for development. High temperatures and water issues presented problems in some areas.
Livestock and Pasture
Dry areas are visible across all islands with brown or browning pastures common, especially at lower elevations. Supplementing feed and water hauling has continued to be necessary in some areas.
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