MEDIA RELEASE

Weather Review

Measurable rainfall was recorded by stations located on the windward side of Hawaii County through Wednesday with accompanying cloudy conditions. Other Weather reporting stations recorded none to under a quarter inch for the week as clear and sunny conditions prevailed. Trade wind speed lessened during the latter portion of the week. Despite the welcomed precipitation, the U.S. Drought Monitor show over 95 percent of Hawaii is rated being in some stage of drought. All of Lanai and the leeward portion of Molokai were rated being in extreme drought. Less intense drought ratings were noted for Kauai County compared to previous week. Exceptional drought ratings (D5) were noted at the extreme southern portion of Hawaii County and areas of the South Kohala District, the only places in the Nation with such a designation.

Hawaii County

Leeward and the Ka`u District continue to suffer dry weather conditions. Leeward Kona showers resulted in slightly improved drought ratings in that area. Coffee harvest activities continued with no weather related delays island-wide. The Waimea Irrigation System water level was marked at 48 feet on Friday, October 7th; no change from the previous week’s reading. The current conservation status is unrestricted.

Maui County

The leeward slopes and coast continued to be rated as severe drought or worse by the U. S. Drought monitor. Planting, cultivating, and harvesting activities experienced no weather related delays as clear weather conditions prevailed. The Molokai Irrigation System water level was marked at 13 feet on Friday, October 7th; no change from the 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

Scattered showers were spotted mainly in the leeward slopes and mountain areas of the island. These showers were not heavy enough to halt or impede planting, cultivating, spraying, or harvesting activities. Rainfall on the northern and windward areas of the Island resulted in all drought classifications being cleared from that area. The Waimanalo Reservoir Irrigation System water level was marked at 25 feet on Friday, October 7th; an increase of 4 percent from the previous week’s reading of 24 feet. Phase III mandatory conservation measures remained in effect. Measures included a MANDATORY 30 percent reduction in use and water service limited to Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays between the hours of 7 AM and 3:30 PM.

Kauai County

Light showers, due to trade winds, fell during the earlier portion of the week. Trade winds lightened later in the week bringing clear and dry weather conditions.

Agricultural Highlights

Orchards

Orchards were rated in good conditions for the majority of the State. Irrigation water application rates varied, but were heavier in drier locations.

Vegetables

Crop conditions were rated mostly good, but dependent on irrigation water availability and scheduling delivery.

Livestock and Pasture

Leeward pastures and those in lower elevations continued to vary by location but overall available forage for livestock remains short.

Full report in PDF format here