High surf advisory in effect for north-, east-facing shores
A high surf advisory for the north- and east-facing shores of Hawaii Island has been extended until 6 p.m. today, according to National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu.
A series of North Pacific low-pressure systems has generated a combination of swells that will produce large and hazardous surf, according to forecasters. The mixed directions and surf heights will create chaotic and unpredictable surf conditions.
The service forecast waves ranging in height from 15 to 20 feet. The surf is expected to decrease today.
The service also issued a marine weather statement cautioning of breaking waves at Hilo Harbor that can make exiting and entering the harbor dangerous.
The service categorized the surf’s impact as “moderate,” with strong breaking waves and strong rip currents expected to make swimming dangerous. The public is advised to heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.
Puako boat ramp closed Tuesday, Wednesday
The Puako boat ramp will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday to remove a loading dock that collapsed during high surf Dec. 20, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. will use heavy machinery to remove the broken concrete loading dock.
The ramp will reopen for use Thursday, however, there will be no loading dock available for boaters to use, according to the DLNR.
DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is currently seeking bids for a temporary wooden dock replacement. According to the division, which inspected damage on Dec. 30, the pilings and pile cap appear to be usable for a temporary wooden dock.
Police identify man killed in Puna lab explosion
Hawaii Island police have identified the 30-year-old Keaau man who died Thursday from injuries he suffered Dec. 28 in a butane honey oil lab explosion.
The victim has been identified as Rasi Summers, according to the Hawaii County Police Department. Summers was pronounced dead at 5:20 p.m. Thursday at Straub Medical Center in Honolulu.
The blast occurred Dec. 28 on 17th Avenue in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision. Police found evidence of a lab used to manufacture butane honey oil at the scene. A 28-year-old woman, who lives at the home but was not there at the time of the explosion, was subsequently arrested and then released pending investigation.
Community members are asked to call the police department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 if they know of any clandestine drug lab.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
Military convoys planned
Oahu-based Marines will convoy from Kawaihae Harbor to Pohakuloa Training Area between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday and continuing through Jan. 15.
The convoys will travel via the Akoni Pule Corridor, Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Waikoloa Road, Mamalahoa Highway and Daniel K. Inouye Highway, according to the U.S. Army Garrison, Pohakuloa Training Area.
Another military unit will convoy from Pohakuloa Training Area to Keaukaha Military Reserve in Hilo from 10 a.m to noon Thursday.
The convoy will travel via Saddle Road, Puainako Extension, West Puainako Street, Kanoelehua Avenue and Hilo Airport Road, according to the U.S. Army Garrison, Pohakuloa Training Area.
Police will escort the convoys. Motorists are advised to be alert and drive with care.
Maui woman dies in Kihei house fire
HONOLULU — Maui fire officials said a 76-year-old woman has died in a fire that gutted her Kihei home.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser said the fire at the Kanani Road home was reported at 5:45 a.m. Friday and brought under control by 7 a.m.
Fire officials say flames had consumed 50 percent of the 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom home when firefighters arrived from Kihei, Wailea and Kahului.
The cause of the blaze is being investigated.
The woman’s name was not immediately released. A fire official said the victim is believed to be the owner of the home.
By local and wire sources