High surf warning in effect
National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu have issued a high surf warning for Hawaii Island’s west-facing shores through 6 a.m. Monday.
A strong low far northwest of the state has generated a large west-northwest swell that will produce dangerous surf along exposed shores of the Kona and Kohala coasts, according to forecasters.
The service forecast waves ranging in height from 10 to 15 feet along west-facing shores.
The service categorized the surf’s impact as “high.” The public is advised to expect strong breaking waves and rip currents that can make swimming dangerous and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.
High wind warning extended for Big Island summits
A high wind warning has been extended for the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa summits through 6 a.m. Monday.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu forecast west winds of 50 to 70 mph with higher gusts for areas above 8,000 feet in elevation.
A high wind warning means that winds at the summit are expected to be at least 56 mph with gusts topping 60 mph, according to the service. The service cautioned that travel to the summit should be delayed until winds subside.
Preschool subsidy application period opens
HONOLULU — Qualifying families can begin applying for state subsidies to help pay for tuition at licensed Hawaii preschools.
The state Department of Human Services said it began accepting applications for its Preschool Open Doors program starting on Saturday. The application period ends April 30.
Subsidies are given to low- and moderate-income families who need financial help sending children to preschool. Hawaii is one of few states without state-funded preschool.
A change in the age children can enter kindergarten has some parents worried about paying for an extra year of preschool. Next school year, students must be 5 on July 31 to enter kindergarten the same year. Previously, children could enter kindergarten if they turned 5 by Dec. 31.
Applications can be found online at patchhawaii.org.
By local and wire sources