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| Tropical Storm Darby is expected to make landfall on Hawai`i Island tomorrow morning. Ka`u is expected to be affected by tropical storm wind and rain later today. Map from NOAA |
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| A tropical storm warning and flash flood and high surf watches are in effect for South Hawai`i. Map from NOAA |
Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion today. Residents are urged to complete storm preparations before nightfall.
In a tropical cyclone, conditions can change quickly. Evacuate if directed to do so by local officials, or if homes are vulnerable to high winds or flooding. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten. Secure or bring indoors any loose outdoor objects that could become destructive projectiles in strong winds.
Stay calm and keep informed. Closely monitor local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for warnings or changes to the forecast.
Tropical storms can bring very heavy rain, leading to flash flooding. People near streams, rivers, and low-lying flood-prone areas are urged to be especially alert to flash flooding.
As of 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Darby was 310 miles east of South Point and moving west at 12 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds are 60 miles per hour with higher gusts.
For updates on Tropical Storm Darby, see http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/tc_graphics/latest_w.php?stormid=EP052016.
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| Ka`u High School opens as a shelter at 4 p.m. today. Local families stayed their when Iselle hit Ka`u in August 2014. Photo by Ron Johnson |
Civil Defense urges residents and visitors to shelter in place or with family and friends if possible and safe. Pet-friendly emergency shelters open today at 4 p.m. at Ka`u and Konawaena High Schools. Bring bedding, food, water and any personal items needed.
For updates, see http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/civil-defense/.
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TO KEEP VISITORS AND EMPLOYEES SAFE as Tropical Storm Darby approaches, officials will close all backcountry areas and certain roads in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park at 5 p.m. today.
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| Namakanipaio Campground is among areas of Hawai`i VolcanoesNational Park closed in advance of Tropical StormDarby's impending arrival. Photo from NPS |
Closures will remain in effect until Darby has passed and conditions are safe. Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer and any damage is assessed. Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp will remain open for registered guests.
“Although we aren’t closing Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park in its entirety, we strongly encourage visitors to consider changing their plans if they were planning to visit Friday afternoon or this weekend,” Chief Ranger John Broward said.
Popular visitor areas at the summit of Kolauea will remain open, including Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube), Kilauea Visitor Center and the Jaggar Museum and observation deck. Visitors can check nps.gov/havo for the latest information on openings or call 985-6000.
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| Hawai`i Island Food Basket is preparing for Tropical Storm Darby. Photo from Hawai`i Island Food Basket |
The agency has prepared by safely storing needed items should mobilization become necessary.
“Through the generosity of the community, we are well stocked with water and other necessities should the storm hit the Big Island full force,” Executive Director En Young said. “We learned many lessons from Tropical Storm Iselle, and The Food Basket staff and our partner agencies are much more knowledgeable and coordinated. While none of us can predict the effects of the storm, you can be assured that we are ready and able to assist in the event of an emergency in your area.”
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KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN FAVORS relocating the proposed massive solar project proposed in Ocean View. Green wrote a letter supporting the Consumer Advocate’s opposition to the project and suggesting that the project be relocated closer to Kona on “true agricultural land.”
Green’s letter is one of 90 so far sent to the Public Utilities Commission objecting to Hawaiian Electric Light Co.’s application for the construction of an overhead transmission line that would serve the controversial project. Ocean View residents are objecting to the location of 27 solar sites among homes, as they fear it will industrialize their town.
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| Sen. Josh Green |
“I fully support the Consumer Advocate, Mr. Jeffrey Ono, and his position in this matter,” Green wrote. “Mr. Ono has shown a remarkable grasp of the situation and forethought. The developers’ choice to locate their industrial development among homes demonstrates that they care little for the town or its residents.
“Yet, although Mr. Ono has recommended every measure in his power to mitigate the effects of the project, I encourage the commission to look behind the curtain and determine if the project itself is in the public interest. I support Mr. Ono, but would prefer to see the project cancelled.
“There are many objections listed in other letters to the docket, which, I trust, the commission will take seriously.
“I want to make it clear that while we support solar and energy plans, they need to fit the true spirit of our zoning intentions. I believe that the legislative intent was not for solar projects to be in residential areas.
“May I earnestly and very respectfully request that the Commission revoke the FIT permits on the grounds that the permits were issued based on information that has since proved to be untrue. I refer to the fact that the project is not shovel ready, the developer did not have site control (both basic requirements), and they combined twenty-seven 250kw permits to create a 6.75-megawatt project to circumvent the limits for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Further, they have made no attempt to bring the project on line quickly, which was a basic goal of the FIT program.
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| A proposed solar project in Ocean View would require a new substation, as depicted here. Image from HELCO |
“If this avenue were explored, I think you would find favor in many quarters. I understand that the SPI Solar has concerns about working in a hostile environment and that the spokesman, Mr. Ian Craig, has been the subject of verbal threats at a town meeting. If offered a chance to relocate, he would likely jump at it in order to avoid threats of sabotage. SPI Solar could sell the land and recover those costs. I also understand that the Independent Observer, Mr. Harry Judd, has no objection to some of the permits being relocated. Certainly my constituents in the Ranchos subdivision of Ocean View, the primary victims of the ill-considered project, would favor relocation, as would other residents of Ka`u.”
Ka`u residents continue to email letters of objection to the PUC. In July, 17 thumbs-down letters were sent by Janeen Marie, Ed NeSmith and Victoria Elford, Peter and Ann Bosted, Tim and Linda Schutt, Paul Montague, Anna Towner, Greg Guithues, Loren Heck, Dan Snyder, Rosemarie and John O’Connor, Bob and Sue Werner, Janice Hazen, Jim and Tammie Ewers, Kerstin Mueller, Sandra Shelton, Stanley and Kassy Kemp, and Verna & Frank Loosli.
Public comment can be emailed to puc.comments@hawaii.gov with docket number, 2015-0229 in the subject line.
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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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