High-surf advisory issued for 5 islands
The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory for the western half of the state as wave-face heights are expected to reach 15 to 20 feet along north shores.
The advisory covers the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui. It will be in effect through 6 a.m. Monday.
A low-pressure system to the northwest of Hawaii generated a swell that will reach Kauai about midnight then spread to the remaining islands before peaking this afternoon and holding through Monday.
Wave-face heights are expected to reach 10 to 15 feet along west Oahu. The swell will produce large and dangerous surf along exposed reefs and beaches tonight through much of next week, the Weather Service said.
Permit trouble slows gym work
A gymnasium project at Hilo High School has been delayed because of trouble getting building permits.
The plans for the gym would enable it to sustain winds up to 115 mph, which would allow it to be an emergency shelter but not a hurricane shelter.
However, Hawaii County has not issued a building permit because of a new regulation that calls for the structure to sustain 155 mph winds.
According to Hilo Rep. Jerry Chang, state Civil Defense supports the current plans for the gymnasium, which is intended for school and public use.
Chang said he’s disappointed by the delays and hopes the Department of Education and consultant can work things out without spending too much time and money.
Former workers sue over firings
The recent firing of four election workers has prompted a third wrongful termination claim.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported that Shyla Ayau is seeking $500,000, claiming she was libeled and "held up to scorn."
Ayau, Pat Nakamoto, the longtime elections program administrator, and election worker Elton Nakagawa were fired Jan. 6 following an investigation that allegedly uncovered illegal alcohol use and storage at a rented elections warehouse.
The firings followed the October 2011 dismissal of Glen Shikuma, who had supervised the Hilo facility. Last month, Nakamoto and Shikuma filed separate wrongful termination claims for $500,000 apiece.
Council Chairman Dominic Yagong has scheduled a closed-door session during Wednesday’s meeting in Hilo to discuss the matter with attorneys.
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Associated Press and Star-Advertiser staff
