Rain expected to subside, wind to continue
If weather forecasters are correct, it may be finally be safe to hang the laundry outside this week.
According to the National Weather Service, the unstable weather system responsible for several days of heavy showers across the island chain is moving away to the southeast of Hawaii island.
A high-pressure system persisting to the north of the islands is expected to continue generating breezy tradewinds.
The summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea remain under a winter weather advisory until noon today, with icy road conditions possibly through the morning.
A high-surf advisory also remains in effect for the east-facing shores of all islands through 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Forecasters predict waves of 7 to 10 feet along the affected areas. Ocean users are being told to expect strong breaking waves, a pounding shore break and strong along-shore and rip currents.
Victim ID’d as New Yorker
A woman who drowned after being swept into the ocean off Kauai has been identified.
Police said the body of Norka Villacorta, 43, of New York City was recovered Friday, a day after she was swept away by Hanakapiai Stream.
She is the seventh person to drown in Kauai County this year.
Villacorta was among a group of about 50 hikers stranded by high water Thursday. Fire officials said she apparently tried to cross the stream on her own and was swept away.
Rescuers tried to reach the stranded hikers Thursday evening, but high water and strong wind made it too difficult and the hikers were forced to spend the night outdoors.
Two firefighters were able to help the 55 hikers on the far side of Hanakapiai Stream reach safety after the water had receded.
Kin sue police in man’s death
The family of a Kauai man shot by police has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the county, the Police Department and an officer.
The Garden Island newspaper reports the suit was filed Feb. 15 in Kauai Circuit Court.
Richard "Dickie" Louis was killed Feb. 15, 2012, during a multi-agency sweep to serve 47 warrants and make 31 arrests on 249 charges. A warrant was issued for Louis to appear at a court hearing.
The police report said Louis, 62, of Koloa, resisted arrest and barricaded himself in his home. He later appeared on the roof in an aggressive and agitated state, police said, and threatened to kill an officer with a metal object.
