Rising swell prompts surf alert

A high-surf advisory is in effect through Monday in anticipation of a rising northwest swell.

The advisory, effective through 6 p.m. Monday, covers the north and west shores of Niihau, Kauai and Molokai and the north shores of Oahu and Maui, where wave heights could reach 20 feet.

Forecasters predict strong breaking waves, shore break and strong longshore and rip currents that could make swimming difficult and dangerous.

A small-craft advisory is also in effect through 6 p.m. Monday for Hawaiian coastal waters within 40 nautical miles.

According to the National Weather Service, a cold front will continue to move across the island chain today, accompanied by an increase in showers. The front is expected to weaken and stall over the central islands early this week.

Breezy south-to-southwest winds will prevail ahead of the front, with light northerly winds trailing the front. Light, passing showers are possible over windward and mauka areas over the next week.

Waimea man disappears

Hawaii County police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 51-year-old Waimea man.

David Anthony Lema was last seen in the area of the Kukaiau Ranch at around 11 a.m. Friday.

Lema is described as Caucasian, about 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 230 pounds, bald, with a fair complexion and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing long pants, possibly jeans and a jacket without a shirt.

He has a condition that requires medication.

Anyone with information or who may know his whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or dmorimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer anonymity may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.

Work on poles to cause outage

The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will turn off power to about 400 customers in Wainiha and Haena on Wednesday so crews can replace poles and conductors.

The outage will begin at 8 a.m. and last until about 1 p.m.

Crews can’t work with the lines energized because they can’t get the necessary equipment over the Wainiha and Haena bridges, which have weight limits.

During the outage, workers will be planting new poles, moving power lines and replacing equipment to improve service to North Shore customers.

Customers in the affected area are also being sent outage notifications by mail. Customers should shut off or disconnect sensitive electronic equipment before the outage begins to prevent data loss or damage.

Call 246-4300 for questions and check the KIUC website at www.kiuc.coop, Facebook (KauaiCoop) or Twitter (@KIUC) for updates.