The city Department of Emergency Management is advising residents to make sure holiday yard decorations are secure as strong tradewinds are likely to continue into early next week.
The winds are bringing blustery conditions and high surf to east shores and increased tradewind showers that could spread to leeward areas.
The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for all islands that’s in effect through 6 p.m. today.
Forecasters expect winds up to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph.
Surf of 5 to 11 feet prompted a high-surf advisory that will be in place until 6 p.m. Sunday for east shores of most islands.
The strong breaking waves, shore break and rip currents can make swimming difficult and dangerous, forecasters said.
The winds and waves also prompted gale warnings and small-craft advisories for mariners in the waters around the islands.
The forecast for Honolulu and south shores of Oahu calls for a 50 percent chance of rain through tonight.
Forecasters said the wind, cold weather and rain could prompt a winter weather advisory on Big Island summits because of freezing rain.
The Department of Emergency Management said holiday yard decorations should be secured using stakes. Some hollow decorations can be filled with sand or small rocks to anchor them, or decorations can be held down with sandbags or other weights.
Lights should also be properly fastened to gutters and eaves.
The city said residents should also secure lawn furniture, trash cans and other objects that could become projectiles in high winds, and trim dead wood and weak or overhanging branches from trees.
In addition, residents should have flashlights, battery-operated radios and spare batteries on hand in case of a power failure.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Trial date set for accused murderer
WAILUKU >> A trial date has been set for a man charged with murder in the disappearance of a pregnant Maui woman in 2014.
Steven Capobianco, 26, will face trial Jan. 19 in the death of Carly “Charli” Scott. Jury selection is expected to take about a week and a half, saidFirst Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rivera, who will be handling the case, The Maui News reported.
Capobianco pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the 27-year-old woman’s death and third-degree arson of her vehicle.
Scott was reported missing Feb. 10, 2014. Family members said that the woman, who was five months pregnant, left the house to help Capobianco, whose car had broken downin Keanae.
Police began investigating the case as a homicide after they found her torched car and more of her belongings during a search in March 2014. Capobianco was indicted on thecharges in July 2014.
Capobianco’s attorney filed a motion seeking to suppress two statements Capobianco made to police officers investigating Scott’s disappearance. No Miranda warnings weregiven to Capobianco, who “felt compelled to participate in the interview,” according to the motion.
A judge denied the request in October.
Maui park will be closed for repairs
KAHULUI >> ‘Iao Valley State Monument on Maui will be closed Jan. 11-22 for various park improvements, including closures of the two large-capacity cesspools in the parkthat were mandated via a consent agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency.
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Associated Press and Star-Advertiser staff
