Continued unsettled weather prompted multiple warnings and advisories for the state effective through much of today.
A flash-flood watch is in effect for Maui and Hawaii island through this afternoon, with forecasters predicting periods of heavy rain at times and a chance of thunderstorms.
A high-surf advisory is effect until 6 p.m. today for east-facing shores of the main Hawaiian Islands stretching from Niihau to the Big Island.
Rough seas generated by strong tradewinds will continue to bring advisory-level surf to east-facing shores through today. Surf is expected to reach 6 to 10 feet.
A small-craft advisory is also in effect for the leeward and windward sides of Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Hawaii island, in addition to southeast waters of Hawaii island, until 6 p.m. today.
In addition, a winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. today for Big Island summits, where accumulation of snow between 4 and 8 inches is expected.
Maui
3 rescued after being stranded in pig-hunting expedition
Maui County firefighters rescued three hunters in Keanae after they became stranded due to rapidly rising stream waters.
Two men of Kihei, both in their early 20s, and a 17-year-old Waikapu boy went on a pig-hunting trip early Saturday in the Honomanu Bay area.
As they made their way back to the streambed they crossed earlier, the Maui County Fire Department said they observed instead a “torrential river” and were unable to cross.
The group called 911 on their cellphone shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday.
Firefighters responded and found their vehicle parked on Hana Highway near Kaumahina State Wayside Park. Firefighters instructed the hunters via cellphone to find an opening in the dense forest to enable a rescue helicopter to spot them.
The Fire Department launched its Air 1 helicopter and spotted the hunters on a ridge about a mile mauka of the park.
The hunters were airlifted to the park by 6:05 p.m. No injuries were reported.
A separate hunting group stranded on the opposite side of the rising stream waters, at the Bamboo Forest in Kailua, managed to make it out on their own Sunday morning.
Kauai
Wailua Homesteads Loop Road closed due to weather damage
The state has closed the Loop Road in Wailua Homesteads beyond the point known as Jurassic Park Gate due to weather damage.
The Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Kauai said the temporary closure affects the public and all forms of traffic on the road, also known as Waikoko Forest Management Road. Hiking is out because emergency vehicles can’t get in in the event of an accident, the state said.
There was no announced timetable for repairs.
The gate used in the “Jurassic Park” movies is no longer there; only two posts remain.
