Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014

Central Pacific Hurricane Center's latest forecast shows Hurricane Iselle tracking directly toward Ka`u and arriving late tomorrow.

HURRICANE ISELLE IS HEADED DIRECTLY FOR KA`U, according to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s latest forecast. A hurricane warning is in effect for Ka`u and the rest of Hawai`i Island. The storm was 625 miles away from Hilo at 11 a.m. With maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour, the storm is gaining rather than losing strength as earlier forecast. Heavy surf, high winds and five to eight inches of rain are forecast, with a flash flood watch in effect from 4 a.m. tomorrow to 6 a.m. Saturday. A flash flood watch means conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. The National Weather Service reminds residents that it does not have to be raining heavily where they are for flash flooding to occur.

The central Pacific is busy, with three hurricanes being tracked.

      Thunderstorms with lightning could also be in store in areas where vog is present, UH-Manoa Atmospheric Science Professor Dr. Steven Businger told Hawai`i News Now this morning. Businger found that prior to tropical storm Flossie’s passage over Hawai`i Island last year, there was no lightning in the storm. One hour later, vigorous lightning occurred as Flossie approached the island. “As volcanic emissions were wrapped into this moist environment, sulfate aerosols promoted the formation of a greater number of smaller than normal cloud droplets, which favored charge separation in the upper cloud region and the occurrence of lightning,” Businger said in his published report. 

      Also, Mayor Billy Kenoi urged residents not to count on the Volcano Defense, a theory that Hawai`i Island’s high volcanoes help protect it from hurricanes. “Stay focused, stay prepared, stay with family and friends, stay off the streets as much as possible,” he said on Hawai`i News Now. “Accurate information, preparedness, the community working together, that's what will get us through the challenges that we have to face.”

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KA`U HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, a designated emergency shelter, closes at 2 p.m. today in advance of storms Iselle and Julio. All afterschool activities for students and staff are cancelled, as well as any scheduled public meetings.
      All public schools in Ka`u will be closed tomorrow.
      School closures throughout the state are being made according to the storms’ paths and in preparation of designated emergency shelter sites.

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IN ANTICIPATION OF HURRICANE ISELLE, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park officials are closing all backcountry areas and some roads as of 6 p.m. today. Closures will remain in effect until the storm has passed and conditions are safe. Additional closures may be warranted as the storm gets closer.
      Kilauea Visitor Center will remain open during its normal hours, 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurston Lava Tube, Volcano House and Kilauea Military Camp will also remain open.

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Patty Barry, standing, asked County Council candidates
about tax incentives for new businesses.
Photo by Ron Johnson

KA`U RESIDENTS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY to ask County Council District Six candidates questions at Monday’s forum hosted by Ocean View Community Center.
      Patti Barry asked what residents can do to support tax incentives to attract new businesses to Ocean View. Jim Wilson said, “You as individuals can put pressure on elected officials.” He gave Henderson, NV as an example of a city that “was built on tax incentives.” Richard Abbett and Maile Medeiros David both expressed support for such a program.
      Lee McIntosh asked, “Do you support restricting or banning fireworks?” Wilson said, “Fireworks are important, but because of fires and injuries, yes, I would support banning them.” David said setting off fireworks is a cultural practice that kids look forward to. “I have to consider that every Fourth of July, fireworks are part of Hawai`i,” she said. She said a proposed ban would require public hearings to get input from residents. Abbett said that although he can’t stand fireworks, “If you don’t have the ability to celebrate your freedom using the symbol of your freedom, you’re not very free.” 

      Dave Bateman, who is running for state House in Ocean View’s of Representative district, asked about the candidates’ views on agriculture in Ka`u. David said it’s very important and that “we have so much potential.” She said she would support creation of an ag park in Ka`u to give people opportunities to become farmers. She also said students should receive ag training at school. Abbett said Ka`u is the last large-scale place for ag in Hawai`i and that his vision of small-scale ag here would require a commitment over “decades and generations.”
      Loren Heck mentioned that there are 50 acres of county land in Ocean View that could be an ag park. The candidates all were open to investigating the opportunity. “We have the labor, the next generation,” Abbett said. He said his goal is to have “a place where we can raise our children and not have them leave.”
      See more on the forum in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

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THE CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY, which recently held a meeting in Pahala on pesticide and GMO threats to communities worldwide, has offered to help the county fight lawsuits that aim to stop regulation of GMOs on this island.
      Earthjustice, the legal arm of the Sierra Club, Big Island organic small farmers Marilyn Howe, Rachel Laderman and Nancy Redfeather, along with Center For Food Safety, filed a motion in federal District Court in Honolulu on Friday. The plaintiffs seek to intervene in the lawsuit that seeks to overturn the law passed by the County Council banning open-air use and testing of genetically engineered crops except for those already in production on local farms.
      The ten plaintiffs seeking to lift the ban on GMOs include farmer Richard Ha, cattle rancher Jason Moniz and flower growers Gordon Inouye and Eric Tanouye. Organizations named as plaintiffs are Hawai`i Papaya Industry, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Big Island Banana Growers Association, Hawai`i Cattleman’s Council, Hawai`i Floriculture & Nursery Association and Hawai`i Industry Industry Association, with its President Ross Sibacao.
      A hearing in federal court is set for Oct. 23.
      Earthjustice on its website earthjustice.org/about/offices/mid-pacific, says that “Hawai`i is a hotspot for experiments in genetic engineering — but the Mid-Pacific regional office has led the way in bringing a cold dose of reality to genetic engineering and its impact on our food supply, health and environment. We’re pushing for better regulation of genetically engineered crops and also using the law, public advocacy and community organizing to draw attention to the links between GE foods and the increased use of dangerous pesticides.”
      “Ordinance 13-121 protects me and farmers like me,” said Redfeather, whose background includes being the director of the Hawai`i School Garden Network. “In Hawai`i, we believe that our seeds, crops and foods should remain free of contamination from genetically engineered plants,” she wrote.

      “Hawai`i County, like every county, has the right to protect its farmers and native environments from genetically engineered crops,” said the Center for Food Safety’s senior attorney George Kimbrell. “Having GE-free zones is critical for the sustainable future of U.S. agriculture and to protect Hawai`i’s unique ecosystems.”
      Those wanting to lift the ban contend that the GMO ban is against state and federal law and unjustly harms farmers who choose to grow GMO crops. They also state that it damages the industry of biotechnology, which came up with GMO papayas to save that industry when it was fought with devastating disease. Their lawsuit states that the county ban is unsupported by “findings or evidence that GE (genetically engineered) crops are in any way harmful, or in any way endanger the local environment.”
      The opposition to lifting the restrictions argues for local rights to institute such bans and contends that cross-pollinators by GMO plants could harm non-GMO farms and plants in the wild, and expose them to pesticides.
      A statement from Earthjustice says that the lawsuit to lift the ban is “driven largely by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the world’s largest trade association for the biotech industry representing companies like Monsanto.” The statement says that the organization wants to overturn “the county’s 2013 ordinance to open the island up for the expansion of genetically engineered crop production. These herbicide resistant crops result in intensive pesticide use, which threatens public health, contaminates water and harms wildlife and neighboring crops. Most GE crops also threaten transgenic contamination of non-GE crops, which has already caused several billion dollars in damage to growers.” 

     Paul Achitoff, managing attorney for Earthjustice in Hawai`i, said, “Hawai`i is one of the most biologically diverse, as well as spectacularly beautiful, places in the world, but the chemical companies have been turning the islands into experimental laboratories, unleashing a fountain of pesticides and genetically engineered material into the air, land and waters. We stand with the people of Hawai`i Island who are trying to protect their island from being transformed into another toxic waste dump.”

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EARLY, ELECTRONIC VOTING CONTINUES at Pahala Community Center through Thursday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sample ballots are available at hawaii.gov/elections. The primary takes place Saturday.

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Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014

A grant will help fund Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park's efforts to protect honu`ea, or hawksbill turtles, like this hatchling making its way to the Pacific Ocean. Photo from NPS

HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT SIX CANDIDATES expressed support for many of the needs of Ocean View at the candidate forum last night. Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson took to the stage at Ocean View Community Center to share their views on issues ranging from water, mass transit, coastal access and education to waste management, medical facilities and availability of goods and services.
      All candidates said a second well is necessary in Ocean View. Maile Medeiros David suggested seeking federal funding for the project. Richard Abbett said, “We’re in the process of getting water,” and said Brenda Ford has been working on the issue in tandem with drilling a well in Kona. He also suggested that “catchment is the way of the future.” He said both methods of obtaining water are important, and that people need to begin to see water as a limited resource.
      Regarding bus service, Jim Wilson said, “The county has a duty to provide mass transit.” Abbett said both sides of the district are underserved. “We wanted to be left alone; we didn’t want to be left out,” was how he described residents of Ka`u who moved here in spite of the lack of services available. David said, “We have a need for more buses and different schedules.” She pointed out that the bulk of the working class has to travel different areas for jobs.

Hawai`i County Council candidates Richard Abbett, at left, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson took to the stage of Ocean View Community Center yesterday for their final forum before the primary election this Saturday, Aug. 9. Photo by Ron Johnson

      While education is a state issue, the County Council candidates agreed that Ocean View needs a school and early education facility. Abbett said Ka`u Learning Academy, which plans to open next year at Discovery Harbour, intends to be in Ocean View after two years. David suggested that county nonprofit grant funding could be used to help establish a charter school in Ocean View. “There are methods within the jurisdiction of County Council,” she said. She also said County Council can “entertain a resolution to encourage the state to follow through” with planning of a school. Wilson said he, if elected, would put pressure on the Department of Education and that the County Council can encourage DOE to open a charter school.
      Regarding medical facilities and availability of other goods and services, David said the County Council’s role is approving development requests for small zone changes when necessary. She also said the Ka`u Community Development Plan “is the best document to support developments and determine where they will be.” Wilson suggested making the permit process easier and establishing a temporary tax break for new businesses. Abbett questioned the value of speeding up the permitting process, saying it hasn’t helped in the case of Lehua Court, an Ocean View development currently being considered by the County Council. He agreed that temporary tax breaks may help businesses get established in Ocean View.
      David and Wilson agreed that transfer stations for waste disposal and recycling need to be open more often. Abbett offered a different approach. “The waste stream is a commodity,” he said. He suggested that transfer stations should be places where discarded materials can be reused and that jobs could be created to maintain such facilities.

      Regarding beach access, Abbett said he would see what the community really wants. He suggested that, “as long as people don’t go, the beach is clean.” David said, “Public access is near and dear to my heart.” She brought up a lawsuit she worked on which mandated government agencies to determine the impact any development would have on public access. She also emphasized the need to balance rights of private property owners. Wilson said, “Everything that can be done should be done.”
      See more on the candidate forum in tomorrow’s Ka`u News Briefs.

Iselle is on track to reach the state Thursday evening. Map from NWS

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HURRICANE ISELLE CONTINUES MARCHING TOWARD HAWAI`I ... TROPICAL STORM WATCH ISSUED …, said a local statement from the National Weather Service in Honolulu late this morning. “The latest forecast is for sustained winds of 40 miles per hour or higher for portions of the area from early Thursday evening to early Friday morning, depending on the exact track of Iselle. There is the possibility of moderate wind damage.
      “Heavy rains, strong winds and high surf expected,” the statement says. A tropical storm watch is on for the Big Island, and a flash flood watch for all Hawaiian Islands.
      At 11 a.m., the center of Hurricane Iselle was about 985 miles east of Hilo, moving west-northweast at nine miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds were near 110 miles per hour, making Iselle a Category Three hurricane.

      Iselle is expected to affect the Big Island beginning Thursday, bringing heavy rains, high surf and tropical storm force winds.
 The bulletin stated, “Now is the time to prepare. Do not wait until it is too late. Stay calm and keep informed. ... Be ready to evacuate if necessary. Heed the advice of local officials, and comply with any orders that are issued. Persons living near the shore should be prepared to evacuate quickly should building surf threaten.”

      Loose objects such as lawn furniture, garbage cans and other items should be secured or stored indoors. “Have supplies on hand and be ready for power outages,” the statement warned.

Graph shows predicted intensity of Iselle's winds.

      An update from the National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center said that the satellite appearance of Iselle degraded this morning, with the eye becoming increasingly ragged. An Air Force Reconnaissance Hurricane Hunter plane was assigned to fly into the eye of the storm to “provide ground truth.”
     The statement also said, “The intensity forecast remains problematic. Iselle has reached peak intensity and will be on a weakening trend as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands. The big question is the rate of weakening that occurs.”
     Behind Iselle, on a similar path, is tropical storm Julio, which this afternoon showed increasing organization and convective banding. The forecast is for continued strengthening in the next 36 to 48 hours, with gradual weakening thereafter.

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KA`U KEIKI FLOCKED TO KA`U CAMPUSES for the first day of school today. The largest campus, at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School, has enrolled approximately 550 students from Pre-K through 12th grade under the leadership of Principal Sharon Beck and Vice Principal Wilma Roddy. The staff is comprised of approximately 60 teachers and counselors with a support staff of approximately 30 who work from cafeteria to maintenance to educational assistants and security.

     The grade with the fewest students is Pre-K with 18 enrolled so far. At the high school level, ninth grade has 63, tenth has 77, 11th has 68 and senior enrollment is at 52, as of this morning.

Honu`ea #92 heads back to the sea after laying eggs.
Photo from NP

     Na`alehu School has an enrollment of approximately 410 students, from pre-k through sixth grade, under the leadership of Principal Darlene Javar and Vice Principal Karen Pare. There are 24 teachers and 56 other supportive employees at the school.
     Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences opened on Aug. 1 with an enrollment of 189 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, under the leadership of its principal, Dr. Ardith Renteria, and Vice Principal Christopher King Gates. Total faculty at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences has reached 20, including teachers and supportive staff.

A $19,200 GRANT WILL ASSIST Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s efforts to protect the federally endangered honu`ea, or hawksbill turtle. Funds will support park volunteers who monitor nesting beaches, rescue distressed females, eggs and hatchlings, improve habitat and provide information to beachgoers along the southern coast of Hawai`i Island.

      Loss of nesting habitat caused by beach erosion and invasive plants threatens the future of honu`ea in the area. Student biologists and individuals from the community will assist as volunteers remove invasive woody plants such as koa haole that are encroaching onto beaches, as well as relocate nests to prevent damage to fragile eggs from high surf and overcrowding. While monitoring turtle activity, volunteers assist stranded females and hatchlings and provide on-site information of park recovery efforts to beachgoers.
      “The honu`ea is a much beloved turtle in Hawai`i, and it would be tragic to see this animal disappear from our shores,” said Dr. Rhonda Loh, Chief of Natural Resources Management for the park. “We’re very excited to work with the National Park Foundation to restore nesting habitat. In addition to helping to protect the turtle, we’ll also be providing valuable training and experience to students interested in pursuing careers in conservation biology.”
      The grant is one of 23 national parks selected to receive a 2014 Impact Grant from the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks.

EARLY, ELECTRONIC VOTING CONTINUES at Pahala Community Center through Thursday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN LEARN MUSHROOM CULTIVATION Saturday. Zach Mermel teaches basics of fungal biology and how fungal mycelium colonizes different materials from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Fees are $65 for VAC members and $75 nonmembers. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or 968-8222.

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Ka`u News Briefs Monday, Aug. 4, 2014

June Domondon welcomes walk-in voters each day through Thursday at Pahala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

LITTLE MORE THAN 40 VOTERS HAD WALKED in to Pahala Community Center by Monday morning. However, poll workers are anticipating a bit of a rush ahead of Iselle, the category four hurricane that could reach Hawai`i by Thursday as a hurricane or tropical storm. The early electronic voting option, open 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. through Thursday, is being monitored by a worker representing the voting machine company along with poll workers June Domondon and Marlene Freitas. Election Day is Saturday, Aug. 9 with polls at Cooper Center in Volcano, Pahala High & Elementary School Cafeteria, Na`alehu School Cafeteria, Ocean View Community Center and Miloli`i Halau from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Electronic voting, only, is available at the walk-in voting station at Pahala Community
Center through Thursday, Photo by Julia Neal

MONEY SPENT IN THIS ELECTION for the County Council member is dwarfed by spending during the last three elections, when some candidates shelled out more than ten times what has been spent so far this year.
      Spending was highest in 2008 when winner Guy Enriques spent $81,705.12. To secure the seat in his 2010 reelection bid, he spent $48,592.15 but was defeated by Brittany Smart, who spent $14,096.81.
      In 2012, three candidates qualified for $41,000 each in public financing. The amount provided was based on the total spent by candidates in prior elections, and Ka`u is where the most money poured into coffers when Guy Enriques was running for Council, once successfully against Bob Jacobson and the second time drawing a loss to Brittany Smart.
      In the 2012 election, Brenda Ford spent $66,894.01, Maile Medeiros David reported $48,277.01, Bradley Westervelt, $43,423.77 and Lee McIntosh, $2,967.16. McIntosh did not accept public funding.
      Public funding in the amount tied to what Enriques spent in 2008 ended this year, leaving candidates to raise their own money.
      So far this election, according to campaign spending reports, Maile Medeiros David has spent the most with $8,580.50, followed by Jim Wilson with $3,102.13 and Richard Abbett with $1,515.97.

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Tonight is Ka`u's last chance to see the County Council District Six candidates at a forum. Richard Abbett, Maile Medeiros David and Jim Wilson meet at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE MAILE MEDEIROS DAVID is leading her competitors when it comes to campaign donations. Medeiros David took in $6,920.49 with $375 being donations of $100 or less. That is more than three times the donations to Richard Abbett, who reported receiving $2,021.47 with $550 coming from donations of $100 or less. Donations to Jim Wilson amounted to $1,375 with $250 from donations of $100 or less.
      The three candidates participate this evening in their final forum before the Saturday, Aug. 9 primary election. The forum begins at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center.

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Former Gov. John Waihe`e supports Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
Photo from Neil Abercrombie Campaign

FORMER GOV. JOHN D. WAIHE`E IS GOING TO BAT for Gov. Neil Abercrombie. He said he and the governor have been friends and colleagues for decades. “I’ve always known him to be an advocate for Hawai`i’s people and a tenacious campaigner,” he said. “That’s why I am confident he’ll win this election. He’s a rare leader with passion, integrity and a vision for providing a brighter future for Hawai`i.
      Waihe`e pointed out past elections where the winner was trailing in polls, as Abercrombie currently is in the race against Sen. David Ige. “In 1986, I first ran for governor against then-Congressman Cec Heftel,” Waihe`e said. “With two weeks left in the election, I was 18 points behind. Thanks to hard work and getting out the vote, I won.
      “In 1998, Ben Cayetano trailed then-Maui Mayor Linda Lingle in nearly every poll during his re-election bid. Ultimately, Ben went on to win by 5,000 votes.
      “Every campaign, every election eventually comes down to getting out the vote. With less than a week remaining in this election, polls no longer matter. Only votes count.
      “Please vote for Neil and urge 10 others to do the same on Aug. 9 or earlier by walk-in voting,” Waihe`e said.

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STATE AND LOCAL PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS in Hawai`i will receive $8,902,185 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. The grants will provide funding for various activities throughout the state for disaster management and preparedness, port security and terrorism prevention planning, organization, training, exercise and equipment.


      “As one of the most remote places in the world, Hawai`i faces unique security challenges and vulnerabilities,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “In what is expected to be a very active hurricane season this year, we must remain vigilant and be ready for all hazards. These FEMA grants will ensure programs in Hawai`i have the resources to strengthen our resilience to natural disasters and improve security at our ports, in our communities and throughout the state.”


      FEMA program funding includes $3,733,000 for the state homeland security, $3,546,080 for emergency management, $1 million for Urban Areas Security Initiative and $623,105 for Port Security.

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Kumu Leina`ala Brown Dombrigues

KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN this week’s county government meetings via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center. Council committees meet tomorrow morning, and County Council meets Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Council Chambers in Hilo.
      Agendas are available at hawaiicounty.gov.

KUMU LEINA`ALA BROWN-DOMBRIGUES has announced hula and cultural classes beginning this week.
      The Dance of Life: Olapa Kahiko Oli starts Thursday, Aug. 7 and continues each Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
      Cultural Classes are held once per week on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
      For more information, see peacewarriorprincessleinaala-kapoeaohiwa.org, call 808-333-7914, or email kumuleinaala@yahoo.com.

WAHI KUPUNA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN KA`U is wrapping up their fifth year this summer and residents to a community ho`ike on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pahala Plantation House.
      For more information, email kuyeoka@hawaii.edu.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life tomorrow at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center and Whitney Vault in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

Medals are ready for winners of Volcano
Rain Forest Runs.

VOLCANO RAIN FOREST RUNS ARE LESS THAN two weeks away, and registration is still available. Entry fees are $85 for the Half Marathon, $50 for the 10K and $35 for the 5K. The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. All runs start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road.
      Packet pick-up and late registration is Friday, Aug. 15 at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      Cooper Center offers a $15 Dine & Dash Pasta Buffet on Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
      Participants in 10K and 5K can register race morning at Cooper Center until 7:30 a.m. T-shirts are not guaranteed for late registrations. There is no race day registration for the Half Marathon.
      Keiki ages 1 – 7 can register for the free 100- or 200-yard dashes on race morning until 9:30 a.m. The Keiki runs, sponsored by Kilauea Lodge, begin at 10 a.m. All entrants receive a ribbon and other goodies after coming through the finish line.
      Volcano Rotary Club serves an $8 BBQ Grill Lunch on race day from 9 a.m. Other activities include face painting, balloon animals with the Hiccup Circus to delight the children and craft and other booths for everyone’s enjoyment.
      “Parking is limited within Volcano Village so come early and carpool, please,” said Race Director Sharron Faff. There are parking lots located at Volcano Store, Thai Thai Restaurant and Volcano Garden Arts. All parking lots are located on Old Volcano Road and within walking distance of Cooper Center.
      “Everyone please use caution throughout the village during the race morning to insure the safety of all participants, volunteers and spectators,” Faff said. “A big mahalo goes out to everyone involved in this fifth annual community event.”
      All participants are responsible for knowing their race route. For more information, maps, FAQs, registration and volunteering, see volcanorainforestruns.com, or call 967-8240.

Iselle, a Category Four Hurricane, with 140 mile an hour winds,
 rolls across the Pacific toward Hawai`i. Image from NOAA

HURRICANE ISELLE reached Category Four strength this morning, with 140 mph winds and higher gusts. Iselle is headed toward Hawai`i, though forecasters expect her to lose some strength and downgrade to a tropical storm by the time she reaches the islands. The 11 a.m. National Weather Service forecast says "Iselle has an impressive signature on visible satellite imagery....Iselle should only gradually weaken in the short term while it moves over marginal sea surface temperatures and in a relatively light-shear environment." While predicting a weakening over cooler waters, the forecasters say that the ocean will warm up again "just to the east of Hawai`i, which would allow Iselle to maintain some inteensity."  A mid-level anticyclone is expected to develop and strengthen between California and Hawai`i in a day or two and could force Iselle to turn west-northwestward and accelerate her speed toward the islands starting late Tuesday. The forecast continues to bring the center of Iselle across the main Hawaiian Islands between 72 and 120 hours from 11 a.m. this morning - the earliest arrival being Thursday afternoon, when she might clip the north shore of Hawai`i Island. While not in the direct, predicted path, Ka`u is in the cone of possible landfall destinations for Iselle.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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