The Commission | Regulations | Public Information | Planning | Water Data | Questions?

  Home > Planning > Hawaii Drought Monitor > Drought Information Archive
This Drought Information Archive is a collection of past drought-related actions and announcements.
 

2008 Information
 
April 29, 2008 - Residents urged to save water, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
April 28, 2008 - 'Abnormally dry' conditions troubling, News Article - The Maui News
April 21, 2008 - Water levels Upcountry have officials worried, News Article - The Maui News
April 14, 2008 - Dry conditions grip farms in Waimanalo, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
April 14, 2008 - Weather aids water department, News Article - The Maui News
April 8, 2008 - Waimanalo farmers ordered to cut water use, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
April 6, 2008 - March sets records for low rainfall on Maui, News Article - The Maui News
March 30, 2008 - Water use continues to increase, News Article - The Maui News
March 27, 2008 - Islands 'abnormally dry', News Article - The Maui News
March 25, 2008 - Isle temperatures are rising, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
March 24, 2008 - Showers helpful, but water-use cutbacks urged, News Article - The Maui News
March 16, 2008 - Dry weather brings more water use, News Article - The Maui News
March 12, 2008 - Parts of Big Island under 'extreme fire hazard', News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
March 12, 2008 - Farmers warned of water shortage, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
March 9, 2008 - Less rainfall stirs concern about greater water demand, News Article - The Maui News
March 2, 2008 - Water use under control, but flows fall off in watersheds, News Article - The Maui News
February 24, 2008 - Central, South Maui water use increasing, News Article - The Maui News

2007 Information
 
November 5, 2007 - First Kona low of 2007-2008 wet season drenches Oahu - see some rainfall totals, NWS Forecast Office Honolulu - Hawaii Public Information Statement
October 26, 2007 - Fire risk closes Oahu forest reserves to public, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 26, 2007 - Leeward fire risk closes off dry forests, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
October 25, 2007 - DLNR Closes Leeward Forest Reserves Due to Fire Hazard, News Release - Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (pdf)
October 20, 2007 - Brushfire lights up Makaha night, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 20, 2007 - Makaha acres burn, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
October 17, 2007 - Waterways require work, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
October 14, 2007 - Central Maui water users hit demand target, News Article - The Maui News
October 7, 2007 - Water use down, but some people are not helping, News Article - The Maui News
October 3, 2007 - Restrictions on water meters under review, News Article - The Maui News
October 1, 2007 - Voluntary water cutbacks falling short, News Article - The Maui News
September 28, 2007 - Water cutback may be mandatory, News Article - The Maui News
September 23, 2007 - Water director says the need to conserve growing more urgent, News Article - The Maui News
September 17, 2007 - No fire relief for Waialua farmers, ranchers, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
September 16, 2007 - Water director appeals for conservation, News Article - The Maui News
September 10, 2007 - Central Maui short of goal, News Article - The Maui News
September 2, 2007 - Water use falls in two key regions, News Article - The Maui News
August 31, 2007 - Central, S. Maui water cutbacks modest, News Article - The Maui News
August 30, 2007 - Low rainfall prompts warning, News Article - The Maui News
August 26, 2007 - Showers bring little relief to water system, News Article - The Maui News
August 25, 2007 - Central, South Maui consumers told to cut water use by 10 percent, News Article - The Maui News
August 25, 2007 - Efficient water users face a dilemma, News Article - The Maui News
August 25, 2007 - Ranchers suffering from fire damage, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 25, 2007 - Waialua wildfire called intentionally set , News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 23, 2007 - City Council resolution asks help with fire erosion , News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 20, 2007 - Feds will help pay tab from humongous blaze, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 20, 2007 - Huge Oahu fire 100% contained, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 19, 2007 - Water use edges higher Upcountry, in Central Maui, News Article - The Maui News
August 18, 2007 - Waialua blaze out; crews kill more fires, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 18, 2007 - Waialua brushfire was the 'fire of the future', News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 18, 2007 - Ecological disaster feared once rains hit brushfire area, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 17, 2007 - Firefighters rein in Waialua brush fire, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 17, 2007 - Fire exacts environmental toll, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 16, 2007 - Waialua Fire Emergency Proclamation, Governor's Proclamation (pdf)
August 16, 2007 - Governor Lingle Declares Fire Emergency, News Release - State of Hawaii Office of the Governor
August 16, 2007 - Crews gaining ground on Oahu fire, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 16, 2007 - Flossie fades as Big Isle routines return, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 16, 2007 - Military engages fire from above, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 16, 2007 - Pesky fire gives way, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 15, 2007 - Fire grows and shuts schools, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 15, 2007 - Threat of rainfall keeps port, park and schools closed, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 15, 2007 - FLOSSIE FIZZLES, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 15, 2007 - Flossie soaks Big Isle, fades to tropical storm, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 15, 2007 - Fire fallout plagues valley, coast, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 15, 2007 - Photo gallery: The Waianae Range Fire, Photo Gallery - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 14, 2007 - Photo gallery: North Shore fire, Photo Gallery - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 14, 2007 - North Shore fire devours 3,000 acres, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 14, 2007 - Storm rolls toward Big Isle, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 13, 2007 - Huge fire ravages Oahu's North Shore, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 13, 2007 - Blaze threatens N. Shore homes, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 12, 2007 - Water use drops, but caution urged, News Article - The Maui News
August 12, 2007 - Ka Loko water woes ruin crops on Kauai, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 11, 2007 - Expect Flossie to rain on Hawaii, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 8, 2007 - July rain gives Hawaii just scattered relief, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
August 5, 2007 - Water use creeping upward, News Article - The Maui News
August 1, 2007 - Feds call state agricultural disaster area due to drought, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
August 1, 2007 - Hawaii farmers struggle in drought, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 31, 2007 - Army promises safeguards for controlled Schofield fires, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 31, 2007 - Hawaii farmers can apply now for federal drought aid, Breaking News - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 30, 2007 - Brush blazes stoke fire for stricter laws, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 30, 2007 - Fire risk high despite rain, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 29, 2007 - Big Isle brush fire contained, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 27, 2007 - Hawaii lawmakers open to county limits on fireworks, Breaking News - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 22, 2007 - Cosme gives Big Island no big rain problems, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 21, 2007 - Ex-hurricane raining on us, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 20, 2007 - DLNR releases 'firewise' tips, Breaking News - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 19, 2007 - DLNR offers grants for wildland fire prevention, Breaking News  - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 18, 2007 - Cosme not likely to bring much rain, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 14, 2007 - Brushfires on Big Isle and Maui flare up, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 10, 2007 - More small brushfires flare up in West Oahu, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 7, 2007 - Statewide flames force crews into OT, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 7, 2007 - Brushfire near UH chars 50 acres, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 7, 2007 - Threat of brushfires remain strong, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 6, 2007 - Fewer fires are caused by fireworks this year, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 6, 2007 - 50-acre St. Louis Heights brushfire now contained, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 6, 2007 - Conditions prime for brush fires on Maui, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 4, 2007 - Fires char neighbor islands, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 4, 2007 - Brushfire on Hawaii Island 50% contained , News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 3, 2007 - Arson suspected in Big Island brushfire, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
July 3, 2007 - Crews wary of Waikoloa fire, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 1, 2007 - County officials optimistic about calling fire 'over,' News Article - The Maui News
July 1, 2007 - July Fourth sparks caution, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
July 1, 2007 - Waikoloa brushfire has burned 6,000 acres on Big Island , News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 30, 2007 - More buildings damaged before fire contained, News Article - The Maui News
June 30, 2007 - Fireworks extra risky this year, Honolulu fire chief says, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 30, 2007 - Maui brushfire totally contained, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 29, 2007 - Governor Lingle Supplements 2-27-07 Fire Emergency Proclamation , Governor's Proclamation (pdf)
June 29, 2007 - Fire flares again south of Lahaina, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 29, 2007 - Wildfire on Maui strands hundreds, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 28, 2007 - West Maui brush fires force evacuations, threaten buildings , News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 28, 2007 - Maui brushfire cuts off highway, strands travel, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 26, 2007 - Kihei blaze sparks evacuation, News Article - The Maui News
June 25, 2007 - Drought conditions persist over portions of the State of Hawaii, NWS Hydrologic Outlook
June 24, 2007 - Eng says cutback OK, could be better, News Article - The Maui News
June 21, 2007 - Farm Service Agency Announces 2007 County Committee Elections, FSA News Release
June 21, 2007 - 60% less rain kindles fear of brushfires, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 14, 2007 - Drought drain on all farmers: HC&S fields running dry, News Article - The Maui News
June 13, 2007 - Drought warning issued for Upcountry, News Article - The Maui News
June 13, 2007 - Mandatory water conservation imposed on Maui, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 12, 2007 - Brush fire looms this summer, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 10, 2007 - Water use down but not enough, News Article - The Maui News
June 9, 2007 - Drought looms for summer, News Article - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
June 3, 2007 - Water consumption still high in county, while rainfall still low, News Article - The Maui News
May 23, 2007 - Wailoa Ditch down temporarily, News Article - The Maui News
May 19, 2007 - 'We're in a drought', News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
February 28, 2007 - La Nina May Soon Arrive, NOAA News Online
February 27, 2007 - Governor Lingle makes Fire Emergency Proclamation , Governor's Proclamation (pdf)
February 23, 2007 - Wildfire fears lead to warning, News Article - The Maui News
February 10, 2007 - Isle weather continues to be drier than normal, News Article - The Maui News
February 2, 2007 - Firefighters contain Big Isle brush fire, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
February 1, 2007 - 2,700-acre Big Island fire 80% contained, going south, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
February 1, 2007 - Cigarette caused Maui fire, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
February 1, 2007 - 2.700-acre Waikoloa brush fire is reduced to flare ups, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
February 1, 2007 - Maui firefighters contain blaze, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
January 31, 2007 - Big Island brush fire burns out of control, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
January 31, 2007 - Big Isle fire still going after burning 300 acres, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
January 30, 2007 - Rains quench Maui blaze, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
January 29, 2007 - Copters, bulldozers still fighting Maui fire, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
January 27, 2007 - Maui forest fire expands to 600 acres, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
January 27, 2007 - Maui forest fire burns 600 acres, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
January 26, 2007 - Fire burns 250 acres in Maui reserve, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin

2006 Information
 
November 28, 2006 - USDA designates Maui County a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by drought that occurred from April 1, 2006  - September 30, 2006; qualified farm operators in the designated area eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met, News Release - Farm Service Agency Maui County Office (pdf)
November 13, 2006 - Rainfall in October was above normal, News Article - The Maui News
October 27, 2006 - Water supply uncertain for farmers on Big Isle, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 27, 2006 - Damage to Big Isle ditches still unknown, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
October 25, 2006 - El Nino forecast to keep isle winter dry, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
October 25, 2006 - El Nino good for tourists, not for residents, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 25, 2006 - Drought latest farming crisis, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 24, 2006 - Summary of El Nino Winter Impacts in Hawaii, Winter 2006 Press Conference  - National Weather Service Honolulu Forecast Office
October 24, 2006 - More aid given for quake damage, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 23, 2006 - $2 million estimated to repair Waimea reservoirs, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 23, 2006 - Project to drain reservoir stops, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
October 22, 2006 - Big isle drains 2 Waikoloa reservoirs after leaks found, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
October 22, 2006 - Flood feared, reservoir drained, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 20, 2006 - Big isle farmers scrambling to find water, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser 
September 14, 2006 - Water director warns of mandatory cuts, News Article - The Maui News
September 14, 2006 - Upcountry Maui warned of drought, News Article - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
September 6, 2006 - Water level falling, News Article - The Maui News
September 1, 2006 - Upcountry water not being conserved, News Article - The Maui News
September 1, 2006 - Arakawa warns against well water ban, News Article - The Maui News
August 23, 2006 - With use up, director issues water advisory, News Article - The Maui News
August 22, 2006 - Upcountry, East Maui asked to save water, News Article - The Maui News
August 21, 2006 - Upcountry and Kaupo residents asked to save water, Press Release - Maui Department of Water Supply
July 20, 2006 - Drought guidelines scrutinized as water levels fall, News Article - The Maui News and the AP
July 19, 2006 - Isle farmers hurting as wet turns to dry, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser 
July 6, 2006 - HFD fights fires from holidays, News Article - Honolulu Star Bulletin 
July 5, 2006 - Fireworks suspected in several brushfires, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser 
July 2, 2006 - Holiday fireworks not all fun, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser 
May 21, 2006, HFD wary on eve of fire season, News Article - Honolulu Star Bulletin
2006 Hawaii State Legislature Introduces HB2775 to Authorize Drought Mitigation Funding, 
January 12, 2006 - NOAA predicts weak La Niña NOAA News Online
January 6, 2006 - NWS Honolulu reports dry December 2005 , NWSFO Honolulu monthly precipitation summary

2005 Information
 
USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, is accepting applications from farmers and ranchers for Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Applications are due November 16, 2005.  NRCS Hawaii website
August 2, 2005 - USDA, Farm Service Agency announces application deadlines for 2003-2004 Crop Disaster Program and 2005 Livestock Assistance Program; sign-up period for Crop Year 2006 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program; and extended nomination period for FSA County Committee Election, FSA News Release (pdf)
July 29, 2005 - DLNR Issuing Competitive Grant Funds to Assist Communities in Protecting Against Wildland Fires, DLNR News Release
June 27, 2005 - Brush fire near H-2 halts traffic, funerals, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
June 27, 2005 - Mililani brush fire burns 50 acres, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
June 8, 2005 - Department of Water Supply urges conservation, News Article - The Maui News
May 26, 2005 - Big Island water emergency declared, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
May 17, 2005 - High vegetation and dry weather likely to make fire season busy, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
May 17, 2005 - Mild hurricane season forecast, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
NOAA expects below average Central Pacific hurricane season, NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center
May 15-21 is hurricane awareness week, NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center
May 16, 2005 - Winds fueling Nanakuli brush fire, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
May 16, 2005 - Brush fires burning budget, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
April 1, 2005 - State's need to conserve water remains critical, experts advise, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
March 25, 2005 - USDA Farm Service Agency announces Crop Disaster Assistance Program for 2003 & 2004,  News Release [PDF]


2004 Information
 

October 13, 2004 - Forecasters warn El Nino could produce drought, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
October 13, 2004 - Winter weather forecast fuels fears of drought, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 12, 2004 - NOAA Expects Below Average Rainfall for the 2004-2005 Wet Season In Hawaii, NOAA News
October 7, 2004 - NWS Climate Prediction Center Synopsis: Warm-episode conditions (El Nino) are expected to continue into early 2005, CPC Discussion
September 15, 2004 - Researchers raise hurricane fear, News Article - The Honolulu Star Bulletin
August 12, 2004 - El Nino may be back for winter, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
 


2003 Information
 

November 25, 2003 - Honolulu BWS Lifts Voluntary Irrigation Measures for Oahu, News Article - The Honolulu Advertiser
October 20, 2003 - DLNR Lifts Fire Closure of Waianae Range Forest Reserves and Game Management Areas, Press Release [PDF]
September 11, 2003 - DLNR Closes all Forest Reserves, Public Hunting, and Game Management Areas in the Waianae Range, Press Release [PDF]
August 29, 2003 - Governor Lingle Issues Proclamation of Statewide Drought,  Press Release
August 2, 2003 - Honolulu Board of Water Supply asks customers to voluntarily reduce irrigation by 10%.  News Release [PDF]
June 30, 2003 - U.S. Small Business Administration announces disaster assistance available for small businesses in Hawaii County due to drought which occurred January 1, 2001 throgh December 31, 2002.  Deadline to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) is February 3, 2004Press Release [PDF]

June 18, 2003 - Farm Service Agency announces application deadline of July 3, 2003 for Livestock Compensation Program II  (LCP II) for drought in 2001 and/or 2002; and sign-up for Crop Disaster Program (CDP) for drought in 2001 or 2002Press Releases [PDF]
June 11, 2003 - U.S. Department of Agriculture designates Hawaii County as a primary disaster area due to drought for the period January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002 Press Release
 

County Specific Information


City & County of Honolulu
State Department of Agriculture

DOA implements a mandatory 20% reduction in water use for users on the Waimanalo Irrigation SystemJuly 8, 2003 Memo [PDF]

County of Maui
State Department of Agriculture

July 8, 2003 - State Department of Agriculture implements a voluntary 10% reduction in water use for users on the Molokai Irrigation System.
Maui Department of Water Supply
September 7, 2004 - Maui Department of Water asks Upcountry consumers to voluntarily conserve water. News Release [PDF]
July 15, 2003 - Maui Department of Water asks Central Maui residents to voluntarily conserve water. July 15, 2003 Press Release [PDF]
December 4, 2002 - Maui Department of Water declared a Drought Watch for Upcountry Maui. Customers are asked to voluntarily conserve water. May 29, 2003 Press Release [PDF]

County of Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Water Supply

March 2, 2005 -  Water Conservation Notice [PDF]
Affected Areas: (1) South Kohala; (2) Hamakua

September 9, 2004 -  Water Conservation Notice and Reminder [PDF]
Affected Areas: (1) Haina Water System, Hamakua; (2) Laupahoehoe Water System, North Hilo; (3) Kaukuihaele Water System, South Kohala: (4) Makapala-Niulii Water System, North Kohala

Hawaii Civil Defense Agency

May 25, 2005 -  Message: Drought Information Update #1 A state of emergency is in effect for Hawaii Island due to drought conditions

Office of the Mayor

June 30, 2003 - Mayor Harry Kim issues Emergency Proclamation: Proclamation [PDF]
Hawaii Department of Water Supply

May 29, 2003 - Hawaii Department of Water Supply: Water Conservation Notice [PDF]
Affected Areas: North and South Kona

March 28, 2003 - Hawaii Department of Water Supply: Water Conservation Notice [PDF]
Affected Areas: Pahala Village, Ka'u and Naalehu to Waiohinu, Ka'u
 

The Commission | Regulations | Public Information | Planning | Water Data | Questions?

Adobe Acrobat | Disclaimer |