(ABOVE) Wave impacts at Hapuna Beach caused damage to the North side lifeguard tower. Photo by Division of State Parks.

NEWS BRIEFS

• The High Surf Warning has been extended into Sunday, says the National Weather Service. The warning will be in effect until 6 a.m. on January 25. Waves heights of 10 to 15 feet are still expected along west facing shores until tonight.
• Kona Coast Beach Park and Kua Bay have been added to Hawaii County’s list of beach closures. The full list is below.
• Pu’uhonua o Honaunau remains closed due to high surf damage. The National Park Service reported that coastal areas of the park, including the royal grounds, have received some damage and flooding.
• The Kaloko fishpond sustained some of the worst damage in years, but the wall remains functioning and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is open.

CIVIL DEFENSE MESSAGE

PRIMARY SOURCES

The National Weather Service High Surf Warning for the West facing shores of Hawaii Island remains in effect and has been extended through 6:00 pm today, Saturday January 24th. Dangerous surf conditions continue to be observed and reported across areas of West Hawaii. Surf heights of 10 to 15 feet are forecasted for the West facing shores of Hawaii Island. Residents along the coast and in low lying areas are advised to take necessary precautions and motorists are advised to be prepared for possible debris and ponding on coastal roadways. Beachgoers swimmers and surfers are advised to exercise caution and to heed all advice given by Ocean Safety Officials. Due to the current and ongoing dangerous surf conditions the following beaches will remain closed:

• Laaloa or Magic Sands in Kona
• Kahaluu Beach in Kona
• Kohanaiki Beach in Kona
• Ooma
• Old Airport Park
• OTEC
• Kona Coast Beach Park
• Kua Bay
• Four Seasons Beach area
• Hapuna Beach
• Kaunaoa (Mauna Kea Beach)
• Mahukona Park
• Kapa’a Beach Park

Hawaii County Civil Defense on Jan. 24 at 8 a.m. HST

Following the recommendation of Hawaii County Ocean Safety personnel, all West Hawaii state beach parks remained closed a second day for public safety, by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks. This includes Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, and its Waialea section, Lapakahi State Historical Park and Kekaha Kai State Park (both the Maniniowali (Kua Bay) and Mahaiula sections).

Wave impacts at Hapuna Beach caused damage to the North side lifeguard tower. The water line is also damaged and repairs are planned to restore water service to the comfort stations. Portable toilets will be provided until repairs are completed. The naupaka hedges in the park are covered with sand as well as the walkways and showers near the beach.

Assessments of surf conditions are continuing. Parks will not be opened until ocean and park conditions are safe for public use.

The Keawaula section of Kaena Point State park in Leeward Oahu remains closed today due to high surf. The park gate is closed and hikers are being warned to keep out because high waves may wash across the road and be a safety hazard. Department of Land and Natural Resources on Jan. 23

State Parks crew relocate lifeguard stand at north side of Hapuna beach. Photo by Division of State Parks