Drought in Maui Leeward West, Hawaii

Reports from the USDA-FSA and the State Department of Agriculture stated that the agricultural impacts of the extreme (D3) drought conditions included very dry conditions over the rangelands of leeward Maui County including Molokai through the month. A rancher operating in the leeward side of Haleakala on the island of Maui reported having to reduce his herd size by 50 percent as there was insufficient pasture forage.

Below average December rainfall totals at most locations across the main Hawaiian Islands exacerbated statewide drought conditions. Extreme drought (D3) developed over leeward Oahu and leeward Maui. D3 drought conditions remained over the leeward areas of Kauai and Molokai. Approximately 3% of the state was under D3 drought at the end of the month.