Drought in Big Island North, Hawaii

Poor range conditions persisted across the Big Island, with supplemental feeding required and persistent water shortages, especially in Hamakua and Kau Districts. Ranchers weaned cattle early and destocked cows due to lack of available pasture feed, as well as hauled water and moved cattle to Kona District for better grazing conditions. Many reports cited not seeing conditions like this since 2008.

Months of below average rainfall have led to continuing extreme drought conditions over portions of the Big Island. Particularly the upper Hamakua coast and southeast portions of the Big Island experienced the worst drought conditions.