Drought in Kauai Mountains, Hawaii

A drought emergency was declared for Upcountry Maui, and the North Kohala, South Kohala, and Hamakua Districts of Hawaii, where an order for a mandatory 25% reduction in water use was in effect by the end of the month. For Upcountry Maui, the order was the most stringent since 1984, and more than 8,000 residents, businesses and farmers in the areas of Haiku, Makawao, Haliimaile, Olinda, Pukalani, Omaopio-Pulehu, Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua, and Kanaio were affected. Stabilizing high pressure over the area diminished the usual moisture laden trade wind pattern. Only a trace of rain fell in Kahului which usually receives 1.23 inches. 0.42 inches fell in Waimea where the normal for the month is 3.3 inches. Total rainfall since July was about one-third of normal. Sugar, onion, and pineapple crops were reduced on Maui, while lettuce and cabbage suffered on Hawaii. On Hawaii ranchlands, a 10% decrease in cow births was attributed to the drought.