Heavy rains late last week helped to improve abnormally dry conditions for the state, according to a weekly crop weather report issued by the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture.

The declaration makes farm operators facing extreme drought conditions eligible for low interest emergency loan assistance from the Farm Service Agency, according to Senator Schatz.

The wet season outlook for Maui County calls for some drought recovery, according to a forecast released by the National Weather Service for the period of October 2013 to April 2014.

Recent heavy rains and forecasts calling for more wet weather, prompted a cancellation today of the 20% voluntary water restriction that was in place for Upcountry water customers.

Water customers in Upper Kula are being taken off of the Olinda Water Treatment Facility due to near-empty conditions caused by drought in the Upcountry region.

The drought watch goes into effect immediately, and includes the following areas: Haʻikū, Makawao, Olinda, Hāliʻimaile, Pukalani, Ōmaʻopio/Pūlehu, Kula, Kēōkea/Waiohuli, ʻUlupalakua, and Kanaio.

“The methodology is to use rates as a strong push to get everyone to cut back their usage so that there’s enough for everybody.”

Areas of Maui identified in the report’s most extreme D3 classification were the southwest slope of Haleakalā including the Kīhei, Kamaʻole, and ʻUlupalakua areas.

A controversial bill that would authorize water rate increases or other water-saving measures during times of drought and declared water shortages is up for discussion.

The drought watch for Upcountry Maui was officially lifted on Friday, March 15, after nearly four years of voluntary restrictions, said County Water Department officials.