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NOAA Fisheries is holding a virtual public hearing Dec. 9 related to their proposed rule to establish time-area closures for Hawaiian spinner dolphins under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

Periods of extremely heavy rainfall are expected as a Kona Low develops west of Kauaʻi, and pulls deep moisture over the islands. A slow-moving band of heavy rain is expected to move over the Big Island and Maui County today, spreading to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi County tonight and Monday. Widespread rainfall total amounts of 10 to 15 inches are anticipated, with isolated areas of 20 to 25 inches possible.

As of 1:35 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, the Piʻilani Highway at Pahihi Gulch will remain closed for the remainder of the day as weather continues to affect the area. The road was washed out between Mile 29 and 30 earlier today.

In Maui County, the seven day average for new cases daily is 16, with a 1.7% test positivity rate over 14 days. This is -2% from Nov. 19 to Dec. 2, 2021. For every 100,000 residents in Maui County, there have been an average of 9.4 newly reported cases per day over the last seven days.

Due to the current and continuing stormy weather over Maui County and flood concerns, the 8th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made In Maui County Festival must postpone the in-person shopping event previously scheduled for Saturday Dec. 4, 2021 at War Memorial Stadium Events Field. 

The National Weather Service reports the State of Hawaiʻi will be experiencing heavy rains over the next few days. County officials say the NWS anticipates that Maui County will likely experience the greatest impacts from this storm on Sunday, Dec. 5.  

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for the island of Maui until 4:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021. At 1:31 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain over northern Maui, with rain falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

In Maui County, the seven day average for new cases daily is 16, with a 1.7% test positivity rate over 14 days. This is +11% from Nov. 18 to Dec. 1, 2021. For every 100,000 residents in Maui County, there have been an average of 9.6 newly reported cases per day over the last seven days.

Interested applicants for one of the state’s most sought after civil service positions will need to act quickly to try and land one of 46 available jobs within the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.

At 5:14 a.m. HST, radar indicated heavy rain over Molokaʻi, especially the southern section of the island. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

The front is expected to stall near Maui County and the Big Island late Friday, bringing the potential for an extended period of heavy rainfall as a slow-moving Kona low forms west of Kauaʻi on Saturday.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said the adult individual under the age of 65 was not vaccinated and had been previously infected SARS-CoV-2 over a year ago. She said the individual had not traveled, and the transmission is believed to be community spread.

If found, the birds will be flown by helicopter to Maui’s Bird Conservation Center. Biologists monitoring the birds at Halehaha say the population at the site dropped from 70 birds in 2015 to just four or possibly five in 2021.

There are 126 additional COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i today, including 18 on Maui. Statewide, there are 39 people hospitalized with COVID-19 including five on Maui. Two of the COVID patients on Maui are in the ICU.

The Big Island Summits are under a Winter Storm Watch from Friday evening through late Saturday night with heavy snow possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Through generous gifts from major donors, like Jeff Bezos, Grow Some Good is able to provide direct support through this scholarship fund. For the fiscal year 2021-2022, the nonprofit will award two scholarships of $1,000 each to local high school seniors pursuing relevant college programs.

The festive holiday-themed event will feature carolers, guest appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Celtic pipes, hula, and the holiday lighting of a centuries-old Monkey Pod tree. Registration is required.

The Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park will remain open this weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Maui Department of Public Works road closure along Hāna Highway has been postponed. 

At 5:13 p.m. HST, radar indicated heavy rain over the West Maui Mountains. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Some locations that will experience flooding include: Kahului, Waiheʻe, Kahakuloa, Waiehu, Wailuku and Waikapū.

As of Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, Sabrina Sylvia was located and found to be in good health. The Maui Police Department extended thanks to the public for their assistance.