#US Drought Monitor

Fire agencies say its time to launch Wildfire and Drought LOOKOUT! campaign

Representatives of fire-related entities from state, national and local levels gathered at Fire Station 14 in Wailea to launch the state’s 8th annual Wildfire and Drought LOOKOUT! campaign on Tuesday.

Report: Despite El Niño conditions, Hawaiʻi rainfall is near normal

Ongoing El Niño climate conditions have not generated as much dry weather as expected in the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiʻi Drought Council reports.

Severe drought now impacting southern and western coastal areas of Maui

Severe drought conditions are now impacting the southern and western coastal areas of Maui. According to the US Drought Monitor weekly reporting, this is the first time the severe drought designation has been noted in Hawaiʻi this summer.

Link between wildfire and drought serves as platform for prevention campaign

The link between drought conditions and wildfire in Hawai‘i “is already in full play,” according to state officials, and conditions this summer are expected to worsen. 

Drought Disaster designated for Maui and Hawaiʻi Counties, allowing emergency farm loans

The United States Department of Agriculture has designated Maui County and Hawai‘i County as primary natural disaster areas as a result of drought, making farm operators in both counties eligible for emergency loans and other Farm Service Agency assistance. 

“Historic” drought conditions in Maui County accompanied by record low stream flow

Officials with the State Commission of Water Resource Management say a significant lack of rainfall across the island has resulted in a lack of groundwater recharge and surface flow at streams and rivers.