What's Up Hawaii?

   Aloha everyone. Another Monday, another Blog! Time just roles right on by. I hope you are all doing well. I  went up a number in age over the week. Funny how that happens! ;-) They say, you are only as old as you feel! Thank goodness for that. lol Well this week if you still have that Christmas tree around, there is a good way to dispose of it. The high surf advisory is now a warning for all of Hawaii! Also, one of the prettiest places on Oahu, Hanauma Bay,  is tackling a jellyfish invasion!

                                               *Recycling Your Christmas Tree*

  Instead of trashing your Christmas Tree this year why not recycle it!  Every year you can find Christmas trees sitting on the side of the road, weeks after Christmas. Instead of leaving it out use your green waste bin for pickup. You can either cut it into 3 foot sections and bag it up for pickup or cut it down so it fits inside the green bin with the lid closed. Whole trees can be dropped off at any city convenience center. Just make sure all decorations, including ornaments, tinsel & flocking are removed before dropping off the tree.

                                   *High Surf Advisory Extended Until Tuesday*

  The National Weather Service has issued a High surf advisory for north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and north facing shores of Maui and west facing shores of Lanai, Kahoolawe and the island of Hawaii. The advisory is in effect until 6:00 PM Tuesday. Advisory level surf will continue along the affected beaches today before a much larger northwest swell arrives on Sunday. Surf heights will quickly climb well above the warning thresholds for north and west facing shores on Sunday. This very large swell will likely produce warning level surf into Tuesday.

  Surf along north and west facing shores of Kauai and Niihau and along north facing shores of Oahu Molokai and Maui Will Be at Heights Of 12 to 18 into Saturday evening. Surf along west-facing shores of Oahu and Molokai will be at heights of 8 To 12 feet into Saturday evening. A high surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing large breaking waves, rip currents and localized beach erosion.

   *UPDATE*...*High Surf Warning Is In Effect For ALL Hawaiian Islands*...*UPDATE*

  A very large west northwest swell has begun moving down the main Hawaiian islands. Surf heights will be above the warning thresholds for most north and west facing shores through Monday and continue into Tuesday when it begins lowering. Waves may run over some exposed shorelines during high tide which occurs early Monday morning roughly 1:00 am to 2:00 AM. Surf along north and west facing shores of Kauai, Niihau, and Oahu and north facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be 20 to 30 feet Sunday evening then continue rising to 30 to 40 feet Monday morning. 

  Surf along west facing shores of Molokai, Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the island of Hawaii will rise 10 to 20 feet from late Sunday evening through Monday morning. A high surf warning indicates that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents.

                  *Officials Decide Today Whether To Reopen Hanauma Bay*

    City officials will decide this morning whether to re-open Hanauma Bay after a box jellyfish invasion kept it closed for the last two days. More than 40 box jellyfish were found in less than an hour yesterday "with countless more spotted floating just offshore," according to the city Emergency Services Department. "Due to the potential risk to public safety, the city's Parks and Recreation Department along with the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division made the decision to close the bay effective at 7 a.m.," said Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

   Yesterday, 56 box jellyfish and 10 Portuguese man-o'-war were found along Waikiki Beach, and one person was treated by lifeguards for a sting. Beachgoers are advised to look for posted warning signs or to check with a lifeguard, especially if they are allergic to jellyfish stings. Anyone who is stung by a jellyfish should flush out the sting with vinegar. If the sting causes cramping or persistent pain, a person should seek medical attention. In less than an hour Saturday, more than 30 people were treated for stings at Hanauma Bay, prompting its closure at 9:30 a.m. More than 500 box jellyfish also were found on Waikiki Beach Saturday, with more than 50 people having to be treated for stings. The monthly invasion happens nine to 10 days after a full moon.

   Well, I hope you enjoyed this week's blog. With all the cold weather happening across the country, I think we would all like to be able to escape to Hawaii right now. Have a great week and stay safe! Until next time, Mahalo!

Aloha,

Di