Hawaiʻi County officials closely monitoring developing storm system

Associated shower and thunderstorm activity with Invest 93C remained disorganized as of a 2 a.m. update today (Aug. 12); however, a tropical depression or storm is expected to form within the next day or so with environmental conditions continuing to favor further development while the system moves generally west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.

National Weather Service forecasters in Honolulu reported early this morning (Aug. 12) that high water levels have fallen just below coastal flooding thresholds.

Several changes are scheduled throughout August at the West Hawai‘i port, beginning this week, as the shipping company works ‘to keep the marine highway running smoothly for all communities’ it serves.

The 3-month-old seal was identified as RV36, a male, born in late April at Kaʻena Point State Park; the carcass was turned over to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which will conduct a post-mortem examination.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported that the quake was part of an ongoing sequence of temblors associated with unrest that started Aug. 9 at the seamount. The quakes have no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.

Routine water sampling at Honoli‘i Cove detected bacteria levels above the state’s permitted threshold while health officials advise the public to stay out of waters of Hilo Bay and several miles north along the Hāmākua Coast because of a brown waters.

Fire crews from Hawaiʻi County, state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Pōhakuloa Training Area and air support from the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard continue to fight the blaze; firefighting operations expected to continue throughout night.

64-year-old Timothy Efird of Hot Springs, Ark., is charged with first-degree and second-degree sexual assault in connection with two separate incidents reportedly involving the same woman.

33-year-old Krystal Hernandez is charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree promoting a detrimental drug following an incident Aug. 7 near the 75-5500 block of Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.

Waikoloa Village residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in the driving the evacuation route on Hulu Street from 9 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 15.

Kamehameha the Great, the first person to unite the warring islands into the Kingdom of Hawai’i, had the major temple built by thousands and thousands of men from 1790 to 1791.

There’s just 1 more week left to submit short screenplays and apply for a free annual workshop this fall, with a chance to win the ‘Ohina Greenlight Award — receiving support for their winning script to become a completed short film produced and filmed in Hawai‘i.

Participation is limited to the first 15 performances, with a maximum of three performances in each category each limited to 3 minutes; registration deadline is Aug. 22.

The unique variety of events happening during the next week around the Big Island features an array of culture, music, history, health, art and more.

Mark your calendars now; tickets go on sale Aug. 1 for what is hyped as what is expected to be the Honolulu festival’s biggest and best year yet.