...ACTIVE WEATHER EXPECTED THROUGH SATURDAY WITH THE RISK OF
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND FLASH FLOODING...
An unusually strong upper level disturbance moving over the state
will bring the possibility strong to severe thunderstorms, which
could produce damaging winds and large hail. The greatest chance
for severe thunderstorms will occur during the day Friday through
Friday evening. Listen for later statements, as well as possible
watches and warnings, as this event becomes more clear.
For details on the potential for flash flooding, please see the
Flood Watch (FFAHFO) that is currently in effect for the entire
State of Hawaii through 6 AM Saturday.
Weather Alert
...FLOOD WATCH FOR THE STATE OF HAWAII THROUGH 6 AM SATURDAY...
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.
* WHERE...All the main Hawaiian islands.
* WHEN...Through late Friday night.
* IMPACTS...Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be
closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams. Urban areas
may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to
rapid runoff. Remember, flash flooding can occur well downstream.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- A strong upper level disturbance will bring heavy showers and
isolated thunderstorms tonight through Friday and Friday
night. The heaviest downpours will be hit or miss, but where
they do occur, they will be capable of producing rainfall
rates in excess of 3 inches per hour. The threat for flash
flooding is expected to be the greatest Friday through Friday
evening. Conditions should steadily improve from west to east
late Friday into Saturday.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Remember that it does not have to be raining at your location for
flash flooding to occur. If you notice signs of heavy rain or
thunderstorms upslope, move quickly away from flood prone areas.
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
&&
Weather Alert
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR SOUTH FACING SHORES OF ALL HAWAIIAN
ISLANDS UNTIL 6 PM HST FRIDAY...
.A long-lived south swell will affect the islands during the next
several days, keeping south shore surf at the High Surf Advisory
threshold of 10 feet through Friday.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST FRIDAY...
* WHAT...Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet along south-facing
shores.
* WHERE...South-facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Friday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Strong breaking waves and strong currents
will make swimming dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heed all advice from ocean safety officials. When in doubt, don't
go out.
&&
Kristen joined KITV4 in March 2021 after working for the past two decades as a newspaper reporter. Kristen's goal is to produce meaningful journalism that educates, enlightens and inspires to affect positive change in society.
At Lanakila Elementary School dozens of children in the A-plus after school program receive a hot meal every day. For some -- it could be their last meal until tomorrow.
The state is missing out on tens of millions of federal dollars each year to provide meals for needy children.
That's according to a new report released today by a local group of nonprofits: Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children's Action Network, the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance and Ulupono Initiative.
Over the past two decades, the report estimates Hawaii has been short changed by more than $200 million for school meal programs. Federal reimbursements currently don't cover the costs of meals, which the state and charities must then subsidize.
"We could be losing anywhere from $20 million to $30 million per year in federal funding," said Daniela Spoto, director of anti-hunger initiatives at Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice. "That's money that could be going towards, you know, other important education expenses, teacher pay, pre-K programs."
Rhuster Banez said afterschool meals for his nine-year-old daughter at the YMCA's A-plus program have helped his family during these tough economic times.
"It's a big help," he said. "Before I used to buy a lot of snack and food at Costco but now because of pandemic and like the high costs of food and everything, I don't even want to see Costco. Because it's hard to afford it even with two working parents."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reimburses school districts nationwide for nutrition programs at a per meal rate. Hawaii's rate was set back in 1979 and has not been changed since -- except to adjust for inflation, the report said.
That means many schools and organizations must rely heavily on grants and donations, as well as the state, to make up for the shortfall.
"Supply-chain disruptions, the cost of inflation, the cost of gas, the cost of housing, everything is coming to such a head right now," Spoto added.
"And we're losing programs -- in particular the out-of-school mealtime programs -- the organizations that for summer meals or afterschool suppers or things like that are just dropping out because they can no longer afford to offer these programs."
The nonprofits are urging the federal government to approve an emergency appropriation to cover the full costs of meals for keiki in Hawaii.
Kristen joined KITV4 in March 2021 after working for the past two decades as a newspaper reporter. Kristen's goal is to produce meaningful journalism that educates, enlightens and inspires to affect positive change in society.