Hurricane Hone skirted just south of Hawaii on Sunday, bringing heavy rainfall that prompted the National Weather Service to cancel red flag warnings for wildfires due to strong winds on the drier sides of the islands.
At the same time, Tropical Storm Hector formed in the eastern Pacific with sustained winds of 45 mph. Despite no coastal watches or warnings in effect, Hector was swirling far out at sea, according to the National Hurricane Center.
With top winds of 85 mph on Sunday morning, Hone slowly passed the Big Island, causing tropical storm force winds and up to a foot of rain on the island’s southeast-facing slopes. Flooding closed Highway 11 between Kona and Hilo, isolating properties like the Aikane Plantation Coffee Co. outside Pahala.
Phil Becker, the owner of Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., reported significant flood damage but mentioned that his family was safe and had no plans to evacuate. The rainfall, although causing damage, was beneficial for the drought-stricken coffee plants on his plantation.
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Hurricane Gilma, a Category 3 hurricane, weakened on Saturday night but posed no threat to Hawaii as it was expected to weaken further before reaching the islands.
Shelters were opened and beach parks on the eastern side of the Big Island were closed due to high surf caused by Hurricane Hone, according to Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth.
Jon Jelsema described the rainfall as similar to wringing out a wet towel as it traveled up the mountain terrain, causing flooding in windward sections of the Big Island. The rest of the state had minimal flooding concerns.
With memories of last year’s deadly wildfires on Maui still fresh, the red flag warnings were called off as Hurricane Hone brought much-needed rain to the drought-stricken islands. Dry conditions and strong winds had raised fire dangers across the archipelago.
Calvin Endo, a Waianae Coast neighborhood board member, expressed concerns about wildfire risks in his area and had taken precautions to clear dry brush. The possibility of another Lahaina-like blaze fueled by strong winds was on his mind as the storm approached.
The cause of the Lahaina wildfire is still under investigation, but it may have been started by damaged power lines due to the strong winds. Power companies were prepared to shut off power if needed to prevent fires, although it was later deemed unnecessary as Hurricane Hone passed by.
Roth reported a small blaze in Waikoloa on the Big Island was quickly brought under control on Friday night.
By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher and Julie Walker
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