Pacific Business News discusses the current drought we are experiencing in Hawaii, particularly on the Big Island:

The eastern half of the state “continues to bear to brunt” of the drought, according to the NWS.

Extreme conditions persist in South Kohala and leeward North Kohala on the Big Islands, the south and west portions of Maui, and the western third of Molokai.

Severe drought conditions continue to affect central Maui and portions of North Kona, South Kona and the Kau District on the Big Islands.

Moderate drought conditions applied to lower Kona slopes from Honaunau to Kalaoa and over all of Lanai, while windward sections of the Big Islands and the northeastern section of Kauai are experience moderate drought.

Oahu is the only major islands without any areas classified for drought.

The National Weather Service said the dry conditions are due to El Nino conditions, and are likely to continue…

Meanwhile, recent fires in the South Kona district “have highlighted the enhanced risk,” said the weather service.

According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, El Niño conditions are to blame for the drought and are expected to last well into the spring.

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