Issued: Mar 10, 2010 7:00 AM HST Synopsis
Unusually strong and gusty trade winds will diminish slowly to more typical speeds through tonight. Trade-wind showers also will be more widespread and locally heavier than usual while the strong trades last. By Saturday afternoon, a passing trough will bring weak southeasterly winds, but increased showers again. A front may bring even heavier rain by early next week.

Watches/Warnings/Advisories
Wind advisory until 6 pm HST this evening for all main Hawaiian islands.

Winter weather advisory Big Island summits until noon HST today.

High surf advisory until 6 pm HST this evening for Kauai windward, Oahu Koolau, olomana, Molokai windward, Maui windward west, windward Haleakala, south Big Island, Big Island north and east.

Small craft advisory until 6 pm HST Thursday for Kauai northwest waters, Kauai windward waters, Kauai leeward waters, Kauai channel, Oahu windward waters, Oahu leeward waters, Kaiwi Channel, Maui county windward waters, Maui county leeward waters, Maalaea Bay, Big Island windward waters, Big Island leeward waters, Big Island southeast waters.

Gale warning until 6 pm HST this evening for Pailolo channel, Alenuihaha channel.

Volcanic fog—vog—swirls around the Hawaiian Islands in this satellite image. Vog is formed when sulfur dioxide gas emitted from a volcano reacts with oxygen and water vapor.

The reactions form tiny drops of sulfuric acid and other sulfates, which create a visible haze. Since March 12, 2008, emissions of sulfur dioxide (the gas that forms vog) from Kilauea volcano have been elevated: 800 metric tons (1,800,000 pounds) per day in early December 2009, compared to a 140 metric ton per day (310,000 pounds) average from 2003–2007.

Source and full size image at:  Space Fellowship

What do you think?

Economist Leroy Laney said the Big Island is helped by the vastly different economies on the east and west sides of the island.

“In times like these, the disparity between the two sides can be good news,” Laney said Tuesday at the 35th annual First Hawaiian Bank Economic Outlook Forums held at the Naniloa Hotel in Hilo and the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel in Kamuela.

“Hawaii County’s economic cycle is determined by what happens on the west side because that’s where the visitor industry and most construction are centered. The West Hawaii economy is thus more volatile, while East Hawaii acts as an economic stabilizer. That may not seem so good in boom times, but it looks a lot better in times like the present.”

…

He noted the contributions of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the planned construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea, which will pump an estimated $1.2 billion into the economy over nine years, generating 300 construction jobs and 140 permanent jobs.

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"Hawaii, 2007" - Kevin Van Aelst

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Happy Fourth of July!