KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaii County Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License Services are not available in Waimea or the West Hawaii Civic Center until further notice because of severed cables by falling trees as a result of a weekend winter storm.
Services are available in Hilo and Pahoa.
The storm brought high winds of 25-40 mph with 60 mph gusts, high surf, cooler temperatures and some rain, which primarily impacted Honokaa and Hilo. Honokaa Elementary, Middle and High schools are closed. All of the greater Honokaa area is without power due to trees bringing down the power lines, according to the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
This morning, the National Weather Service issued a high wind advisory for the Big Island, a high surf warning for north- and east-facing shores and a high surf advisory for west-facing shores of the Big Island. Winds are trending down and surf will peak later this morning.
County Public Works crews are working to clear multiple trees and utility poles from roadways and the Hawaii Electric Light Co. is working to restore power in the Hamakua District.
Major road closures include Bayfront Highway in Hilo, Waipio Valley Road in Hamakua, Laupahoehoe Point Road in Laupahoehoe and one lane of Highway 19 near the 38 mile marker on the Hamakua Coast.