Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 14. Droughts

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Chapter 14:Hazard Analysis—Droughts all marketed cattle in 1999 decreased by about 10% resulting in decreased revenue. In addition to realized financial losses, overall cattle inventory was reduced by lower calving rates and selloff of mature cattle due to the unavailability of inexpensive feed or forage. This inventory reduction will contribute to economic losses for several years following drought resolution. Cattle loss due to death increased by 4% and weaned weights were lower by 89 lbs/head in 1999. The dollar losses are as follows: Drought-Related Impact 1999 Estimated Revenue Loss ($) Reduced wean weight $3,291,241 Reduced calf crop $687,940 Increased mortality $2,495,750 Total: $6,474,931 The total financial loss for the year 2000 in the same areas of cattle-related impacts shown in the above table is estimated at$9,078,360. Most severe droughts on record in Hawaii have occurred during the years associated with El Niflo — 1982/1983 and 1997/1998. According to the Pacific El Niflo-Southern Oscillation Application Center,the dry conditions, in general, have been associated with persistent zones of high-pressure systems throughout the islands. This feature related to El Nino is typical in the tropical Pacific. Table 14-2 summarizes the history of severe droughts. Ongoing Drought Conditions 2008—Present: Drought conditions on Hawaii Island was given its first ever D4 (drought-exceptional) designation in March 2010. West Hawaii rain gages showed that April 2010 rainfall was 50% or less. Similarly, January—April 2010 total rainfall was also 50% or less for the majority of rain gages around the island. October 2009—April 2010 wet-season rainfall was the driest in 30 years of record;ranchers reported the worst drought conditions ever. Hawaii Department of Research and Development reported that in the Kona/Kau districts, the production of coffee and macadamia nuts were down. The floriculture industry had problems with irrigation water supply. In May 2010, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife closed four areas in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve from the Hilo side of Pohakuloa/Waikahaula to Pun Kemole due to extremely dry conditions. There have been livestock deaths reported in Kawaihae. Parker Ranch is actively managing pastures due to drought by moving herds. In response to the drought conditions, Parker Ranch is culling as needed. Kona coffee farmers are suffering from drought conditions. Coffee trees need steady rainfall beginning from the flowering period in order to produce fruit/berries. For proper growth, coffee tress need 1 inch of rainfall per week. Impacts include the loss of 1/3 of coffee trees and entire harvested coffee crop refused by roaster due to poor berry conditions. Farmers who have access to water are irrigating intensively. Producers that have no county water use rainfall catchments systems. These producers have to pay for water deliveries, which is a financial hardship. Additional drought impacts include feral animals 14-4 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan