State briefs for April 19

A U.S. Army Chinook departs as evacuees queue in line Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Haena, Kauai. Hundreds of people have been airlifted out of dangerous floodwaters on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but authorities said Tuesday that others are still stranded at evacuation centers. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP)
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More rain forecast for Kauai

HONOLULU — Kauai residents struggling with the aftermath of torrential rains are bracing for the possibility of more flooding.

The National Weather Service says a flash flood watch is in effect for the Hawaiian island starting Thursday.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho says officials will be keeping a close eye on the weather.

At least 2 feet (71 centimeters) of rain dumped on Hanalei on Kauai’s north shore during a 24-hour period over the weekend. The rain left people stranded in a shelter that became surrounded by water, homes damaged or washed off foundations and landslides along roadways.

Since Monday, military and county emergency workers have airlifted more than 340 people from the isolated north shore towns of Haena and Wainiha. Evacuations are ongoing.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Sunday declared Kauai a disaster.

Family of late US Sen Daniel Akaka announce memorial plans

HONOLULU — The casket of late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka will be at the State Capitol Rotunda for public viewing prior to his memorial services next month.

Family members said on Tuesday that Akaka’s memorial service events will take place from May 18 to May 21. Akaka died April 6 at the age of 93.

He will lie in state at the rotunda on May 18. The next day, a celebration of life service with visitation will be held at Kawaiahao Church. A private family burial will take place on May 21 at the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Punchbowl.

Akaka served in Washington for more than 35 years. He was the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate.