Trees are beneficial in many ways: They absorb harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide; produce oxygen; prevent soil erosion; and provide fruit for food and healing purposes. Well-placed trees can even help reduce your summer air conditioning needs and increase your property value.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Gilma along with other storm activity in the Pacific and has activated its emergency preparedness plan.

The National Weather Service (NWS) this afternoon issued notice that a Red Flag Warning (RFW) would be in effect for the leeward areas of Kauai and the island of Niihau as of 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 5 through Monday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m. NWS defines leeward to include the south shore areas of Mahaulepu, Koloa and Poipu.