Senator Tim Richards

04/01/2026

💧Water Discoloration Update – Waimea / Kamuela

I’ve been in touch with the Department of Water Supply regarding reports of discolored water from Lālāmilo Farm Lots through Lakeland.

At this time, no contamination has been found—only slight discoloration. Routine testing shows the water system continues to meet all state and federal safety standards. As a precaution, additional testing is underway this week.

💦 If you’re seeing discoloration at home:
• Run cold water for 5–10 minutes (lowest tap, like a bathtub)
• Avoid using hot water until it clears
• Wait and retry if needed
• Hold off on laundry to prevent staining

If the issue continues, please report it to DWS so crews can respond quickly.

🤠 For our farmers and agricultural operators:

I know water quality directly impacts food safety and market access. I’ve requested that testing documentation be made available so producers can verify water safety if needed. If you’re experiencing issues or need support, please reach out—my office is tracking this closely.

We’ll continue to monitor and share updates as more information comes in.

03/25/2026

Apply before Friday, March 27th!

One-time grants and emergency loans are available for farmers and ranchers that have been affected by the Kona Low storms.

This relief initiative is led by the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Read the press release: https://dab.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nr26-04-emergency-farmer-relief/

Apply here: https://dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief/

03/23/2026

KOA Ground Stop lifted
KOA 3/23/26 11:19AM:
The ground stop for Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) has been lifted.

03/23/2026

⚠️ Weather Alert – Kona, Kohala, and North Kona

We’re seeing strong thunderstorms moving across West Hawaiʻi this morning, with a line of storms approaching the Kona Coast.

Expect:
• Heavy rain
• Gusty winds up to 50 mph
• Lightning

If you’re outdoors, please head inside or into a vehicle and avoid open areas.

⚡ Important update:
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) is currently under a ground stop due to lightning. Ground crews have been pulled from the ramp for safety. Delays are likely.

Please stay alert, drive carefully, and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions worsen.

We’ll continue to share updates as they come in.

🤠 Stay safe out there,
Tim

03/17/2026

⚠️ Flash Flood Warning – South Kohala, North Kona, South Kona

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for South Kohala, North Kona, and South Kona.

This means flooding is imminent or already occurring, and conditions can change quickly.

Please take this seriously and stay alert.

• Flooding can be life-threatening, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Move to higher ground if needed.
• Drive with caution. Watch for runoff, standing water, debris, and poor visibility.
• Never cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot — turn around, don’t drown.
• Road closures may happen quickly and sometimes without warning.

If you don’t have to be on the road, it’s a good time to stay put and let the storm pass.

I’ll continue sharing updates as we receive them. Please keep an eye on official Civil Defense alerts and check on your neighbors if you can do so safely.

Stay safe everyone.

Mahalo,
Tim 🤠

03/17/2026

All beach parks in South Kohala and North Kona are closed; see complete list below👇🏽

The following facilities remain closed:

• All County beach parks in the South Kohala and North Kona districts are closed due to brown water and debris clean-up (from Spencer Park at ʻŌhai’ula Beach to Kahalu‘u Beach Park)
• Hale Hālāwai
• Kona Community Aquatic Center
• Wai’ōhinu Park
• Harold H. Higashihara Park
• Mahukona Wharf

Mahalo, and stay safe!

Today our staff has been conducting damage assessments at parks and facilities island-wide, and most of our parks are now open.

The following facilities remain closed:

• All County beach parks in the South Kohala and North Kona districts are closed due to brown water and debris clean-up (from Spencer Park at ʻŌhai’ula Beach to Kahalu‘u Beach Park)
• Hale Hālāwai
• Kona Community Aquatic Center
• Wai’ōhinu Park
• Harold H. Higashihara Park
• Mahukona Wharf

Other parks and facilities may be delayed in reopening as crews continue to assess damage and perform clean-up operations to ensure the parks are safe for public use.

Also, registration for Elderly Activities Division classes at Kamana Senior Center has been moved from today to Wednesday (same times and locations). See our website for more information.

Mahalo, and stay safe!

03/16/2026

🤠 Beach Closure & Brown Water Advisory – South Kohala and North Kona

A quick community update this morning.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has issued a Brown Water Advisory for west-facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island, affecting beaches from Spencer Beach Park in South Kohala to Kahaluʻu Beach Park in North Kona.

Due to storm runoff and ocean conditions:

⚠️ All County beach parks in South Kohala and North Kona are CLOSED today.

Brown water conditions can contain bacteria, debris, and other contaminants that may cause illness, so it’s best to stay out of the ocean until conditions improve.

Our Civil Defense team is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed.

Mahalo to everyone for helping keep our communities safe.

You can view the Hazard Impact Map in the comments below.

Stay safe out there.

— Senator Tim Richards 🤠

03/16/2026

🌊 🚜 Senator Tim Richards is advocating for a stronger, more secure Hawaii through agriculture! 🏝️✨

In a recent discussion, Senator Richards outlined his vision for measuring agricultural success and fostering food security across the islands:

📈 Boosting Local Production: The goal is to reduce reliance on imports, aiming to grow 50% of the food we eat locally to ensure stability during disruptions (3:46).

🧒 Feeding Our Keiki: Addressing the heartbreaking statistic that over 60% of children on the Big Island are food insecure, the Senator is pushing for free school lunches and more local produce in schools (2:23).

🏗️ Building Infrastructure: Success means investing in necessary infrastructure, such as slaughterhouses and milk processing facilities, to support farmers and get products to market efficiently (4:34).

📋 Securing Land Access: To encourage long-term farming, we must improve land tenure with longer leases, giving farmers the security to invest in the future (6:26).

Let’s work together to create a sustainable and food-secure future for Hawaii! 🍍🥗



https://youtu.be/ntyhN98FYk4?si=4W-D1T2ljE76gDiN

03/15/2026

☔️🌧️Rain showers and flash floods will persist today for Big Island. 👇🏽

03/13/2026

Storm Closure & Updates from Governor Josh Green

03/13/2026

Looks like I get a day off… not exactly. I’m heading back to the ranch to prepare for the storm.

Please stay safe, keep an eye on the weather, and take care of your families and animals. I’ll keep you posted with updates as things develop.

Mahalo,
Tim 🤠

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature will be closed on Friday, March 13, following the Office of the Governor of Hawai‘i Josh Green’s announcement regarding the closure of state offices due to potentially severe weather conditions.

All Senate and House committee hearings scheduled for March 13 will be postponed, and floor sessions in both chambers for Session Day #27 will not be convened.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) provides guidance on preparing for severe weather and disasters at ready.hawaii.gov. Under the state Department of Defense, HIEMA also offers links for residents to sign up for alerts from their respective county emergency management agencies at dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/get-ready/.

03/11/2026

Compliments of Governor Josh Green 🤙🤠 Being prepared is the best way to weather any storm, stay safe.