Storms batter Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a proclamation to provide assistance to the storm-battered islands of Oahu and Kauai, officials said. The move came as weather reports projected more rains and flooding around the state, Hawaii News Now reported Friday. All of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai were under a flash flood watch until Saturday morning, the National Weather Service said. Heavy rain, strong winds, lightning and even hail were expected on Kauai and Oahu as the storm moved west, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported. The conditions are expected through the weekend, weather reports said. Abercrombie signed a \"supplemental proclamation,\" which allows the state to offer economic relief for damage and loss caused by the storms. Hanawi Stream on east Maui was reported well above its flood threshold of 7.5 feet Thursday night and other streams in the area were at high levels. Conditions on Hawaii, the Big Island, were expected to begin to clear Friday but the threat of thunderstorms continues on other islands through Saturday, forecasts said.