Department of Land and Natural Resources
Hawaii Drought Council
What This Council Does
The Hawaii Drought Council monitors drought conditions across the state, coordinates the response of state and county agencies, and develops drought mitigation and preparedness plans. It advises the Governor on drought declarations and emergency actions, and coordinates with the National Integrated Drought Information System. Given Hawaii's variability in rainfall between windward and leeward areas and across islands, drought can affect agriculture, water supply, and wildfire risk simultaneously.
Why You Should Care
Drought in Hawaii affects water availability for farming, increases wildfire danger, and can trigger water use restrictions for residents and businesses. Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities dependent on rainwater catchment or irrigation are particularly affected by this council's work.