The state Department of Health's Clean Water Branch has issued a "brown water" advisory for Kaua'i.

Torrential rain Thursday caused flooding in Hanalei and heavy runoff into the ocean.The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible contamination from overflowing cesspools, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, chemicals and flood debris.

If coastal waters are cloudy and brown, stay out.

MAN GETS 30 DAYS FOR WELFARE FRAUD

A Hilo man found guilty of welfare fraud was sentenced Thursday to 30 days in jail and five years' probation.

Roy A. Leoneza, who obtained financial aid and food stamps by concealing his income, had asked Circuit Judge Glenn Hara not to send him to jail.

Hara also ordered Leoneza to pay the state Department of Human Services $2,095 in restitution.

JUDGE RULES COUNCIL MEETING BROKE LAW

A state judge says members of the Hawai'i County Council violated the state's open-government law by privately discussing a council reorganization plan.

Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra on Thursday issued a temporary restraining order, prohibiting the council from doing business. But he delayed the start of the order until Aug. 5 to give the council time to rectify the situation.

The council has scheduled a special meeting for Aug. 4 to cancel the reorganization. It also plans to rehear all measures it considered after the June 16 changes took effect.

Ibarra's decision stemmed from a lawsuit filed July 10 by West Hawaii Today.

The newspaper alleges the private discussions violated the Sunshine Law.

PORTABLE GAS STOVE CAUSED HOUSE FIRE

A house fire Thursday in Pearl City was caused by a portable gas stove on the rear porch of the home, said Capt. Earle Kealoha of the Honolulu Fire Department.

After interviewing the residents and their neighbor, a Fire Department investigator was unable to determine how the portable stove was turned on.

Damage estimates for the fire were $175,000 to the building and $15,000 to the contents.