Latest news with #HawaiiDepartmentofLandandNaturalResources
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
DLNR says injury to endangered Hawaiian hawk was suspicious
COURTESY DLNR This endangered Hawaiian hawk was found in Mountain View with its upper beak missing. Experts determined the injury to be human-caused. COURTESY DLNR This endangered Hawaiian hawk was found in Mountain View with its upper beak missing. Experts determined the injury to be human-caused. State conservation officers are looking for leads on a potential case of human-caused injury to an endangered Hawaiian hawk on Hawaii island. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said that last month, a Mountain View resident found an emaciated Hawaiian hawk, or ʻio, on her property with the upper portion of its beak missing. The injured hawk was taken to the nonprofit, which contacted the DLNR Divisions of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and Forestry and Wildlife. Upon examination, experts determined the injury was not natural, but human-caused. The hawk had to be euthanized because it was no longer able to feed itself. 'I just want to make people aware that these types of abuses are happening in our backyards and if community members see something, please say something, ' said DOFAW wildlife biologist Raymond McGuire in a news release. The Hawaii Wildlife Center received a tip the previous week of a free hawk being offered on Craigslist in Mountain View. Posted photos of the hawk showed similarities to the one admitted, but with its full beak. Officials said the post has since been deleted, and it has not been determined if the two are related. In Hawaii, endangered wildlife such as the io are protected, and intentionally harming or killing them are prohibited by law and punishable. DLNR is encouraging community members to report suspected cases. 'We've received several reports in recent years of shootings and other harmful misconduct aimed at Hawaiian hawks, ' said McGuire. 'We can all contribute to the protection of our native io and stop the trend of abuse if we keep our eyes open and speak up.' Tips can be reported to the DLNR hotline at 808-643-DLNR (3567 ) or via the free DLNRTip app. See more : 4 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DLNR: Keep distance from monk seals during peak pupping season
COURTESY DLNR Hawaiian monk seal Rocky, RH58, pictured with pup at Sand Island last June. Rocky has previously given birth at Kaimana Beach, but gave birth to a pup, on June 20, at Sand Island State Recreation area, the first recorded monk seal birth at the location. 1 /2 COURTESY DLNR Hawaiian monk seal Rocky, RH58, pictured with pup at Sand Island last June. Rocky has previously given birth at Kaimana Beach, but gave birth to a pup, on June 20, at Sand Island State Recreation area, the first recorded monk seal birth at the location. COURTESY DLNR Last summer, Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi gave birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki. State officials are reminding the public to maintain 150 feet of distance during peak pupping season as mother seals can get very protective and react aggressively to humans that get too close. 2 /2 COURTESY DLNR Last summer, Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi gave birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki. State officials are reminding the public to maintain 150 feet of distance during peak pupping season as mother seals can get very protective and react aggressively to humans that get too close. COURTESY DLNR Hawaiian monk seal Rocky, RH58, pictured with pup at Sand Island last June. Rocky has previously given birth at Kaimana Beach, but gave birth to a pup, on June 20, at Sand Island State Recreation area, the first recorded monk seal birth at the location. COURTESY DLNR Last summer, Hawaiian monk seal Kaiwi gave birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach in Waikiki. State officials are reminding the public to maintain 150 feet of distance during peak pupping season as mother seals can get very protective and react aggressively to humans that get too close. State officials are reminding the public that peak Hawaiian monk seal pupping season is underway, and to give mom-and-pup pairs plenty of space as they nurse and rest along shorelines. Although monk seals give birth year-round, March through August is considered peak pupping season, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. The number of monk seals being born in the main Hawaiian isles, meanwhile, is growing and so, too, are chances of the mom-pup pairs interacting with people, which officials want to prevent for the safety of both. 'During this time, nursing moms can be very protective and may react aggressively to anyone who gets too close, ' said DLNR in a news release. 'When seals are born at highly visible and popular beaches the chances of someone getting hurt increase dramatically.' In 2022, a 60-year-old woman from California was after encountering Rocky the monk seal, who had just given birth to a pup, while swimming at Kaimana Beach. The recommended distance from Hawaiian monk seal mom and pups is 150 feet on land and in the water. Additionally, officials ask people to keep dogs leashed any time they are at the beach to keep seals safe, as several pups by dog attacks. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Monk seal moms typically nurse their pups for five to seven weeks before weaning, which is a crucial time in the pup's development. Last May, monk seal Kaiwi once again gave birth to a pup at the popular Kaimana Beach in Waikiki, which brought federal, state and county agencies together to protect the seals. Most of the beach was cordoned off, with caution signs, to create a safety corridor around the pair. In June, Rocky gave birth to a pup, also a crowded spot during weekends. DLNR said a total of 34 pups were born in the main Hawaiian isles last year, and that three have already been born so far this year. Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to Hawaii, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world, and are protected by both state and federal laws. Only an estimated 1, 600 remain in the wild. Various DLNR divisions work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the nonprofit Hawaii Marine Animal Response and various city agencies to protect the seals. Monk seal guidelines—Give mothers with pups at least 150 feet of space on land and in the water—moms can be protective if they think you're too close.—Keep dogs leashed any time you're at the beach, as you never know where a seal may be !—Report all seal sightings to the statewide NOAA marine wildlife hotline at 888-256-9840. 4 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
The Independent
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Disney star offers apology after being slammed for touching rare Honu turtle in Hawaii
A Disney star apologized after she was slammed online for touching several rare Honu turtles in Hawaii while on vacation with her family. The Descendants actress, China McClain, 26, was on vacation with her father, who also acts as her manager, Michael, and sister, Sierra, who filmed her touching resting sea turtles on a beach in Paia, Maui, at the weekend. However, the supposedly heartfelt moment sparked widespread outrage, ultimately forcing McClain to delete the post from her feed, where she boasts 7.4 million followers. At the time it was deleted, there were around half a million views. 'Two actresses and their father/manager contacted the DLNR this afternoon, to apologize for creating a social media outburst by posting one of the women touching a sea turtle, while the other videotaped', an official statement from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources read Monday. McClain told the DLNR: 'I was not fully aware of the situation until today, and I certainly wasn't aware of the laws. The video was from two years ago when we visited Hawaii and I came across it in my phone and decided to post it.' Most of the comments pleaded for McCain to remove the video and apologize for any cultural insensitivity caused. The fallout even saw Hawaii's Governor Josh Green, M.D. weighing in: 'Aloha China, I urge you to educate yourself on Hawaii's laws and the importance of protecting our marine life before visiting our islands. Interacting with sea turtles is not only illegal but also poses a serious threat to these protected species.' Green also reminded followers that anyone visiting the islands had a moral obligation to respect the wildlife – a notion that she and her family breached. 'Please delete this video, and do better', he added. Despite the post now being deleted, Instagram users have continued to jibe at her across her older posts on the platform. One user viciously wrote: 'You are NOT welcome in Hawai'i in any capacity, visitor or resident.' While another said: 'You managed to **** off an entire state bro. Stay ** home forever. Pls.' The DLNR statement said that both China and Sierra were sincerely apologetic to the people of the island, particularly for any hurt and cultural disrespect that had been caused. Authorities were first made aware of the post Monday, which prompted the DLNR to make several phone calls and emails to the sisters, their managers, publicists, record labels and production companies, begging them to take the post down. Their father-manager, Michael McClain, said: 'We want people to know that China was not aware of the laws, and we appreciate that people and the agencies reached out.' 'All our family loves and respects Hawai'i and we apologize for inadvertently causing this pain,' he added. The stars' apologetic response has induced a mixed reaction with one user commenting on an old post Tuesday, by writing: 'No apology needed, never welcome in Hawaii ever again.' A more understanding fan wrote: 'Thank you for apologizing. I urge you to follow up with some action. It doesn't have to be monetary but consider bringing awareness to the importance of being good stewards of the land God allows us to dwell on.' Originally the viral post was captioned with a statement that read: 'Just found this Turtle gem captured on our Hawaii trip [...] found so many other pics from this beautiful, healing place that I might share. Don't be shocked if I pack up & move to Maui one of these days!' The DLNR confirmed that while their actions did not break state law, they actively ignored wildlife viewing guidelines developed by NOAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the DLNR – a set of established stipulations. Those stipulations include standing at least 10 feet away from sea turtles, not touching, chasing, feeding, or interfering with adults and hatchlings, and allowing them to have access to and from the ocean. Yet as this was not directly witnessed or reported, the DLNR stated it was challenging for law enforcement to establish intent. It is unclear whether the family will face a penalty for their actions. Brian Neilson, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources administrator added: 'Although we understand it was probably not intentional, this is not a pono way to interact with Hawaiian wildlife. We encourage the sharing of positive behaviors on social media to inspire others to appreciate and protect our beautiful surroundings.'
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Grounded catamaran at Honolua Bay stuck for at least another week
COURTESY DLNR 1 /3 COURTESY DLNR COURTESY DLNR 2 /3 COURTESY DLNR COURTESY DLNR 3 /3 COURTESY DLNR COURTESY DLNR COURTESY DLNR COURTESY DLNR The Hula Girl, 65-foot catamaran, remains stuck on a rocky shore in the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District, according to state officials. The catamaran, used for charter snorkeling and whale watching tours, was during a powerful storm that hit Thursday night. The vessel broke free of its off-shore moorings in the bay and ran aground overnight, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Four crew members were able to safely disembark. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources says the owner, Kapalua Kai Sailing Inc., has been providing daily updates, and that plans are underway to move the boat, but that it will take at least another week. DLNR agencies have approved the owner's salvage plan, which aims to remove the boat sometime between Feb. 12 and 17. 'However, the owner is having difficulty in identifying and hiring a salvage company to remove the vessel because a number of companies have already indicated they are not available or are not willing to take on the project, ' said DLNR in a news release. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Two marine surveyors have inspected the vessel, DLNR said, with no reports of new or worsening damage. A dive team from DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources has done a preliminary assessment of the coral reef for damages, and will conduct another one after the Hula Girl is moved. The sailboat is currently cordoned off by yellow safety tape with no trespassing and restricted area signs after four unauthorized individuals were caught onboard yesterday, DLNR said. Kapalua Kai is asking its insurance provider for funds to hire a security guard during daylight hours to discourage others from going near or onto the vessel. The Board of Land and Natural Resources last year boosted its fine for the Nakoa, a luxury yacht grounded on the reef at Honolua, a total of DLNR said it was for biological and cultural damages and 'emotional distress to the community.' The Nakoa was illegally moored when it broke free in February 2023, and had leaked fuel and damaged more than one species of coral. After several unsuccessful towing attempts, the Nakoa was finally pulled free about a month later, but was after taking on water en route to Oahu. DLNR said it is too soon to at this time to say whether there will be fines for the Hula Girl, and that more would be known after a post-salvage assessment is done. DOBOR Administrator Meghan Statts asked the public to abide by the no trespassing and restricted area signs for their safety, and reminded people that trespassing onto a vessel is a misdemeanor offense. 4 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Rapid ohia death found on 3 trees at Maui elementary school
COURTESY DLNR The landscape ohia trees were infected with Ceratocystis huliohia, the less virulent strain of the fungal pathogen, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. 1 /2 COURTESY DLNR The landscape ohia trees were infected with Ceratocystis huliohia, the less virulent strain of the fungal pathogen, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. STAR-ADVERTISER 2 /2 STAR-ADVERTISER COURTESY DLNR The landscape ohia trees were infected with Ceratocystis huliohia, the less virulent strain of the fungal pathogen, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. STAR-ADVERTISER State officials said has been detected in three trees at a Maui elementary school campus. The landscape ohia trees were infected with Ceratocystis huliohia, the less virulent strain of the fungal pathogen, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Crews from DLNR and the Maui Invasive Species Committee on Tuesday removed the trees from the campus, and treated and sealed all cut stumps. Crews also collected all green waste into bags for proper disposal. Tree materials were burned in a metal container off-site due to the proximity of the elementary school to surrounding homes. DLNR did not say which school campus the trees were on. MISC also collected samples from nearby ohia trees for follow up monitoring. Rapid ohia death, which is caused by two fungal species—C. huliohia and C. lukuohia—were first found killing trees on Hawaii island more than 10 years ago. The former may take months to years to kill ohia, while the latter can kill a tree within weeks. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. They infect ohia through open bark wounds, and choke off water-transporting vessels, causing leaves to quickly brown out and die. Rapid ohia death was detected in the summer of 2019 in a lone tree on private property in East Maui. That tree was also afflicted with C. huliohia. DLNR at the time said it appeared to be an isolated case, and treated it by burning it. In follow up aerial surveys later that year, rapid ohia death was. Officials said the best way to protect ohia is to avoid injuring the trees, transporting them interisland, which is illegal, and moving ohia wood or vegetation around. People can also clean their hiking boots, gear, tools and vehicles before hiking or entering a wooded area. 5 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
