While contact tracing plays an important role in helping to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, state officials warn of a “multitude of scams” involving impersonators attempting to acquire personal information.According to a Better Business Bureau “Scam Alert,” this is how it works:>> You receive an unsolicited message via text, email, or a social media messenger.>> The message explains that you’ve come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.>> The message instructs you to self-isolate and provides a link for more information.>> Alarmed,...…While contact tracing plays an important role in helping to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, state officials warn of a “multitude of scams” involving impersonators attempting to acquire personal information.According to a Better Business Bureau “Scam Alert,” this is how it works:>> You receive an unsolicited message via text, email, or a social media messenger.>> The message explains that you’ve come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.>> The message instructs you to self-isolate and provides a link for more information.>> Alarmed,...WW…

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell this afternoon announced the city would offer a pared-down version of in July for free, but registration this year will be handled starting 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.A total of 3,600 children from kindergarten to sixth grade — down from the average of 10,000 in past years — will be able to participate in the program, to be held from July 1 to July 28. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch will be provided for select sites.“This summer is going to be free so that children can come and have fun together and be away from their...…Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell this afternoon announced the city would offer a pared-down version of in July for free, but registration this year will be handled starting 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.A total of 3,600 children from kindergarten to sixth grade — down from the average of 10,000 in past years — will be able to participate in the program, to be held from July 1 to July 28. The program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch will be provided for select sites.“This summer is going to be free so that children can come and have fun together and be away from their...WW…

Gov. David Ige today requested that participants in Black Lives Matter protests over the weekend consider self-isolating a few days in order to protect others from possibly getting the new coronavirus.While Ige said during this morning’s that he was pleased with the took place, he was concerned about another spike in COVID-19 cases.“Certainly I was very impressed by the protests, you know, especially because they were so peaceful in how they were organized,” said Ige. “Clearly I think everyone in Hawaii joins with the protesters in really wanting to highlight the fact that racial inequality...…Gov. David Ige today requested that participants in Black Lives Matter protests over the weekend consider self-isolating a few days in order to protect others from possibly getting the new coronavirus.While Ige said during this morning’s that he was pleased with the took place, he was concerned about another spike in COVID-19 cases.“Certainly I was very impressed by the protests, you know, especially because they were so peaceful in how they were organized,” said Ige. “Clearly I think everyone in Hawaii joins with the protesters in really wanting to highlight the fact that racial inequality...WW…

|Wildlife officials announced the death of a beloved, female Hawaiian monk seal known to most who spotted her regularly as “Honey Girl.”The National Oceanic Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration received notification on Thursday that monk seal R5AY had been found dead on a windward Oahu beach.For more than 20 years, Honey Girl, delighted hundreds of monk seal fans as she rested on and gave birth to at least a dozen pups on Oahu and beaches.She was spotted regularly on Oahu’s North Shore, and named for her ability to survive numerous hooking incidents, one of which resulted in serious...…|Wildlife officials announced the death of a beloved, female Hawaiian monk seal known to most who spotted her regularly as “Honey Girl.”The National Oceanic Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration received notification on Thursday that monk seal R5AY had been found dead on a windward Oahu beach.For more than 20 years, Honey Girl, delighted hundreds of monk seal fans as she rested on and gave birth to at least a dozen pups on Oahu and beaches.She was spotted regularly on Oahu’s North Shore, and named for her ability to survive numerous hooking incidents, one of which resulted in serious...WW…

|The attorney for a man who slapped a Hawaiian monk seal while visiting Oahu several months ago has issued an apology on behalf of his client.Attorney Blake Long of Barnwell & Long PLLC in North Carolina said the young man, who he advised to remain anonymous to avoid severe backlash, has paid fines from federal and state agencies in full for his violation of the Endangered Species Act. He did not disclose the amount paid.Long said his client requested that he issue the apology “to express his sincere remorse for his immature, inexcusable actions.”In February, officials from the National...…|The attorney for a man who slapped a Hawaiian monk seal while visiting Oahu several months ago has issued an apology on behalf of his client.Attorney Blake Long of Barnwell & Long PLLC in North Carolina said the young man, who he advised to remain anonymous to avoid severe backlash, has paid fines from federal and state agencies in full for his violation of the Endangered Species Act. He did not disclose the amount paid.Long said his client requested that he issue the apology “to express his sincere remorse for his immature, inexcusable actions.”In February, officials from the National...WW…

State officials today declared rat-free following years of eradication efforts.The rats, an invasive species, wreaked havoc on the state seabird sanctuary for decades by preying on the eggs and chicks of native birds.In 2017, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, along with numerous federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nonprofit Island Conservation, and owners of Niihau, joined forces to launch a new program, using lessons learned from past attempts.“After extensive on-island monitoring, we’re 99.99% certain there are no more rats on Lehua, which...…State officials today declared rat-free following years of eradication efforts.The rats, an invasive species, wreaked havoc on the state seabird sanctuary for decades by preying on the eggs and chicks of native birds.In 2017, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, along with numerous federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nonprofit Island Conservation, and owners of Niihau, joined forces to launch a new program, using lessons learned from past attempts.“After extensive on-island monitoring, we’re 99.99% certain there are no more rats on Lehua, which...WW…

The Center for Biological Diversity today filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to designate critical habitat and develop a recovery plan for the iiwi, a cherished forest bird in Hawaii.The move comes five months after the due to lack of progress. Thewas filed in U.S. District Court for Hawaii.“The beautiful iiwi needs our help and it needs it now,” said Maxx Phillips, the center’s Hawaii director and staff attorney, in a news release. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s foot-dragging is unacceptable. Without the protections provided by critical habitat and a...…The Center for Biological Diversity today filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to designate critical habitat and develop a recovery plan for the iiwi, a cherished forest bird in Hawaii.The move comes five months after the due to lack of progress. Thewas filed in U.S. District Court for Hawaii.“The beautiful iiwi needs our help and it needs it now,” said Maxx Phillips, the center’s Hawaii director and staff attorney, in a news release. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s foot-dragging is unacceptable. Without the protections provided by critical habitat and a...WW…

NavigateCity officials announced more rules and specifics on masks required to ride TheBus or TheHandivan, in order to comply with a presidential executive order and new federal guidelines.City officials announced today that more rules and specifics on the types of masks required to ride TheBus or TheHandivan will go into effect, starting Monday, in order to comply with a and new.Since last September, the City and County of Honolulu has had a strict “No Mask No Ride” policy in effect for and TheHandi-Van, requiring all riders to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth when...…NavigateCity officials announced more rules and specifics on masks required to ride TheBus or TheHandivan, in order to comply with a presidential executive order and new federal guidelines.City officials announced today that more rules and specifics on the types of masks required to ride TheBus or TheHandivan will go into effect, starting Monday, in order to comply with a and new.Since last September, the City and County of Honolulu has had a strict “No Mask No Ride” policy in effect for and TheHandi-Van, requiring all riders to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth when...WW…

NavigateSwipe left for more photosAs a natural area reserve, DLNR said the parcel will be accessible by foot for hiking and recreational and educational purposes.A 300-acre parcel of rainforest visible from near the summit of the popular Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail on Oahu will now become protected public land due to generous donations, state officials announced today.The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Pia Valley parcel in the southern Koolaus, donated by landowner Patricia Godfrey, moves the land from private to public hands. It will be managed by DLNR’s Division of...…NavigateSwipe left for more photosAs a natural area reserve, DLNR said the parcel will be accessible by foot for hiking and recreational and educational purposes.A 300-acre parcel of rainforest visible from near the summit of the popular Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail on Oahu will now become protected public land due to generous donations, state officials announced today.The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the Pia Valley parcel in the southern Koolaus, donated by landowner Patricia Godfrey, moves the land from private to public hands. It will be managed by DLNR’s Division of...WW…

[ AD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THIS STORY ]Hawaii Department of Health said today’s total number of new infections statewide was the highest since mid-August. Hawaii saw a new cases on Aug. 13.Thirty of today’s 322 new cases were backdated from Dec. 20 through Jan. 5 due to a reporting lag from a laboratory, state health officials said.“It is too early to tell the impact of holiday travel or gatherings. A large number of residents were diagnosed outside of Hawai‘i,” according to a news release.According to the latest information from the department’s Hawaii COVID-19 data dashboard, a total of...…[ AD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THIS STORY ]Hawaii Department of Health said today’s total number of new infections statewide was the highest since mid-August. Hawaii saw a new cases on Aug. 13.Thirty of today’s 322 new cases were backdated from Dec. 20 through Jan. 5 due to a reporting lag from a laboratory, state health officials said.“It is too early to tell the impact of holiday travel or gatherings. A large number of residents were diagnosed outside of Hawai‘i,” according to a news release.According to the latest information from the department’s Hawaii COVID-19 data dashboard, a total of...WW…