VIDEO: Maui Signs First Player To New Minor League Team

By Wendy Osher

Minor League Baseball returns to Maui with plans to throw out the first pitch in May during the upcoming 2010 season at the Iron Maehara Baseball Stadium.  The 22-member team will be called: Na Koa Ikaika Maui, or the Strong Warriors.

While their coach has yet to be named, the team manager will be Cory Snyder, a former Major League baseball player for teams that included the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, as well a 1984 Olympian for the US Baseball team.

“I’m excited to get started,” said Snyder during a press conference on Tuesday.  “May is not going to come soon enough for me.  I’m hoping to come back at least a week every month and just be in the community and help get players.”

“I’m hoping to put together a team that has some local kids from the islands here—we’re talking to four or five of them right now,” said Snyder.  “I think that would just be great to have some ex-big league and ex-affiliated guys on the filed that are from the Hawaiian Islands,” he said.

In making the announcement, the team also signed their first player to the Na Koa Ikaika roster—Mark Okano, of Aiea, Oahu.  Okano played for four years at the University of New Mexico, spent a few years in Orange County and last year, played in Canada.

Mark Okano of Aiea became the first to sign on as a player on the new Na Koa Ikaika Maui roster during a press conference on Tuesday in Wailuku. Photo by Wendy Osher.

“The way that I look at it is, you know if I can play at home, then this is my big show,” said Okano.  “I’m just excited to play back home and help the kids out.  Whatever camps we can do…and get them better.  My look at it is, if I can make it, and we can help guys make it, that’s where it’s at,” said Okano.

Team President, Rick Berry took the honors in signing Okano as the first player for Maui.  Berry has been working to establish the team for the past three years and hoped to assure Okano as well as others on his prospective list were free agents when the Maui team was ready to be launched.

“We hope Mark is the first of many,” said Berry.  “The players when they come, they are playing for the love of the game, and that’s what’s beautiful about minor league baseball.  It’s not about the money, It’s about the love and the passion they have for baseball,” said Berry.

The Okano signing was not the only offer on the table.  Maui Council Member, Mike Victorino, the father of Phillies all-star Shane Victorino also offered a bit of aloha to Maui’s newest athlete by offering his home as a host family for Okano.

Also in attendance was Warren Suzuki, the father of fellow Maui Major league player Kurt Suzuki.  Both Maui athletes demonstrate the character that Snyder is looking for in players on and off the field.

“I think if we can put a good competitive team on the field, we can have good kids with great character that go out and do clinics in the community.  We’d like to go to Molokai and Lanai and take five players there and show what this is all about—that we are good guys off the field,” said Snyder, who played at the collegiate level for Brigham Young University.

“It’s finding the players that know what a great game baseball is—is pretty much what it’s all about.  It gives these kids a chance that just didn’t get seen in college.  Maybe they got pushed out of affiliated ball.  Maybe they got hurt and they’re trying to make it back.  It gives these kids an avenue to show their skills off.  And a chance to get back to affiliated baseball,” said Snyder.

Unlike the seasonal leagues that have played in the islands in the past, Berry said the new Maui team will be a part of the community year-round.

“We want people to know that we’re not just a summer league,” said Berry.  “Our office is open year round.  We will be here year round.  We will be available—from the mascots to us in the front office, to the players, whenever we are available, we would be more than happy to be in the community doing autographs or anything we can to promote the team and the community,” said Berry.

On the business side, county officials say additional revenue will be realized in the form of visitor stays with boosters, and teams spending an average of five days and five nights on island.  Berry said the real revenue indicator will be game night attendance.

“There’s three ways to generate revenue for us on our operating budget and that is: corporate advertisers; the concessions, ticket sales and merchandise combined—that comes into play; and a lot of it just depends on attendance,” said Berry.

Na Koa Ikaia Maui already has plans for 44 home games, bringing teams in from across the U.S. and Canada.  The team is the first of four to be formed in the Hawaiian Islands under the Golden Baseball League.

VIDEO: Maui Radio Station Joins Island Marines To Raise $13,600 For Toys For Tots

By Wendy Osher

Maui Marines joined keiki in the community to shop for toys this morning with funds raised during their annual Toys For Tots campaign.  The program partnered with Pacific Radio Group’s own KPOA 93.5 FM radio station, the Salvation Army, and the island’s Minit Stop stores to raise a total of $13,600.

Sgt. Brandon Benz-Marrs was among the group of marines that went shopping at the Kahului K-Mart this morning to buy toys for those in need in Maui County.

“It does feel awesome,” said Sgt. Benz-Marrs of “the feeling that you get knowing that you’re giving back to somebody.”

“A lot of families around Maui as well as myself, when I was younger, we kind of struggled.  And it feels good being able to give back to the people who are in that predicament.  Because you know later on in life that they are going to be the ones hopefully taking your place,” said Sgt. Benz-Marrs.

The program was started in the late 70’s by the wife of a marine who saw a need in her community and looked for ways to help.  That year, the unit collected about 5,000 toys.  Since then, the program has grown to over 600 communities across the U.S. contributing anywhere from 500,000 to 600,000 toys per year.

The funds raised on Maui were used to purchase toys that will be distributed to various social service agencies throughout the week.  Beneficiaries include the angel tree project, the South and West Maui chapters of the Boys and Girls Club of Maui, Imua Family Services, and the Kula Hospital in Upcountry, Maui, among other agencies.

Sgt. Brandon Benz-Marrs joined island keiki in purchasing toys from the Kahului K-Mart this morning for the annual Toys For Tots fundraiser. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The funds raised this year surpassed last years total and this year’s goal by more than $4,300 dollars.  The greatest amount raised was at the Wakea Minit Stop where donations totaled $3,600.

The fundraiser began the day after Thanksgiving and ran through December 18, 2009.  Residents were made aware of the need through radio announcements on KPOA 93.5 FM.   They were given the opportunity to contribute to the campaign by purchasing Toys For Tots gift tags that were then used to decorate the many Minit Stop Stores around Maui County.

“I’m happy to report that we have reached our goal and every child is going to have a Christmas,” said KPOA Program Director Alaka’i “The Morning Goddess” Paleka.

Willie K Makes Holiday Visit With Isle Inmates

Photo courtesy of Maui Arts & Cultural Center

Island entertainer, Willie K made a holiday visit to the Maui County Correctional Center on Wednesday afternoon.  The visit was part of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Artist in the Community Program. During his visit, Willie K performed popular songs and Christmas carols for the inmates.  He also shared stories of personal struggle, perseverance, and ultimately the positive outcomes that resulted.

Willie K is scheduled to perform at the MACC’s Castle Theater on Saturday December 19 at 7:30 p.m. with special guests, the Maui Pops Orchestra, jazz vocalist, Pauline Wilson, and television personality, Emme Tomimbang.

After Willie’s holiday show, the MACC will donate the fresh Douglas fir Christmas trees that decorate the stage to seven Maui-based nonprofit organizations, including:  Aloha House, Maui Youth & Family Services, Women Helping Women, Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua, J. Walter Cameron Center and the Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center.

(Photo courtesy of Maui Arts & Cultural Center)

VIDEO: Decision Deferred in Debate Over East Maui Water

By Wendy Osher

A decision on the heated debate over water rights in east Maui will wait.  That’s the decision state commission members made today as they deferred action on stream flow recommendations at 19 east Maui streams.

On one side, taro farmers and subsistence users are fighting for cultural rights while employees at the state’s last sugar mill are fighting for their livelihood and jobs in a clearly slowed economy.

A full day of testimony concluded yesterday, but not without incident. The meeting was called into recess when Kahu Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr. demanded time to fully express his thoughts on the issue.

Maxwell was among a list of more than 100 people who signed up to speak before the commission.  Testimony resumed well into the evening with those on both sides of the issue airing their concerns.  Activist Walter Ritte Jr. of Molokai also expressed frustration over the approach that he said focused on science instead of culture.

Attorney Alan Murakami with the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. spoke on behalf of the group Na Moku Aupuni O koolau Hui, which filed the original petition to amend interim instream flow standards at a total of 27 East Maui streams.  A decision on eight of those streams was made last year, with the remaining waterways being the focus of current discussion.

Honopou Resident and life-long taro farmer Beatrice Kepani Kekahuna was among three residents listed on the original petition who are fighting not only for water rights, but for the continuance a lifestyle that some argue is being threatened by continued water diversions.

Kekahuna’s neice, and fellow Honopou resident, Lynn Scott said that although restorations were made to a portion of the Honopou stream last year, her family continues to struggle in maintaining a consistent source of water.

Meantime, workers and executives with Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company expressed the need for maintaining stream flows to their crops in central Maui.  HC&S general Manager Chris Benjamin was among those who testified.

Others in the agricultural industry also voiced support for the staff recommendation to keep flows at status quo in all but one of the 19 remaining streams.  Sandra Kunimoto, the chair of the department of agriculture, and Warren Watanabe, Executive Director of the Maui County Farm Bureau noted the importance of the island’s agricultural industry.

In addition to the benefits of keeping Maui green, Michael Ribao, Manager of the power supply at Maui Electric Company spoke of the indirect benefits of sugar production on the island’s clean energy supply.

With many families and businesses feeling the impact of a slow economy, the potential impacts of lost water to HC&S and the rippling impact on its workforce were among the areas of concern. We spoke with Willie Kennison, the Maui Division Director of the ILWU Local 142.

The State Commission on Water Resource Managementdeffered immediate action on the recommendations and plans to revisit the issue in three months.

Maui Parrotbill Population Shows Signs of Stability

There’s new hope for a critically endangered forest bird on Maui.  Results from a two week survey conducted in September suggest that the Maui Parrotbill numbers are showing signs of stability.

Maui Parrotbill at Waikamoi Preserve Photo Credit: Michael Walther, Oahu Nature Tours

Teams from the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project estimated there are about 20 parrotbills per square kilometer of forest, that’s more than double the density reported in a previous survey.  The count was taken in the Waikamoi Preserve in the forested uplands of East Maui between the Waikamoi Stream and the Ko’olau Gap.

The birds, once more widespread on Maui and also on Moloka‘i, are now only found on Maui, and only within a range of 19 square miles on the high windward slopes of Haleakalā.

“I didn’t expect that there would be that many birds there,” said Dr. Dusti Becker, the project coordinator for the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project who led the research team.

“To have an endangered bird maintain its population and perhaps even show signs of increasing is very encouraging and cause for celebration,” said Dr. Sam Gon, the Nature Conservancy’s senior scientist and cultural advisor.

“For populations of an endangered forest bird to remain somewhat stable for nearly 30 years is encouraging,” said the Conservancy’s Maui program director Mark White.

Although the numbers are encouraging, scientists also caution that the information is limited to a two-week survey.

The Maui Parrotbill, is an insect-eating forest bird.  It is 5 to 6-inches long with olive green tops and yellow underbellies, and a distinctive yellow stripe over their eyes.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that there are only around 500 individual birds.  More than a quarter of the known habitat for the parrotbills is within Waikamoi Preserve. Much of the rest is within the state’s Hanawi Natural Area Reserve, where parrotbills occur at a density of about 40 per square kilometer.

The Nature Conservancy has been actively managing the 5,230-acre Waikamoi Preserve since acquiring a permanent conservation easement to the property in 1983, from Haleakalā Ranch.

Since that time, the Conservancy has fenced out pigs, removed alien plants and increased native plants that forest birds and other species depend on. A recent vegetation survey in another portion of the preserve found a three-fold increase in native shrub cover over the past 15 years.

Scientists say it possible that removal of pigs and improvement of the understory vegetation growth—which parrotbills use for feeding habitat—has increased population size at Waikamoi.

“At Waikamoi, my sense is that it’s a growing population, fundamentally because of forest recovery,” Becker said.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information provided by The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii)

2 Injured in Hana Helicopter Crash

Fire department rescue personnel are on scene at a helicopter crash that occurred around 1:30 this afternoon in Hana. Initial reports indicate that there were two people injured in the incident. Both were transported by medevac to Maui Memorial Medical Center.  No further details are available at this time.

VIDEO: Tavares Announces Mayoral Reelection Bid In 2010

By Wendy Osher

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares last night announced her plans to seek re-election in 2010 during a campaign fundraiser at the Grand Wailea Resort in South Maui.

“I’m optimistic about our future and I want to continue to build on the successes we created since taking office,” said Tavares.

“We created a new path toward a positive future.  It is critical for out community’s well-being that we continue that effort,” said Tavares in announcing her bid for re-election.

Among those in attendance were fellow neighbor island Mayors Billy Kenoi of the Big Island and Bernard Carvalho of Kauai who spoke of the network and partnership that has grown from their participation in the Hawaii Council of Mayors.

Kenoi described Tavares as a solid, integral, committed, honorable, leader.  “She always comes to the table well prepared, well versed on the issues, and has a good grasp of the complexities and challenges we all face.  We really look to her not only for her friendship and partnership, but her leadership,” said Kenoi.

“We’ve been to D.C. together, we’ve been to the legislature together, we focused on collective bargaining, security and transient accommodation tax—all of that.  It’s real partnerships that resulted in real accomplishments and real measurable outcomes,” said Kenoi.

Mayor Carvalho also spoke of the camaraderie shared among the mayors of Hawaii.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares Announced her plans to seek a second four year term with a bid for mayor in the 2010 elections. Photo by Wendy Osher.

“When I can pick up the phone and call Mayor Tavares, Mayor Kenoi, Mayor Hannemann and share some of the issues, some of the concerns and challenges we are experiencing on our individual islands, and be able to communicate, and keep that communication open, that’s what it’s about.  That’s what Hawaii needs—leadership that is connected,” said Carvalho.

Former Maui county mayor Alan Arakawa has also launched a campaign to seek reelection in 2010.  And planning consultant Chris Hart is among those on the radar for the 2010 mayoral bid as well.  The primary is in September—just 9 months away.

During her announcement, Tavares outlined success during her term in obtaining federal funding for county projects.

“Since 2007, we have received over $5 million in federal funds that have gone towards getting additional buses for our very popular—and much needed—Maui Bus program.  In addition, with the recent passage of a bill in Congress, there will be $2 million in new funding available for Maui County to further expand our bus program,” said Tavares.

Tavares gave other examples of federal funding including $2 million for the planning and design of a new Emergency Management Center and the Wailuku Municipal Parking Structure as well as tapping into $30 million in federal stimulus funds for infrastructure improvements.

 

Looking to the future, Tavares highlighted ongoing efforts towards sustainability and clean energy as well as attention to the islands reefs, health care and environmental initiatives.

As for the economy, Tavares said she believes the county is on the road to recovery.  “I feel confident that, within the next year or two, we will see stronger and healthier signs from our business sector and the visitor industry.”  She went on to say, “Our Mom and Pop stores and larger businesses will be able to prosper once again.”

FLOW STANDARDS AT 19 EAST MAUI STREAMS UNDER REVIEW

The State Commission on Water Resource Management will hold a meeting this Wednesday, December 16 to hear recommendations on 19 east Maui instream flow standard petitions.

The streams under consideration have been used for more than 100 years to provide water for sugar in the central Maui plains.  More recently, surface water has also gone to upcountry Maui residents for domestic and agricultural use.

The Commission must determine how much water is required to flow in the streams for the protection of native fish and wildlife, recreation, scenic views, and other beneficial stream values.   The state commission is tasked with balancing instream uses with water for drinking and home use as well as agriculture, cultivation of taro and hydropower.

A little over one year ago, the Commission amended the instream flow standards for the hydrologic units at five other East Maui Streams.  The body is now looking at standards at:  Waikamoi, Alo, Wahinepe‘e, Puohokamoa, Haipua‘ena, Punalau/Kolea, Honomanu, Nua‘ailua, ‘Ohi‘a, West Wailuaiki, East Wailuaiki, Kopili‘ula, Puaka‘a, Waiohue, Pa‘akea, Wai‘a‘aka, Kapa‘ula, Hanawi, and Makapipi.

In October, the Commission held a public fact gathering meeting in Pa‘ia to accept oral and written testimony from the public on the remaining 19 streams. The Commission staff will present their findings and recommendations on these remaining petitions at a meeting set for 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 16 at the Pa‘ia Community Center.

“While the proposed recommendations seek to balance the instream and non-instream uses, they were also developed in consideration of last year’s decision by the Commission,” said Ken Kawahara, Water Commission deputy director.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information provided by the state of Hawaii)

Maui Planning Committee reviews Maui Island Plan

The Maui County Planning Committee conducts its initial review today of the Maui Island Plan.  The document is designed to establish growth boundaries and land use patterns.  The plan creates a vision for the county over the next 20 years.  The Maui Island Plan must be consistent with the countywide policy plan that goes before the Maui County Council this Friday for review.

The County Council will convene at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, to consider the Planning Committee’s recommendation to conduct a public hearing on a proposed bill to adopt the Countywide Policy Plan. The bill includes revisions approved during the course of nine committee meetings conducted throughout the summer and fall.

“All Maui County residents have a vested interest in the General Plan,” said Councilmember Sol Kahoohalahala.  “I welcome testifiers with special knowledge, including cultural and environmental experts, as well as planners, other professionals and members of County advisory committees who have studied these draft plans.”

“It’s also important for everyone in the public, regardless of expertise or background, to know that the General Plan update is a community-driven process,” said Kahoohalahala.

The Council’s current deadlines for approving the Countywide Policy Plan and Maui Island Plan are March 1, 2010 and Oct. 18, 2010, respectively.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information provided by the County of Maui)

NEW SPECIES COMPARED TO SOMETHING OUT OF DR SEUSS

Research crews have again uncovered new species of coral and sponges in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  The species were located within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument near Nihoa Island.

Scientists with the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory called the discovery “absolutely bizarre,” comparing some of the sponges to “something out of Dr. Seuss.” The discovery was made during deep sea submersible dives off a University of Hawaii research vessel, the Ka’imikai o Kanaloa, in early December.

The dives were conducted off Middle Bank and Twin Banks, just within the monument’s eastern boundary at depths of nearly one mile.

Dr. Christopher Kelley, the Program Biologist for HURL will be working with other scientists to identify the sponges.  He said, “There are lots of things down there that are just brand new.  We don’t know what they are and this is a fantastic opportunity to try and help the monument and determine what some of the deep water resources are.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information provided by the NOAA/Office of National Marine Sanctuaries)

Kamaole I, II, and III Park Beaches Closed Due to Shark Sighting

County ocean safety officers and DLNR personnel are monitoring the near shore waters off of the three Kamaole Beach Parks in Kihei following a confirmed sighting of a shark estimated to be around 10-12 ft in size. The shoreline waters of Kamaole I, II, and III are closed to beachgoers at this time. Ocean safety officers believe that an adult dolphin and baby dolphin reported to be in the area may have attracted the shark.

Conservation Urged Following Waterline Break in Kula

The Department of Water Supply is asking customers in Kula from Kawehi Place to Kanaio to conserve water today due to a water line break that occurred late last night. An 8-inch main line was broken last night when a tree apparently fell on it. The break is in a remote area and DWS personnel are working on the repair this morning. The repair job is expected to take all day. Until then, water currently in the storage tanks is the only available supply and customers should use water for health and safety purposes only.

Two portable water tankers will be located at the DWS Waiohuli Tank site on Middle Road and at the telephone exchange on Kula Highway. Customers may bring their own containers to fill up with potable water.

Customers may also experience low water pressure throughout the day and are asked to call the DWS Service Line at 270-7633 only if a water emergency occurs.

VIDEO: Eleven Recruits Join the Ranks of the Maui Police Department

By Wendy Osher

Eleven recruits joined the ranks of the Maui Police Department, as members of the 71^st recruit class graduated during a ceremony held at the Maui Beach Hotel in Kahului.

Class president Marvin Tevaga is among the list of recruits that begin their careers to protect and serve.

“If not us, then who,” said Tevaga.  “As we have gone through some intense training, these past nine months, these five words have become a mantra, a motivation each day, entuning my desire to becoming a police officer in the Maui Police Department,” Tevaga said.

“Nine months ago I thought I started a new career.  Today, I look at my 71^st recruit class:  my sister, my brothers, and I realized that it wasn’t just the beginning of a career, It was a start of a journey,” said Tevaga.

Keynote speaker and SHOPO president Tenari Ma’afala gave advice to the new members saying the thing that separates police as first responders is the split second decision to take a life or save one.

Members of the Maui Police Department 71st Recruit Class include: Brandon Asuega-Stark, Michael Bocon II, Aly Miyashiro, Miguel Munoz, Joshua Nascimento, Marvin Tevaga, Edward Ferreira, Joshua Kalb, Angela Kahoohanohano, Devin Pagaduan, and David Pachico. Photo by Wendy Osher.

“Are you ready, are you willing and able to do it,” said Ma’afala.  “Yes you are.  Based on the training that you all just went through in recruit school, that’s where it’s at.  You get on the road. You forge your own style, you forge your own man and womanhood and stand fast, face fear.  When there is a firefight, or gun fight, we run to it, when people run away.  That’s what we do, we bleed blue,” said Ma’afala.

The 71^st Recruit Class roster includes:  Brandon Asuega-Stark, Michael Bocon II, Aly Miyashiro, Miguel Munoz, Joshua Nascimento, Marvin Tevaga, Edward Ferreira, Joshua Kalb, Angela Kaho’ohanohano, Devin Pagaduan, and David Pachico.

Five awards were issued to select recruits for excellence is various skill sets.

Earning the Outstanding Recruit Award was Miguel Munoz , a native of Maui who attended Maui High School and UH Manoa.  He is being assigned to the Wailuku Patrol District.

Earning recognition in two categories was Michael Bocon II for both Scholastic Achievement and marksmanship for the Neil T. Endo Firearms Award.  Also taking honors were Devin Pagaduan who received the M. Cecil “Rusty” Dickson Award for Physical Fitness and Angela Kaho’ohanohano was awarded for Best Notebook.

Members completed 9 months of recruit training and will now be assigned to the Field Training Officer Program for the next four months.

VIDEO: Maui Firefighter first in state to be honored with Firemark Award

By Wendy OSHER

A Maui Firefighter was honored today with the prestigious Liberty Mutual Firemark Award.  The presentation honors the valor and selfless spirit of firefighters who take the ultimate risk to help keep communities safe.

In addition to being the first firefighter to be awarded the Firemark honor in the state of Hawaii, Crilley is also being nominated for the company’s national award.

Maui Firefighter Lawrence “Larry” Crilley was honored for his efforts in the off-duty rescue of a near-drowning victim that took place on April 27, 2008 at Tavares Bay.

Earlier this year, Crilley was honored with the Kahuola Award from the Maui Fire Commission for his efforts in going beyond the call of duty in the same incident.

(Photo from left to right: Maui Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray, County Managing Director Sheri Morrison, Firefighter I Lawrence "Larry" Crilley, and Leilani Johnson of Liberty Mutual. Photo by Wendy Osher)

“The quick response and diligent efforts exhibited while rescuing, resuscitating, and saving an unconscious man floating in the ocean by firefighter Crilley, while off duty I might add, are truly exceptional, and prevailing reasons why there was no loss of life in the incident that day,” said Leilani Johnson, a representative with Liberty Mutual who presented the award.

Realizing that there may be a possible spinal injury, he also prevented other on-lookers from moving the victim until first responders arrived to take over advanced care.

The victim has since recovered from the incident and expressed his thankfulness to those involved in the rescue.

“It’s nothing anyone else wouldn’t have done,” said Crilley in accepting the award.  Crilley also gave credit to his wife, who is a nurse and was also at the scene of the incident.

“There’s no way that I or anybody else could have been able to rescue this guy.  He was big, he was heavy, and the guy actually came back and told us a couple of months later after going through MRIs… the doctor told him that he was about a minute away from being brain damaged or not alive,” said Crilley’s wife.

Crilley is one of 50 nominees being considered for the national award (one from each state).  The national winner will receive an all expense paid trip to the National Awards Ceremony in Florida taking place at: Where’s the Fire exhibit at Walt Disney World where they will receive the award and a $10,000 grant for their fire department.

High Surf Warning Remains Posted Thru Wednesday

A High Surf Warning remains in effect for the north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui until 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

File Photo by Wendy Osher.

The first day of the advisory brought 45-foot surf to the north shore of Maui.  Three jet skis were lost Monday in the surf at Peahi where big-wave riders braved the 40 foot surf at the popular JAWS surf break.

Both Baldwin and Hookipa Beach Parks on Maui remained closed all day Tuesday.  Surf at Baldwin on Monday washed large amounts of sand into the park’s pavilions and forced the relocation of the lifeguard tower inland to prevent damage to the structure from the surf.

Surf will be 30 to 40 feet along north facing shores through tonight with occasional 50 foot waves on outer reefs but lowering to 25 to 35 feet Wednesday.  Surf along west facing shores will be 15 to 25 feet through tonight, lowering to 10 to 20 feet on Wednesday

A high tide of approximately 1.3 feet is expected between 9:17 p.m. and 10:35 p.m. this evening (Tuesday).  The next high tide of approximately 2.1 feet is expected between 08:18 a.m. and 09:36 a.m. Wednesday morning.

NOAA offers reward for info on the killing of a Hawaiian Monk Seal

Federal officials are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the successful arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing a Hawaiian Monk Seal on Kauai earlier this year.

Special Agent William Pickering called the April 19, 2009 incident a heinous act.  The 5-year-old male seal was found deal at the remote Kaumakani Beach on the west side of Kauai.  Authorities determined the death involved foul play.

The estimated 1,200 Hawaiian Monk Seals in existence are protected under the Endangered Species Act.  Violations of the law can result in penalties of up to $50,000 and a year in jail.

The monk seal was known by researchers as RI-19.  “The killing of this endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal is not only a violation of federal law, but a crime against all the people who call Hawaii their home,” said Special Agent in Charge William Pickering of NOAA OLE’s Pacific Islands Division.

The investigation is separate from another incident involving a pregnant Hawaiian Monk Seal that was killed May 21, 2009. Charles Vidinha of Kauai pled guilty in September to violating the Endangered Species Act and is currently serving time for that crime.

Those with information about the death of RI-19 should contact the NOAA OLE national hotline at 1-800-853-1964.

Maui Boating Office to Close for Two Weeks and Relocate

The state’s Maui Boating Office will be closed for two weeks beginning on December 23^rd.  The closure is due to a combination of furlough closure days, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, weekends, and its move to a new location.

File Photo of Maalaea Harbor by Wendy Osher.

The state facility will reopen at its new site on January 4^th in the same building that houses the Buzz’s Wharf Restaurant in Maalaea.  The move is expected to provide greater accessibility to boaters and more parking for motorists, at a cost savings for the state.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Maui District Boating office will be unavailable for business transactions from 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2009 until 7:45 a.m. on Monday, January 4, 2010.

During this period business transactions can still be done at the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, Ma‘alaea Small Boat Harbor or by mail. Vessel registration renewal can also be done on-line at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dbor

The office’s new location is 159 Ma’alaea Boat Harbor Road.  The district office phone numbers will not be changed.

Long Takes Title in 2009 Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Meet

Surfer Greg Long takes the title in the 25^th Annual Quicksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau surf competition.  Long pulled off a perfect 100 point ride in the final heat on the north shore of Oahu, securing first place and a $55,000 paycheck.

The final heat also featured a perfect-point ride by Chilean surfer Ramon Navarro who earned the $10,000 Monster Energy drop award for his final ride of the day, in addition to a $2,000 check for a fifth place finish.

Some of the largest sets rolled in with the final heat as surfers braved 25-plus-foot waves.  The event attracted thousands of spectators who came out to witness the wonders of Waimea Bay.  The event last ran five years ago and has only run eight times since its inception in 1980.

The other top five finalists included: second place Kelly Slater for $10,000; third place Sonny Garcia for $5,000; and a fourth place finish by Bruce Irons for $3,000.

A High Surf Warning remains in effect for the north and west facing shores of Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Maui until 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Molokai Metals Facility at Capacity

The Metals Recycling Facility at the Molokai Landfill will close this Friday, December 11, 2009 after reaching its permitted storage capacity.  County officials say no materials will be accepted during the temporary closure in accordance with permitting requirements from the State Department of Health.

According to county officials, the site was designed to be an interim facility.  A permanent site is being built and is expected to open in the late Spring of 2010.

In the interim, no materials are being accepted at the Molokai Metals Recycling Facility.  The site has been the drop off point for vehicles, appliances, scrap metal, tires, propane tanks and car batteries.

Questions can be directed to the Solid Waste Division by calling (808) 270-7875. Callers on Molokai should dial 1-800-272-0117 and request extension 7875.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the County of Maui)

VIDEO: High Surf at Hookipa Results in Beach Closures and Increased Traffic

By Wendy Osher

The effects of a high surf warning are showing in the form of increased traffic and beach closures.  The county of Maui closed Baldwin and Hookipa Beach parks at 8:30 this morning.  By 10 a.m., county lifeguards on the north shore reported surf in the 40-45 foot range at the popular Hookipa Beach Park.

Traffic throughout the late morning and early afternoon was backed up in the Hana-bound direction from the Kaunoa senior center to the Baldwin Avenue intersection.  For traffic headed into Kahului, traffic on the Hana Highway was slow moving from Hookipa to the Baldwin Avenue intersection.

County officials are advising motorists to stay away from the area if travel is not necessary and to stay well away from the shore break.  Those who are parking along the side of the highway are advised that police will issue citations for illegal, haphazard and unsafe parking.

Spectators gathered along Maui's north shore to witness the warning level surf of 40-45 feet reported by lifeguards at Hookipa Beach Park. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Lifeguards at Maui's Hookipa Beach Park reported 40-50 foot sets at around 10 a.m. The beach park was closed at 8:30 Monday morning along with the nearby Baldwin Beach Park in Paia. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Motorists traveling through Paia to Haiku and East Maui are advised to allow additional travel time to the traffic congestion created by the high surf.  If travel is necessary, alternate routes suggested by county officials include travel via Haliimaile or Makawao Avenue.

Maui & Molokai remain under a High Surf WARNING with surf as high as 50 feet expected—the highest seen in some parts of the county in decades.  The warning will remain in effect through Wednesday evening.

Similar warning conditions in 2004 caused damage to homes in the Puakukalo and Honokohau areas of Maui.  The county’s community Emergency Response Team spent the weekend notifying residents of potential impacts.  County ocean safety officers, park rangers and DLNR enforcement personnel are continuing to monitor beach parks exposed to today’s high surf.