A state department has begun collecting special plates kept in several Hawaii harbors as part of an effort aimed at detecting potential invasive species.
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Lehua Island has been declared free of invasive rats after decades of eradication efforts, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Wednesday.
Officials monitoring the small, uninhabited island off of Kauai s western coast said getting rid of the rats creates new possibilities for the birds on the island, which has one of the most diverse seabird colonies in the state.
At least 17 seabird species, many of which are threatened, live on Lehua Island.
Research has shown that rat-free islands with thriving seabird colonies have healthier marine systems, the department said. The rats ate seabird chicks and eggs, hurting bird populations.
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Officials closed Waimanalo Bay Beach Park and warned people to stay out of the water after sharks were seen eating the carcass of a Hawaiian humpback whale that has since washed ashore and been removed.
At least three large tiger sharks were seen eating the whale remains as it drifted closer to the shore Tuesday, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said. The carcass landed on the beach later in the day, but warning signs remained Wednesday.
The 25- to 35-ton carcass was removed early Wednesday by local, state and federal authorities.
A Hawaiian blessing was held by Kalani Kalima of Waimānalo prior to the whale s burial on private land, according to the City and County of Honolulu.
Community survey underway about development of state parks | Link
Department of Land and Natural Resources
There s a survey underway about Hawai‘i state parks that addresses issues such as parking lots near popular hikes, bathroom facilities and protecting cultural sites. The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan is prepared every 5 years to identify recreational needs and trends across the islands. We talked to Curt Cottrell, parks administrator for the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Click here to find upcoming meetings and the online survey.
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