KIHEI >> A juvenile whale shark entangled in a heavy-gauge line was spotted off Maui for the second time in the past week.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said several snorkel and dive tour companies reported seeing the injured whale shark July 8 off Olowalu then again Thursday around Molokini off Maui’s south shore. Based on photographs provided by ProDivers, the wire was tightly wrapped around the whale shark’s body in front of its pectoral fins and was cutting into the animal, which appeared somewhat emaciated, DLNR said.
The entanglement is believed to be life-threatening and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program may get a chance to remove the gear if the whale shark is sighted near the surface.
The fish, which feeds on plankton and other small organisms, is listed as an endangered species. To report sightings, call 888-256-9840.
Motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run collision
KIHEI >> Maui police were searching for the two occupants of a vehicle involved in a collision that killed a 29-year-old motorcyclist around 1:50 a.m. Saturday. The victim was identified as Michael Ben Wezalis of Kihei.
Police said Wezalis’ 2018 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was southbound on Piilani Highway when it collided with a 2006 Acura TSX sedan that failed to yield while making a left turn onto the highway from Kulanihakoi Street.
Both the driver and a passenger in the car ran away, police said.
There have been six traffic fatalities on Maui this year compared to four at this time last year. Anyone with information on the crash should call the Maui Police Department at 244-6400.
2 structures destroyed by fire on Hawaii island
OCEAN VIEW >> A Friday afternoon fire claimed two structures on Sea View Drive in the Ocean View area of the Big Island.
The first to burn was a 30-by-40-foot unpermitted, single-story structure, according to the Hawaii County Fire Department. The flames then spread to a 16-by-16-foot storage structure about 10 feet away.
Firefighters had the fire out by about 5 p.m. The blaze displaced two residents, officials said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
