Coast Guard saves turtle caught in net

The Coast Guard rescued a sea turtle yesterday that was entangled in a fishing net about 3.5 miles off Kaneohe.

A lookout on the Coast Guard Cutter Ahi spotted the turtle about 50 yards from the ship yesterday morning, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Soto. At the time, the crew was preparing a security zone for today’s air show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay, Soto said.

Crew members brought the 45-pound turtle, which appeared to be exhausted from struggling with the net, aboard the ship at about 10:30 a.m. They removed the net and delivered the animal to federal turtle researchers at Kaneohe Bay, Soto said. The turtle was not injured.

Luau helps professor

A fundraiser for University of Hawaii-Manoa professor Cristy Kessler, who suffers from three rare autoimmune diseases affecting nearly all her organs, is planned for tomorrow at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, 1515 Wilder Ave., from 1 to 4 p.m. Tomorrow’s "Lasagna Luau" features food, a country store and a silent auction. It is sponsored by the One of Our Own Fund.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Maui library will close for renewal

Makawao Public Library is scheduled to close for Americans with Disabilities Act improvements and parking lot renovations from Oct. 4 to 27.

The book drop will be closed for safety reasons after the library, 1159 Makawao Ave., closes next Saturday.

Books and materials can be returned to any other public library.

Persons who are waiting for requested items should contact library staff to arrange for pickup at another branch location.

Patrons also may visit the nearest libraries during normal public service hours: Wailuku Public Library, 251 High St., 243-5766; Kihei Public Library, 35 Waimahaihai St., 875-6833; or Lahaina Public Library, 680 Wharf St., 662-3950.

An announcement will be made in the future when Makawao Public Library is scheduled to reopen.