Grant will help UH cut Native Hawaiian ills

The University of Hawaii medical school has been awarded a $13.2 million grant to reduce illnesses that disproportionately strike Native Hawaiians and other ethnic groups.

The funding, over five years, is from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. The aim is to develop new disease-specific diagnostic tests, therapeutic interventions and preventative strategies for health disparities of regional and national importance.

The John A. Burns School of Medicine announced the award Thursday.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Japan honors Maui director

Japanese Consul General Yoshihiko Kamo has recognized Maui’s managing director for helping bring victims from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami to Hawaii for relief visits.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said Thursday it was Managing Director Keith Regan’s idea to bring victims to Oahu and Maui for rest and healing.

Kamo awarded Regan a commendation certificate for helping bring about 100 victims as part of the Aloha Initiative.

Habitat project opens on Kauai

A government program that pays ranchers and farmers to plant native species and restore wetlands is available on Kauai.

The program is designed to restore wildlife habitats for endangered and threatened species.

It aims to reduce soil erosion and prevent fertilizer and other chemicals from getting into streams, which should help Hawaii’s coral reefs.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has gradually been offering the program around the islands since 2009. The department said Thursday more than 450 acres have been enrolled so far.

Archers hunt at Pohakuloa

Portions of the military’s Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island were opened to local archery hunters this weekend.

Licensed hunters were issued temporary passes and maps at designated stations beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday and today, according to the Army.

The effort is part of an ongoing conservation initiative to eliminate wild goats and sheep.