Botulism outbreak kills 67 birds on Maui

In a week, 67 birds have been found dead of avian botulism at Kahana Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Kahului, the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife said Friday.

The dead birds include adult and juvenile Hawaiian stilts, Hawaiian coots and Hawaiian ducks.

State officials are asking private and public landowners and managers to survey their wetlands because botulinum toxin can be produced in most wetlands, and transported to new wetlands by dead or dying waterfowl.

Earlier this year a botulism outbreak in Hanalei, Kauai, resulted in more than 300 sick and dead birds being collected by federal wildlife refuge staff. Additionally, numerous other botulism fatalities have also been reported at wetlands throughout the state.

Botulism is a paralytic condition brought on by the consumption of a naturally occurring toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

State officials ask that the public report deaths of waterbirds to the local District DOFAW Office.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Water tank fix prompts call to conserve

The Kauai Department of Water is asking residents from Haena to Wainiha to conserve water for two months while the county rehabilitates the 100,000-gallon tank that serves the area.

The project is expected to continue through August.

Smaller temporary tanks will provide water to the area. Because of limited capacity, water conservation is necessary, county officials said in a news release.

Officials are asking residents to use water for essential needs, such as cooking, bathing and toilet flushing; to refrain from activities such as car washing; and reduce outdoor irrigation.

The county is asking residents to remind their neighbors of the request and encourage their participation.

The project is part of the department’s long-range plan to replace or repair aging infrastructure.

Call the department at 245-5461 or police dispatch at 241-1711 after business hours.

Boat stuck on reef will be salvaged today

State officials said a 35-foot sailboat from Canada is expected to be removed from a reef off the coast of Lahaina, along with its 150 gallons of fuel.

District Boating Manager Nicholas Giaconi of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said officials are asking surfers, swimmers and others to stay away from the boat during salvage operations, which are scheduled to begin this morning.

The vessel, called the Baidarka, got stuck on the reef this week after breaking free from its dock at the Lahaina Yacht Club.