NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Convict escapes halfway house

Hawaii County police sought the public’s help Thursday in finding a 31-year-old Kailua-Kona man who escaped Tuesday from a Panaewa correctional facility.

Ryan James Jeffries-Hamar was serving a 10-year sentence for two counts of first-degree burglary. Police said he left Hale Nani, a transitional facility for inmates nearing the end of their sentences, Tuesday afternoon.

Jeffries-Hamar was reportedly seen Wed­nesday afternoon in Kainaliu and Wednesday evening in Kailua-Kona, police said.

He is described as about 5 feet 7 inches tall and 170 pounds, with blue eyes and short reddish-blond hair. He has a tattoo along his entire right arm.

Although Jeffries-Hamar is not considered dangerous, police warn the public against contacting him and instead advise people to contact Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or gtodd@ co.hawaii.hi.us. People may also call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.

Funds to enable land purchases

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded Hawaii nearly $2.5 million in grants to buy thousands of acres on Hawaii island to protect endangered species.

Half of the money will fund the purchase of more than 3,000 acres on the island’s southern coast.

The land, including more than a mile of coastline, is important habitat for the hawksbill turtle and Hawaiian monk seal, both endangered species.

The other half will be used to buy nearly 4,500 acres on the northern flank of Mauna Kea Volcano. The land lies within critical habitat for the endangered palila bird.