A small plane made an emergency landing in a grassy field in Wai­ehu, Maui, on Sunday after experiencing engine problems during a flight from Hono­lulu.

The pilot of the Piper Cherokee issued a mayday call at about 5:40 p.m. while three to four miles away from Kahu­lui Airport, according to Federal Aviation Administration Pacific Region spokes­man Ian Gregor.

None of the four people on board was injured. The plane suffered minor damage.

The FAA will investigate the incident.

Isle woman is named Navy commander

BREMERTON, Wash. » For the first time, a woman is taking over as commander of Navy Region Northwest.

The Kitsap Sun reports that in her new position, Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar of Hono­lulu will oversee bases in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. She takes over for Rear Adm. Mark Rich, who is heading to the nation’s capital to be commandant of Naval District Washington.

Bolivar last served as chief of staff at Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C. She was selected for appointment to rear admiral March 25.

Blaze razes house in Hilo

Fire destroyed a house Saturday night in the Kawailani district of Hilo.

Hawaii County firefighters, responding to the 8:45 p.m. alarm, found the single-story wooden home engulfed in flames with fire spreading to nearby trees and brush.

Firefighters controlled the fire at 545 Ainalako Road at 9:28 p.m. and extinguished it at 10:45 p.m.

Damage is estimated at $200,000. The cause is under investigation.

Man who died in crash is ID’d

Hawaii County police have identified Joseph Nieves Jr., 23, as the victim of a Friday night single-vehicle crash in Keaukaha.

Police said Nieves is believed to be from the Hilo area.

Another person, believed to be a teenager, was seriously injured in the crash, which occurred at about 10:40 p.m. when the car crossed the centerline of Kalanianaole Avenue, hit a utility pole and crashed into a rock wall, police said.

Nieves was pronounced dead at the scene. The teenager was taken to an area hospital. No other injuries were reported.

Reef conditions topic of lecture

Russell Sparks, aquatic biologist with the state Division of Aquatic Resources, will talk about the “State of the Reef” on Thursday, offering an overview of Maui’s coral reef trends, threats and management plans.

The free talk will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center at the ocean-facing level of the Maalaea Harbor Shops, off Honoapiilani Highway. It is presented as part of Pacific Whale Foundation’s Making Waves Lecture Series.