Deep space explorations, here on Earth

Ocean scientists in recent weeks have been boldly going where no man — or woman — has gone before, and reporting back some exciting discoveries.

As noted in Friday’s Star-Advertiser, the researchers have been conducting deep-sea explorations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with one of them saying, "Every dive we do literally is on a reef no human has laid eyes on."

The underwater probes have discovered new species of fish and, perhaps most significant, new populations of black coral. Currently harvested from deep waters around the main Hawaiian Islands for use in fine jewelry, black coral also is the official state gem of Hawaii and on the watch list as a potential endangered species, so finding more of it, said the same scientist, was "comforting."

The expeditions are being conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, the University of Hawaii and Bishop Museum, whom we hope will all live long and prosper.

Buy books and things to aid libraries

The annual sale by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii begins today but it includes much more than books. Also for sale are paintings, prints and art books, with proceeds going to the state library system.

The collection includes a painting of an orchid by book sale volunteer Yoshio Hayashi, an award-winning graphic designer who died in March. His painting will be surrounded by 150,000 books and other treasures, according to Friends Executive Director Byrde Cestare.

The sale is at the McKinley High School cafeteria from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through June 28; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 29; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30.

It can get crowded during prime times, so dress lightly and stay hydrated. Veteran book buyers, you know the drill.