First director chosen for climate center
The first permanent director of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Pacific Islands Climate Science Center has been selected.
The U.S. Geological Survey announced last week that David Helweg will be director of the center, with headquarters at the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus.
The USGS-managed center provides access to the best science available on climate change and other landscape-scale stressors on the nation’s natural and cultural resources.
It is one of eight regional centers.
The USGS says that climate change challenges for Pacific island communities include freshwater resources, coral reef health and invasive species.
Helweg was previously deputy director of the USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center.
Heavy showers saturate Maui
Maui County was under a flood advisory Sunday afternoon as up to 2 inches of rain fell per hour along the eastern and southern flanks of Haleakala.
The National Weather Service said the heaviest rainfall was in Ulupalakua and Hamoa but that Wailea, Keokea and Hana also were getting drenched.
The advisory was lifted before 6 p.m.
Hiker airlifted from beach
Firefighters airlifted a 30-year-old Arizona woman from Kauai’s Kalalau Beach on Saturday after she injured her knee while hiking, fire officials said.
A tour boat operated by Blue Dolphin Charters reported the incident to the Coast Guard, which contacted Kauai police around 4:50 p.m.
Rescuers aboard Kauai Fire Department’s helicopter reached the woman and transported her and her husband from the beach to a landing zone at Kee Beach. Officials said the couple took themselves to Wilcox Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Analysis clears way for park
A final environmental assessment for the Waimea District/Regional Park on Hawaii island was released Friday with a finding of no significant impact, allowing the long-anticipated project to move forward.
West Hawaii Today reports the park will include fields for football, rugby, soccer, baseball and softball as well as a covered area for sports like volleyball and basketball.
The first phase, estimated to cost $30.3 million, should be completed by 2020.
