Drones help scientists monitor wildlife at northwestern atolls

Scientists are using drones to survey endangered Hawaiian monk seals and other wildlife in Hawaii, officials said Tuesday.

Next week researchers will be flying a NASA Ikhana plane similar to the Air Force’s Predator drone to the remote atolls of Nihoa, Necker and French Frigate Shoals.

The atolls are all within the vast expanse of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. This offers a great opportunity to test the unmanned aerial vehicle, including its optical and infrared imaging systems, said Todd Jacobs, a project scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s unmanned aircraft program.

The plane will survey sea turtles and seabirds in addition to seals, Jacobs said. It will search for marine debris and monitor vessel traffic.

The Ikhana might conduct surveys around Niihau if there’s an opportunity, Jacobs said.

The plane has a wingspan of 66 feet and can carry thousands of pounds of payload. It has previously been used to map wildfires on the mainland.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Fatal cat virus can’t be halted, Maui vet says

WAILUKU >> The Maui Humane Society’s top veterinarian says there’s no way 

to contain a deadly cat virus that has hit eight felines on the island since May.

The Maui News reported Thursday that the latest case of feline panleukopenia was confirmed in a cat from populated Central Maui.

Dr. Miyo Miyasaki-Kim, director of veterinary service with the Maui Humane Society, says the case in the highly populated area means that there’s no way to contain the virus.

She says the first three confirmed cases were in an isolated area, but hopes to contain it were a long shot.

The virus attacks white blood cells and can lead to death. 

Animals spread it through direct contact or contact with contaminated food dishes, bedding or people who have treated infected cats.

Police want to talk to man about burglary

Hawaii County police are looking for a man wanted for questioning in a burglary.

Brandon Torres, 26, is wanted for questioning in the removal of cash and electronic devices from a home on the 100 block of Kimo Place in Hilo on June 1, Hawaii police said Thursday.

Police said Torres, who has no permanent address but frequents Hilo, is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 175 pounds and has brown eyes, short black hair, a mustache and goatee, and tattoos on his neck and right forearm.

Anyone with information on Torres’ whereabouts is asked to call the Police Department, 935-3311, or Detective John Rodrigues, 961-8222.

Star-Advertiser staff and Associated Press