Jellyfish influx shuts Hanauma Bay beach

The city closed the beach at Hanauma Bay on Monday after jellyfish stung dozens of people.

An Ocean Safety Division spokeswoman said about 40 people were stung, and lifeguards recommended that the city Parks Department close the popular snorkeling beach.

The visitor center, parking lot, and lookouts on the upper level remained open.

Hanauma Bay is normally closed Tuesdays, so officials will assess the jellyfish influx Wednesday and decide whether to open the beach.

Repaving closes part of Sandy Beach Park

Portions of Sandy Beach Park will be closed for nearly two months for repaving.

The city Department of Parks and Recreation said the repaving project, which began Monday, will require closure of the Makapuu entrance and parking lot area through March 31.

Last year the repaving project focused on the portion of the parking lot closest to Halona Blowhole. Park users can utilize this area during the second phase of the repaving project.

Learn more about attending music institute

The Institute of Hawaiian Music at the University of Hawaii- Maui College will hold an informational session for prospective students Feb. 16.

The session will be held 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kaaike Building, Room 105-CD.

The Institute of Hawaiian Music is a mentorship program dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian music. Formal classes are supplemented with direct mentorship sessions led by professional Hawaiian musicians.

Auditions will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 19 in the same spot. Prospective students will be expected to introduce themselves and their song(s), and sing and play their instruments for six minutes. Reservations are required, and prospective students may select from the following time slots: 9-11 a.m. or noon to 3 p.m. Attendance at the informational session is not required for the audition.

IHM offers classes in guitar, ukulele, singing, keyboard, composition, music theory, repertoire development, dance, music industry business and marketing, and recording. Students will be given training on their instruments and in voice and harmony. They will be directed in repertoire growth, stage presence and recording techniques. Students will also complete courses in Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language to understand the cultural roots of their art.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program will receive an Academic Subject Certificate in Hawaiian music.

Email ihm@hawaii.edu or call 984-3570 to receive additional information about the program and to reserve a spot in the audition.