Input on swimming with dolphins sought

The National Marine Fisheries Service is reopening the public-comment period for a proposed rule to prohibit swimming with and approaching a Hawaiian spinner dolphin within 50 yards.

The proposal seeks to keep swimmers, vessels and drones at least 50 yards away from Hawaiian spinner dolphins within 2 nautical miles from shore.

The rule was first published in August, with a comment period closing Oct. 23, but the agency decided to reopen the comment period until Dec. 1 to provide additional time for the public to submit information and to comment.

Abercrombie & Fitch decline continues

NEW ALBANY, Ohio >> Abercrombie & Fitch said a key sales measure fell for the third straight quarter, after an effort to turn around the once-popular teen clothing brand failed to bring shoppers back to its stores.

The company also said its profit plummeted 81 percent in the most recent quarter, and its shares fell 12 percent before the stock market opened Friday.

Once a top shop for teens, Abercrombie has struggled to attract youngsters who are more likely to shop at cheaper fast-fashion chains such as H&M and Forever 21. Abercrombie ditched its sexy advertising and banished shirtless male models from its stores last year, but sales at established Abercrombie stores fell 14 percent in the most recent quarter and the company said it expects the brand to remain “challenging” throughout the rest of the year.

ON THE MOVE

Hawaii Disability Legal Services has announced that the following employees will work at the firm’s office at the Big Island Federal Credit Union Building, 75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 104, Kailua-Kona:

>> Paula S. Boyer will head up the Kona operation. Boyer previously worked for Legal Aid Society of Hawaii.

>> Ashley Kaono will provide support and engage in outreach efforts with Boyer. Kaono is permanently with the firm’s Honolulu office.

>> Diane C. Haar will provide assistance to Big Island residents who were denied Social Security benefits and wish to appeal. Haar is an accredited VA disability attorney and permanently with the firm’s Honolulu office.