Maui
State officials closed shoreline access at Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve in South Maui on Friday after a humpback whale carcass came ashore.
Maui County lifeguards and officers from the state’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement posted warning signs because carcasses often attract sharks.
State, county and National Marine Fisheries Service officials are trying to determine the best way to dispose of the carcass, which was found in a remote cove at Ahihi Kinau. Officials said they are also consulting with Hawaiian cultural experts.
Additional closures or warnings may be imposed at Makena State Park and other areas, state officials said.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said this is the fifth whale carcass report in Hawaii since Nov. 11.
Kauai
Forum to address climate change
The state will hold an informational meeting on Kauai to discuss the impacts of climate change on Hawaii.
The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Lihue Civic Center, 4444 Rice St., Moikeha Building, Room 2A-2B.
Department of Land and Natural Resources officials plan to discuss impacts that include coastal erosion, flooding and threats to natural resources.
Officials are seeking input from the community for a report to be submitted to lawmakers. The meeting will be the second in a series statewide.
The report will be DLNR’s first statewide assessment of impacts on Hawaii’s coastal areas to help prepare and mitigate erosion and flooding hazards, according to Sam Lemmo, co-chairman of the Interagency Climate Adaptation Committee.
Special accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities who plan to attend the upcoming meeting may contact the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands four days before the meeting at 587-0377. For more information on sea level rise, visit climateadaptation.hawaii.gov.
