University of Hawaii researchers have been awarded more than $1 million to test and evaluate technology used to observe aquatic ecosystems, the university announced.

The funding for scientists at UH’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and Department of Oceanography comes through the Alliance for Coastal Technologies, a national collaborative effort administered by the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System and funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The researchers will help ensure that sensors and instrumentation used to measure nutrients in the ocean are fully operational.

HIMB’s Coconut Island facility will host extensive laboratory and field testing of nutrient sensors, which will allow international developers to assess and improve components, configurations and designs, according to a UH release.

“HIMB is uniquely situated and equipped to facilitate the rapid test and comparison of new technologies for observation of coastal ecosystems, activities that underpin decisions with national relevance,” HIMB director Ruth Gates said.

HAWAII ISLAND

Murder victim shot in chest

An autopsy conducted Friday showed that a man found dead along Highway 190 on Hawaii island was shot in the chest.

On Oct. 16 police received an anonymous tip about a possible murder in Kailua-Kona. An investigation led to the discovery of a burial site late Tuesday afternoon off Hawaii Belt Road, Highway 190, north of mile marker 27.

On Wednesday morning police recovered a man’s body from the burial site. The body was identified as that of Alanaokala Solomon Covington, 36, of Kailua-Kona.

A suspect in the investigation, whom police did not identify, was known to frequent a homeless encampment near the intersection of Queen Kaahumanu Highway and Henry Street, where officers conducted a search Friday, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.

On Thursday, Malama Solomon, Covington’s aunt and a former state senator who represented North Hawaii, said the family was devastated by the news.

“He was a very strong person,” she said.

KAUAI

Road work to delay traffic

Safety improvements along Koloa Road, set to begin this morning, will result in periodic lane closures and slower traffic, Kauai County announced.

Work hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with the project due to be completed by early November.

Crews will install a new guardrail, redo pavement markings, install rumble strips and replace signs along along a 2.7-mile stretch of Koloa Road, from Omao to Iwipoo roads, near the former Lawai Cannery site.

Anyone with questions can call Jas. W. Glover Ltd. at 479-7782 or Wynne Ushigome with the Department of Public Works at 241-4995.