Scientists have determined that the death of a spinner dolphin found off Hawaii island last year was caused by a parasite-borne disease that has threatened Hawaii’s monk seal population.
The death is the first documented case of toxoplasmosis killing a spinner dolphin in more than 25 years. Toxoplasmosa gondii is a parasite primarily spread by cat feces, Hawaii News Now reported.
Kristi West, associate professor of biology at Hawaii Pacific University and the director of the state’s marine stranding program, said the recent lab results are a concern for Hawaii conservationists. West and her team are responsible for determining the cause of death for all whales and dolphins that die in Hawaii waters.
She said her lab will conduct further testing of dead spinner dolphins that were never tested for toxoplasmosis to see if the disease poses a larger threat to the animals.
“It’s really concerning for us,” West said. “Is this a population threat to spinner dolphins like it is for Hawaiian monk seals?”
Toxoplasmosa gondii is common in both feral and household cats in Hawaii.
“The vector is really cat feces that get into the watershed, and it’s very persistent,” West said.
Moiliili store’s quip board is back up
The message board above the Hawaiian Rent-All store in Moiliili is no longer at a loss for words.
The sign, a beloved landmark at the corner of McCully and South Beretania streets, has been amusing drivers and passersby for nearly 50 years.
Original owner Gordon W.S. Loui began posting humorous and topical messages on the board in 1968 as a means of free advertising.
He sold the business and retired, but the messages continued.
Strong winds in March blew the face off the message board, leaving the new owners speechless.
The sign was finally replaced last week.
Its first message: “LOADING … ”
Hilo, Lihue break records for heat
The high temperature in Hilo Saturday set a record for the date, the National Weather Service said.
The mercury reached 87 degrees, breaking the old record of 86 set in 1997. The weather service credited mostly sunny skies and a southeast wind.
On Friday, the high temperature at Lihue Airport hit 89 degrees, shattering the old record of 85 set in 1982.
The temperature is also the highest recorded for the month of May on Kauai. The previous monthly record in Lihue was 88 degrees, set in 1967 and tied in 1981.
Forecasters said sunny skies and warm southwest winds contributed to the hot conditions on the Garden Island.
A cold front that passed over Oahu and Kauai Friday night stalled near Maui, bringing a greater chance of showers for windward Maui. The front could also bring some showers to the Big Island.
Meanwhile, a high surf advisory for south shores of all islands has been extended through 6 p.m. today.
Forecasters expect waves of 5 to 8 feet. The breaking waves and strong currents could make swimming dangerous, the weather service said.
Statue suspect opts for a trial
HILO >> A man will go to trial Monday in the case of a 6-foot spear section severed from the Kamehameha the Great statue in Hilo.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports William Roy Carroll III rejected a plea deal in court last week that would have made him eligible to have the charges removed from his record after he completed probation without violations.
Carroll told Judge Glenn Hara that he wanted to go to trial.
Charges against Carroll include criminal property damage and theft.
He is in custody on $11,000 bail.
