Garter snake found in Hawaii island condo

A family staying in a Kona vacation condo found a 16-inch-long snake in the unit on Tuesday after they unpacked following their arrival earlier in the evening.

The black, orange and yellow reptile was identified as a garter snake.

Authorities speculated that the snake may have hitchhiked a ride on or in the family’s luggage.

The family turned the snake in to condo security guards. The snake spent the night at the Hilo Plant Quarantine Office and then was flown to Honolulu. It will be kept for educational purposes until it can be shipped out of the state, the Agriculture Department said in a news release.

Garter snakes are native to North America and Central America. Their diet consists of small prey, such as lizards, worms, insects and amphibians. Snakes are illegal in Hawaii and could pose a threat to native species.

Independence Day might get cloudy

Expect a warm Fourth of July with the chance of afternoon cloudiness in Honolulu.

But the clouds should clear in the evening over Honolulu when the Independence Day fireworks go off. Kailua may still see some cloudiness and the chance of the usual windward showers, forecasters say.

The forecast calls for a moderate swell to arrive today with 3- to 5-foot faces on south shores.

The remnants of what was once Hurricane Cosme have moved northeast of the islands and, starting late today, are expected to cut off the tradewinds through the weekend.

Forecasters expect the chance of afternoon showers in leeward and interior sections of the islands as sea breezes and afternoon heating generate potential rain clouds.

The tradewinds should return early next week.

Body found in Lihue field is identified

Kauai police recovered the body of a 37-year-old man Tuesday morning in a vacant lot along Ahukini Road in Lihue.

The man has been identified as Lancelot Johnson.

Johnson is believed to have been homeless and living in the grassy area where his body was found near the cane haul road next to Walmart, police said. His body was found by a field worker of the company that leases the property.

The man’s death remains under police investigation, but police do not suspect foul play.

An autopsy is scheduled for early next week.

Vehicle gives Maui police added force

The Maui County Police Department has acquired a Lenco “Bearcat” armored vehicle that will provide the Special Response Team with protection and tactical capabilities during high-risk operations, Mayor Alan Arakawa and Police Chief Gary Yabuta said Tuesday.

Officials said the Bearcat can stop a .50-caliber bullet and is maneuverable.

“This vehicle will help ensure the safety of our officers and the citizens of Maui County,” Arakawa said.

“I would like to thank the County Council for their support in acquiring this equipment, and the officers of the SRT who put their lives on the line for the sake of our community each day.”

Police Chief Gary Yabuta noted that the vehicle is the latest of its kind in the state, and will provide a critical element of safety during operations that would have previously put officers in harm’s way.