Manta rays’ fins damaged, hui reports

WAILUKU » A Maui research and conservation group says 10 percent of the more than 300 manta rays in the ocean south of Lahaina have amputated or badly damaged fins.

The Hawaii Association for Marine Education and Research says the manta rays become injured when they get caught in fishing lines.

The Maui News reported Tuesday the Lahaina-based nonprofit is trying to raise money to buy acoustic and satellite tags to track manta rays and create a protection plan. The tags will provide information on feeding grounds and pupping areas. This will help researchers determine where the fish are getting entangled.

Handguns taken during burglary of store in Kona

Hawaii island police are seeking information about the DecemKona hunting store in which 15 handguns were stolen.

Police responded to a call Dec. 18 in the Kaloko Industrial Park.

Police said someone broke into Blue Water Hunter and stole 15 handguns and damaged two others. The 17 guns were valued at a total of $8,600.

Police ask anyone with information to call the police nonemergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, ext. 262, or ssmith@co.hawaii.hi.us. Anonymous tips may be made to Crime­Stop­pers at 961-8300.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the National Shooting Sports Foundation announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the theft.