University of Hawaii at Hilo Chancellor Don Straney is leaving his position Aug. 1 for a new job as UH’s vice president of academic planning and policy.

That will make him one of seven vice presidents under UH President David Lassner, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports. Straney is replacing Risa Dickson.

A national search for Straney’s replacement will begin immediately, the university said last week. During the transition, Marcia Sakai, UH-Hilo’s vice chancellor for administration, will serve as interim.

“My seven years in Hilo have been a tremendous learning experience that has touched me deeply,” Straney, 65, said in an email. “I am grateful for the support of the community as we worked together to improve the quality of life through higher education. The lessons I have learned will last me the rest of my life. And although I will be leaving Hilo, Hilo will never leave me.”

Straney, who came to UH-Hilo in 2010 from California, leaves behind a campus working to reverse declining enrollment.

Kauai

Enclosure keeps young stilt safe

A Hawaiian stilt is the first occupant of a new waterbird enclosure at the Save Our Shearwaters (SOS) rehabilitation center.

The 12-by-6-by-8-foot cage was built to house Kauai’s sick, injured or baby native waterbirds during their final stages of recovery, the Garden Island reports.

The cage allows the birds to fly short distances and has a pool for swimming and bathing. Some greenery has been added for atmosphere.

The $2,300 cage was paid for by the Kilauea Point Natural History Association. SOS often rehabilitates waterbirds from the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.

The stilt arrived as a newborn.

“We got him when he was tiny, tiny — just a couple of days old,” said Tracy Anderson, coordinator for SOS. “Now he needs an outdoor space away from things.”