Hikers airlifted from Iao Valley
Two hikers were airlifted from the Olowalu side of Iao Valley on Sunday morning after spending Saturday night on the ridge.
The men, ages 23 and 25, were reported overdue by a friend at about 9 a.m. Sunday and were transported to a landing zone in Iao Valley State Park at 10:44 a.m., according to Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga. They did not require medical attention.
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Coral reef initiative topic of meetings
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold public meetings Wednesday and Nov. 14 to inform Maui farmers, ranchers and foresters about funding opportunities to install conservation practices that benefit a local coral reef initiative.
The department's Natural Resources Conservation Service will announce a special sign-up for funds at the meetings to support the West Maui Coral Reef Initiative.
Partnering with farmers for the initiative helps improve water quality and coral reef health by increasing stewardship practices that reduce and prevent sediment and nutrient runoff, according to a press release.
The initiative area covers Lahaina, Kahakuloa, Waihee, Wailuku, Waikapu and Maalaea.
Wednesday's meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Waihee School in Wailuku. The Nov. 14 meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Lahaina.
For more information, call the Kahului field office at 871-5500 or visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov.
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High-surf advisory in place today
The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory for the north-facing shores of Maui and the north- and west-facing shores of Molokai through 6 p.m. today.
Breaking waves are expected to reach 12 to 18 feet on north-facing shores and 10 to 12 feet on west-facing shores, the National Weather Service reported. Surf heights are estimates of the faces, or fronts, of waves.
People are urged to stay out of the water and away from the shore break, due to hazardous wave action and strong rip currents.
For more information, call (866) 944-5025 or go online to www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.
