HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – It’s officially Hawaiian monk seal pupping season and officials are warning the public to keep their distance.

The number of endangered monk seals born in the Hawaiian Islands is growing: 34 pups were born in 2024 and three have already been born this year, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

After giving birth, monk seal mothers nurse and take care of their pups for five to seven weeks. During this time, nursing moms can be very protective and may react aggressively to anyone who gets too close, officials said.

When seals are born at highly visible and popular beaches, the chances of someone getting hurt increase dramatically.

After nursing, mother seals abruptly leave their pups. As pups fend for themselves, it is important that they are not conditioned to human interaction, officials said.

“Monk seals give birth year-round, but March through August is when we see the majority of these adorable, and endangered, pups make their debut,” said Brian Neilson, administrator of the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources.

Officials said the public should:

• Give mothers with pups at least 150 feet of space on land and in the water.
• Keep dogs leashed any time you’re at the beach.
• Report all seal sightings to the statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: 888-256-9840.

Hawaiian monk seals are native to Hawaii and are protected by state and federal laws.

If you see temporary fences and signs erected around a mom and her pup, you can safely observe them behind them.

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said that the high fountain phase of “episode 16” had begun as of 10:24 a.m., about 12 hours after the start of the eruption.

Fountaining from the south vent rapidly increased to over 200 feet high by 10:40 a.m., HVO said, and exceeded 700 feet by 10:50 a.m. HST. Low dome fountaining and overflows, meanwhile, continue from the north vent.

Hawaii County Civil Defense, meanwhile, is warning of tephra falling onto Highway 11, or Hawaii Belt Road, in the Kau District between mile markers 35 and 37.

“If you are in this area, please do not stop, do not get out of your vehicle, and keep your window fully rolled up,” said Civil Defense in an alert. “There are no road closures at this time. However, road closures could occur without notice.”

Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said “episode 16” of the ongoing eruption began at 10:57 p.m. on Monday, with lava overflowing from the north vent.

Vog information is available at vog.ivhhn.org.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A California woman who died from injuries she suffered while hiking on Kauai last month has been identified.

According to the Kauai Fire Department, the woman was hiking Makaleha Falls Trail in Kapaa on Sunday, March 23, when she was hit on the head by a falling rock.

First responders said they found her unconscious at the base of the falls, with labored breathing and heavy bleeding from an apparent head wound.

She was airlifted to Wilcox Memorial Hospital and then to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.

Loved ones identified her as Gianna Buzzetta, and said she died on March 24. The 26-year-old had worked as a pastry chef in Carlsbad.

According to her family, Buzzetta was hiking with her boyfriend, who ran to get help.

A fundraiser has been set up here to help with medical and funeral expenses.

Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.