Hawaii
Warning for public with Hawaiian monk seal pupping season underway
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.
MANITOWOC (WLUK) — A 200-foot Manitowoc-built crane is on its way to a Navy Base in Hawaii.
Big Blue P-82 sailed out of the Manitowoc Harbor Friday morning to Navy Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on the island of Oahu.
Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels posted a bon voyage post to social media, reading in part:
Pearl Harbor is where America’s involvement in World War II began — a moment that changed the course of history. And it is altogether fitting that Big Blue now heads to that very place, because Manitowoc played a defining role in that same war effort. Right here on the same peninsula where Big Blue was built, the people of Manitowoc constructed 28 submarines that helped secure victory and defend freedom around the world. That legacy of ingenuity, patriotism, and hard work is still alive today. The men and women of this community continue to build big things — important things — that support our nation and strengthen our future. Their skill and dedication are part of a story that spans generations. We’re proud of Big Blue, proud of those who built it, and proud of Manitowoc’s enduring place in American history. Safe travels, Big Blue; from a city that helped win a war to the harbor where it began, we wish you fair winds and following seas
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The crane will make the 7,600 to 7,800 nautical mile journey from the Manitowoc Harbor through the St. Lawrence Seaway, down the East Coast of the U.S. before going through the Panama Canal to the island of Oahu.
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The East Hawaii community is invited to join state Rep. Chris Todd for a town hall focused on a recap of the 2026 legislative session and important updates impacting Hawaii Island residents.
Todd represents House District 3 (portion of Hilo, Keaukaha, Orchidland Estates, Ainaloa, Hawaiian Acres, Fern Acres, portions of Kurtistown and Keaau).
Community members will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and engage in discussions about legislative priorities and local issues.
The town hall is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, at the Keaukaha Elementary School Cafeteria, 240 Desha Ave. in Hilo
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