HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture is warning the public to be careful when attending fairs or other events where there are pigs.
The department says that in light of a recent Maui confirmation of the H3N2v virus of a person who had close contact with swine, people should take proper hygiene precautions.
The department’s recommendations are for events such as farm fairs, livestock shows and school agriculture programs.
There have been similar warnings after larger outbreaks in other states including Indiana and Ohio.
Those who have chronic medical conditions, those who are pregnant, children under the age of 5 and adults older than 65 should avoid exposure to pigs.
For those who come into contact with swine, they should wash their hands before and after contact.
Hawaii canine unit recognized by U.S. Postal Service
HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii canine unit has received federal recognition for working to help sniff out illegal controlled substances sent through the mail.
The state Department of Public Safety says the two sheriff deputies and their deputy sheriff canines were recognized by the U.S. Postal Service for their work in a national operation earlier this year.
Deputy Sheriff Randall Silva and his dog Zorro, along with Deputy Sheriff Patrick Lewis and his dog Rico, were part of a team that screened more than 170,000 parcels into Hawaii and Guam, resulting in 36 arrests. They also recovered more than $726,000 in cash.
Maui police seek driver in fatal hit-and-run crash
WAIEHU, Hawaii (AP) — Maui police are looking for the hit-and-run driver in a crash that killed a 31-year-old woman.
Police say Brandy Ann Mendes was found lying along the northbound shoulder of Kahekili Highway in Waiehu early Friday. Police say she was walking on the road when a vehicle struck her and fled the scene.
The vehicle is believed to be a dark, metallic red 1997 to 2002 Chevrolet or GMC truck or sport utility vehicle. The vehicle will have front-end damage and is believed to have a damaged or missing passenger’s side headlight.
This is Maui County’s 17th fatality this year, compared to nine for the same time last year.
Navy recovers anchor lost during Oahu exercises
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The Navy has revealed that more than 8,000 pounds of anchor, chain and heavy rope went crashing into the seafloor near the Pearl Harbor entrance during recent Rim of the Pacific exercises.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday the Navy says one of the mooring lines holding the anchor parted when the line was cut due to chafing.
Officials say no coral was damaged when the Military Sealift Command ship USNS Navajo lost its anchor during training on July 28. Navy Region Hawaii says it’s unusual for a Navy ship to lose an anchor.
Divers helped the Navajo haul up the chain and anchor.
