UH: Researchers use AI, Hawaiian chant in effort to save native birds

West Maui residents can dispose of recyclable bulky items at a Go Green Recycling event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Lahaina Civic Center.

Maverick Helicopters made a heartwarming toy drop for local children of Lahaina in need on Saturday. With toys collected through Maverick Helicopters’ Holiday Toy Drive, Santa made an unforgettable arrival by helicopter to the Old Village Golf Course, delivering gifts and spreading the holiday spirit with the help of the Ritz Carlton Kapalua Resort, Hawaiʻi Visitors and Convention Bureau and Junior Chamber International Honolulu Chapter. 

The public is invited to be part of the effort to support Lahaina’s ‘ohana this holiday season by volunteering for the Lahaina Clean-Up Kōkua on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Organized by All Hands And Hearts and the Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group, this event brings the community together to clear ineligible debris from fire-damaged properties, helping families prepare to rebuild their homes and lives.

Lahaina Cannery and Lahaina Gateway, West Maui’s premier shopping destinations, are welcoming a group of new tenants for the holidays – businesses that have been adversely affected by the wildfires and have been shuttered for nearly a year and a half.

The Rotary Club of Northbrook, Illinois, extended a heartfelt proposal to the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, aiming to bring joy to children affected by the Lahaina fires this Christmas season.

Lights at the Hāna Ball Park tennis and basketball courts are temporarily out of service until further notice, according to an announcement by the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation.

The word mākia was selected as the 2024 Huaʻōlelo (Word) of the Year by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language (KHʻUOK). The word, meaning “aim, motto, or purpose,” inspires resilience in these transformative times, and a serves as a powerful reminder to move forward with intention and clarity.

The Hawaiʻi State Junior Golf Association | First Tee – Hawaiʻi (HSJGA|FTH) conducted the 2024 Tour Championship at Wailea Emerald Golf Course this weekend Dec. 7-8. This event was 36 holes and by invitation only. A total of 57 junior golfers from across the state teed up in the event. This tournament was the final event that awards points to the season race to the coveted HSJGA | FTH Player of the year.

This past year, Hart has worked with Google, to develop a new algorithm, “Perch,” designed specifically for recognizing Hawaiian bird songs. With this new technology Perch can identify the unique sounds of Hawaiian birds with limited data, allowing Hart and his team to accurately estimate bird numbers across large areas.  In a parallel effort, Hart is collaborating with ʻĀhuimanu, a group dedicated to native bird conservation, to create a special oli (chant) that uplifts Hawaiian birds.

A Maui coalition of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center has departed to Washington D.C. where they will demand that Congress release disaster recovery funds for Lahaina. 

The three-day 2024 Kaapuni Invitational basketball tournament sponsored by Maui Toyota concluded on Saturday. Results from each day are posted here.

ʻUlupalakua Ranch reminds community members to mark their calendars for a day filled with ono food, photos with Santa and holiday shopping among local vendors at its Christmas in the Country festival, a full day of festivities on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Lahaina Cannery and Lahaina Gateway, West Maui’s premier shopping destinations, are welcoming a group of new tenants for the holidays – businesses that have been adversely affected by the wildfires and have been shuttered for nearly a year and a half.

Central Pacific Bank has hired Larry Panzeri as the new branch manager of its Kīhei branch. 

Applications are now open for a state-funded program empowering Hawai‘i-based entrepreneurs to develop their food products from concept to business plan and pitch, providing tools to grow and scale their businesses.

BIA Hawaiʻi has announced the 2025 Officers and Directors who will lead the association and the industry in the coming year. These industry executives hail from various sectors within the building and construction industry, including associate members whose products and services support builders, developers, and specialty contractors. 

The word mākia was selected as the 2024 Huaʻōlelo (Word) of the Year by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language (KHʻUOK).

The agreement is the first in Hawaiʻi between an academic institution, Commander, Navy Region Hawaiʻi and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

The department’s choice acknowledges the complex nature of what lies ahead, a press release from the university's English Department states.

According to a press release from Kaua‘i County, the closures have been extended through Dec. 31.

Fairly dry conditions continue through much of the week as trade winds steadily strengthen into the breezy to strong range by Wednesday and Thursday. Wind...

The word mākia was selected as the 2024 Huaʻōlelo (Word) of the Year by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language (KHʻUOK).

Many of Hawaiʻi’s forest birds are facing extinction, and UH Hilo biology professor Patrick Hart is employing a mix of high-tech tools and Native Hawaiian traditions to support their remaining populations.

There are several upcoming festive events scheduled this week at island venues in celebration of the Yuletide season. Check out our top 10 things to do now!

Fairly dry conditions continue through much of the week as trade winds steadily strengthen to strong speeds by Wednesday and Thursday. Wind speeds will then...

Surf along north and west-facing shores continues to sharply increase this afternoon as a north-northwest swell builds down the island chain. This swell&#44...