Hawaiian island in the Pacific, part of the eight-major-archipelago, facing storms and climate impacts
A roundup of recent studies and local efforts shows community-managed fishing areas and wildlife monitoring are shaping marine wildlife conservation. New methods reveal deeper whale shark behaviours and ongoing challenges from climate change and fishing practices, while regional initiatives seek to protect vulnerable species.
Tropical Storm Lala has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane and has lashed Hawaii’s Big Island with heavy rain and strong winds, causing at least one death, widespread power outages and property damage. A second system, Moke, has formed south of the islands with tropical-storm‑strength winds and will bring additional heavy rain.
Hurricane Lala has been upgraded to Category 1 with 75 mph winds. The eyewall could pass near the Big Island’s southern tip this evening, threatening heavy rain and mudslides at high elevations. Officials warn of life-threatening floods, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching Oahu and Kauai by Sunday. Shelters have opened and advisories issued across Maui, Oahu, Kauai and neighboring islands.