Owner of plane in fatal crash: No issues when rented ADVERTISING Owner of plane in fatal crash: No issues when rented HONOLULU (AP) — The owner of a small plane in a deadly crash says there were no mechanical issues
Owner of plane in fatal crash: No issues when rented
HONOLULU (AP) — The owner of a small plane in a deadly crash says there were no mechanical issues when he rented it to the pilot.
Aircraft Maintenance and Flight School Hawaii owner Jahn Mueller said Monday the single-engine plane had an alternator issue when he rented it to Dean Hutton about three weeks ago. He says the alternator was fixed when Hutton rented the same plane Friday.
Federal investigators haven’t determined what caused the plane to crash in an inaccessible mountainous area on Oahu. Hutton and his three passengers died in the crash.
Invasive algae posing threat to Molokai shore
WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Three invasive algae species could overtake Molokai’s south shore if action is not taken to stop it, officials said.
A group of scientists and volunteers conducted a survey along more than 30 miles and 4 sq. miles of the island’s south shore to measure and map the invasive species present.
They found prickly seaweed covered 45 percent of the area surveyed. Gorilla ogo was found in 21 percent of the space, and hookweed in 10 percent.
Experts think the invasive algae species came to Hawaii via U.S. warships and a fuel barge. The gorilla ogo was introduced to Hawaii for aquaculture research and to produce agar, which is used in cooking, for economic purposes.
The invasive algae are harmful to the natural environment and threaten marine industries, according to experts.
Molokai’s invasive algae situation is not much different than other places in Hawaii, but it could get worse if nothing is done, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The algae on Molokai appears to be growing at a faster rate and are posing a greater threat to the coastline.
The Nature Conservancy offered to lend the community a super sucker that would pull the algae into a small pontoon barge. Community members also are considering using biochar and composting to kill algae spores.
Organizers hope to start removal efforts next summer.
Guam professor found guilty of sexual conduct
HAGATNA, Guam (AP) — A University of Guam professor was convicted of one count of criminal sexual conduct after several female students said he touched them inappropriately at a beach.
Professor Michael Ehlert, 56, also was found guilty of one count of attempted criminal sexual conduct and acquitted of another count of criminal sexual conduct. He faces up to eight years in prison for each conviction.
The three female University of Guam students who accused Ehlert said they attended a party in 2014 at his house.
The partygoers later went swimming at a nearby beach, according to witnesses. The students claimed Ehlert reached into their bikinis and touched them inappropriately.
Ehlert denies any sexual touching occurred. He is under house arrest until his sentencing Oct. 4.
