From the Hawaii Tribune-Herald:

Scientists say they are months away from finishing a report that could help determine whether green sea turtles in the state retain their threatened status.

In response to a petition, federal researchers last year began compiling data to see if Hawaii’s honu deserves to be considered its own population group, known officially as a discrete population segment, separate from their relatives elsewhere in the Pacific.

If given that distinction, scientists would have to look only at the health of the turtle population in the state when deciding if they deserve protection.

Kyle Van Houtan, a research ecologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service who sits on the panels studying the issue, said the report could be done as early as summer, though the decision to classify the turtles as its own population would have to be made by other officials. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Kilauea votes no to location of cell phone tower

Ruderman questions Christie’s treatment

Man gets 5 years of prison for sex assault of minor

Big Isle councilors eye tech upgrades

Employee raises an unknown in  Maui budget

Blocked sewer line causes sewage spill in Hanamaulu

Mauians aiming to make mark at Merrie Monarch

Data from Subaru telescope, Keck Observatory, on two galaxies

Lahainaluna seeks new leadership for PTSA board

Community input sought on proposed KWIB plan

Photo courtesy fredsharples.

—Chad Blair