From The Maui News:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration head Kathryn Sullivan, who was also the first American woman to walk in space, made more than a dozen site visits in Hawaii last week but said Thursday that being able to see humpback whales off Maui‘s shores up close was “one of the standout and fondest memories” of her trip. Read more.

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

After 11 months at KHS, dog finally adopted

Maui government site hours altered for holidays

Island School alum to teach at Oxford University

New lease for astronomy facilities could be years off

Molokai hospital celebrates 50 years

Lights stay on after the parade in Waimea

DOW announces meeting on well project

Maui fireworks permit sales begin today

Waimea park clears hurdle

Businessman in Paia faces fines, closures

Photo: Humpbacks. (National Marine Sanctuaries)

—Chad Blair