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A steady stream of volunteers has helped clean the land of debris and potential fuel for future fires.

Sea level rise, permitting and a push for restoration of a buried historic site and wetlands make it challenging.

New research from University of Hawaii scientists indicates these protected areas are producing significant numbers of exceptionally long or heavy fish.

Dropping out of the federal program has not hampered efforts to protect the islands’ marine species, including monk seals, state and federal agents say.

Since the 2005 ban took effect, EPA says more than 3,862 cesspools in Hawaii have been closed.

A draft environmental impact statement remains open for public comment through Aug. 7.

The ruling likely will result in the estimated 400,000 tons of fire debris and ash staying much longer than expected in the temporary dump site at Olowalu.

Money to manage feral chickens and educate the public are among the items zeroed out of the budget. Millions of dollars have been cut from other programs for pest management.

The county is compiling public input to help prioritize fire recovery projects and programs for disaster funding.

The proposed deal with the state follows extensive native bee habitat destruction and the killing of a nesting albatross at Marconi Point last year.