Boaters are warned about whales

Recreational and commercial boaters should be extra-cautious during humpback whale season by posting whale lookouts, staying at the helm and maintaining a slow and safe speed, the state land department emphasized yesterday.

Whale migration season is at its peak until March, and the state has closed several areas to protect the whales.

In November, migrating humpback whales began returning to Hawaii waters from Alaska to birth calves. As many as 10,000 whales visit Hawaii waters each season.

Humpback whales are protected under federal law and the rules of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which includes areas adjacent to the main Hawaiian islands. Mariners may not come within 100 yards of any humpback whale within 200 miles from shore.

To report a marine mammal in trouble, call the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's hot line at (888) 256-9840. To report violations, call NOAA's office of law enforcement hot line at (800) 853-1964 or the state land department's enforcement division at 643-356.

Visit http://www.hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/explore/safe_boating.html for more information and guidelines for ocean users during humpback whale season.

Planetarium doubles show runs

A popular stargazing program at Bishop Museum is now running twice a month to compensate for higher demand, the museum has announced.

Starting tomorrow, “;The Sky Tonight”; will be held on the first and third Fridays of each month at 8 p.m. For the past several years, the museum offered the planetarium show only on first Fridays.

“;The Sky Tonight”; is an hourlong, live tour of the current night sky, held in the Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum. The audience gets an overview of the planets, stars and astronomical events for the month. They can also look through a 12.5-inch telescope.

Museum Director of Education Mike Shanahan said the program has sold out every show since last summer.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 848-4168. Admission is $6 for general admission and $4 for children ages 4 to 12. Bishop Museum and Hawaiian Astronomical Society members get in free.

Maui dental program gets grant

The Lifeguard Charitable Fund is giving $5,000 to Maui Community College to buy digital X-ray equipment for the Maui Oral Health Center's Mobil Dental Van, the college said in a news release.

The Maui Oral Health Center, which opened in 2002, provides general dental care, nutrition counseling and health screenings for low-income families. It also serves as a classroom for Maui Community College students enrolled in the dental assisting program.

The program also uses the Mobile Care Dental Van to reach low-income families on Maui.

“;There is a strong correlation between overall health and dental health,”; said Lifeguard Charitable Fund President Mark Hyde in the news release. “;The Maui Oral Health Center provides critical oral health services to people in need while providing training for MCC students pursuing a career in the dental profession.”;