Eric Liaw, 17, of Punahou School is the first Hawaii student and one of 20 semi-finalists in the national Biology Olympiad. He will attend a residential training program to learn advanced biological concepts and lab skills at a major research university.

Liaw and his and teammates will also represent Hawaii for the Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. ,this summer.

Two University of Hawaii-Manoa journalism students, Casey Chin and Meghan Lopez, won a national award of $10,000 in the sixth annual Fox News Channel College Challenge for their news video on native Hawaiian independence and the Akaka Bill.

An additional $10,000 was awarded to support student journalism programs at UH-Manoa.

Hoakalei Country Club raised $80,000 in its inaugural Els Hoakalei Cup charity tournament. Proceeds will benefit four national and local organizations, including Autism Speaks; Beautiful Son Foundation; the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii and Campbell High School.