Hilo

Rare tropical permafrost near Mauna Kea's summit is diminishing, with frozen soil patches showing signs of shrinking over time, according to researchers, who suggest there is no lasting way to prevent it from melting.

“Nobody knows how old it is. We do know that it’s disappearing.”

The total amount of rain, measured in feet, soared to historic levels: Over four feet or 52.02 inches were measured on Mountain View, about 15 miles southwest of Hilo.

The parasite that causes rat lungworm disease is now endemic in the southeastern United States, and it’s expected to spread northward.