Rescue crews this morning will resume the search for a diver reported missing off Waikiki yesterday afternoon.

Fire department Capt. Frank Johnson said the search was suspended at nightfall. Personnel had been searching off the Hale Koa Hotel for a free diver who was reported missing at 3:40 p.m.

The missing man was one of five people who went diving from a private boat yesterday. Four people returned to the boat and reported the missing diver.

"We were told he was about two miles offshore," Johnson said.

Rescue divers, city Ocean Safety personnel, the fire department and police department helicopters, the Coast Guard and employees of Atlantis Submarines participated in the search.

Ocean Safety personnel also ferried divers to the search area, emergency services spokesman Bryan Cheplic said.

WHALE CARCASS TO STAY PUT FOR NOW

There are no plans now to remove a whale carcass that has been moldering on a lava reef near Kahuku Point, an official said yesterday.

The 35-foot sperm whale carcass, which weighs in at eight to 10 tons, washed ashore at Kahuku last week, said David Schofield, marine mammal response coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Pacific Region.

Schofield said if the dead whale were towed out to sea it would attract a great number of sharks.

"Also, pieces of the carcass might drift to Turtle Bay and draw sharks there," he said. "Right now it's still intact and that's why we don't want to tow it."

The carcass is one mile east off Kahuku Point, he said. It is on a lava-rock beach which would make it difficult to remove. Warning signs are posted because the carcass can attract sharks and contaminate the waters.

"We're in a watch-and-wait mode right now," Schofield said.

UH PRESIDENT GETS GLOWING REVIEW

University of Hawai'i President David McClain received a rating of "outstanding" on the UH Board of Regents' annual evaluation for the academic year ending June 30.

Outstanding is the highest category in UH's performance evaluation, board chairman Allan Landon said.

The university's overall progress during the recently concluded fiscal year was the focus of the evaluation.

McClain's accomplishments include accreditation of all campuses and managing the financial resources and costs of the university, a news release said.

His leadership and quick response to the school's challenges, such as a plan to address deferred facilities maintenance, impressed the regents, the UH release said.

McClain also impressed with quick selection of the new leadership of UH-Manoa athletics.

The release said the regents felt McClain demonstrated several strengths that have been key to his success, including even-handedness and community engagement, which have been key to his success in guiding the university.

McClain was appointed president of the 10-campus UH system in March 2006; he has served as the system's chief executive officer since June 2004.

DONATE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR KIDS

The Christmas Wish Program is asking the community to help with money and school supplies for homeless children on the Wai'anae Coast as they prepare to return to school this fall.

Volunteers will be out with signs and collection nets on the corner of Queen Street and Ward Avenue today from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Big Island-based organization is still short on volunteers for today and is asking those interested in helping to call 982-8128 or 987-6018.

For more information, go to www.christmaswishprogram.org.