The search for a missing maile picker on the Big Island ended on a happy note yesterday when the 50-year-old man was able to contact Hawai'i County Fire Department personnel by cell phone and direct them to him.

The man was brought out by helicopter at 3:15 p.m., fire Capt. James Kuniyoshi said. The man was examined but refused further treatment or transport to Hilo Medical Center, officials said.

Officials said the man was located in the 'Ola'a Forest Reserve between Army and Ihope roads.

Rescue specialists who suspended a search for the man due to darkness Sunday returned yesterday at 6:41 a.m. to resume the search.

HANAUMA BAY VICTIM IDENTIFIED

An autopsy by the Honolulu medical examiner's office determined that a Navy man pulled from the water Wednesday at Hanauma Bay died of asphyxia due to an accidental drowning.

The victim was identified yesterday as Jose Peguero, 32, who served on the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship homeported in San Diego.

MONK SEAL PUP IMPROVING

The abandoned baby monk seal being cared for by scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration station at Kewalo Basin is improving, but not gaining weight, an officials said yesterday.

"The pup was bright and active throughout the weekend and is tolerating the switch to formula well," said Wende Goo, NOAA spokeswoman.

The seal pup was found May 2 on a beach in a remote area of Kaua'i's north shore. A team arrived and found the pup alone. A male and female monk seal joined the pup but attempts to get the female to accept the pup were unsuccessful.

The monk seal looks more hydrated and his body condition has improved, scientists said.

The pup is being kept in quarantine at the Marine Mammal Center at Kewalo Basin, fed formula with a tube and allowed to exercise in a shallow pool. It was 32 1/2 pounds when it was rescued.

GARDEN AWARDS SEEK NOMINATIONS

Nominations are being sought for a contest that honors the best gardens and landscapes in Hawai'i.

The annual Betty Crocker Landscape Awards seeks to identify the best private and professional landscaping projects, including residential yards, throughout the state. Award categories include individuals, professionals, volunteers and xeriscapers.

Nominations, which should include a brief description of the project and supporting pictures, can be sent to Scenic Hawaii, P.O. Box 10501, Honolulu, HI 96816; or e-mailed to bettycrockerawards@gmail.com.

The nominating deadline is Thursday.

DRUNKEN DRIVER TO BE SENTENCED

A Maryland man who pleaded no contest to first-degree negligent injury last week will be sentenced July 14 by Circuit Judge Derrick H.M. Chan.

The charge against Anthony Charles Ambrosi Jr., 47, stems from a May 2007 collision in which the Harley-Davidson motorcycle he was operating struck a parked vehicle, causing serious injury to his female passenger.

Ambrosi's blood alcohol level was 0.18, more than double the legal limit of 0.08.

Ambrosi could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and/or fined $10,000. He entered his no-contest plea Thursday.