LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Federal authorities are investigating the death of a Hawaiian monk seal on Kaua'i.

The 4-year-old male seal was removed from a Kaua'i beach last weekend.

David Schofield, marine mammal response coordinator for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said the animal, known as I-19, was alive when spotted as part of a seal count on April 18. But it was found dead the next day.

Hawaiian monk seals are the most endangered seal species in the United States, with fewer than 1,300 remaining.

They are protected under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and state wildlife laws.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is urging anyone with information on the seal's death to call its hot line at 800-853-1964.

$100K PLEDGED TO FAMILY CHARITY GROUP

Child & Family Service has received a pledge of $100,000 from the Schuler Family Foundation toward its capital campaign for the new Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing facility in West O'ahu for children and families experiencing domestic violence.

"The new facility will provide a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and their children as they rebuild their lives for a better tomorrow," said Howard Garval, president and CEO of Child & Family Service.

The facility will begin serving clients in May.

MORE DEAD SEABIRDS FOUND ON MOLOKA'I

WAILUKU, Maui — State workers and conservationists have found 10 more dead wedge-tailed shearwaters at a nesting site on Moloka'i.

The discovery Thursday came just a day after they found 50 of the seabirds had been killed by a dog at the Mo'omomi Beach Preserve.

Pets are not allowed in the preserve.

State wildlife biologist Fern Duvall has called on residents to adhere to that rule and keep their pets out.