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NEWS
FLASH - BREAKING NEWS FROM MAUI COUNTY
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| NEW FOR 2010: Maui TV News Breaking News stories are now being archived. Each month (or more frequently if needed) we will save an archive of all the Breaking News stories covered to date on this page. And you can use the search box in the upper right corner of this page to locate a specific story or topic. Now available:
Aloha! it's ~ March
30 - April 16, 2010 NEWS FLASH - April 16, 2010 2:10 p.m. HST Parents' Groups Suggest Plan to Eliminate Furlough Days Two grassroots parents organizations today released their own plan to reduce Hawaii's public school furloughs, saying it represents a compromise between Gov. Linda Lingle's plan and a supplemental agreement already reached between the state Board of Education and teachers' union. The plan would eliminate 15 of the remaining 21 furlough days through a combination of money from the Hurricane Relief Fund or other emergency funds and teachers giving up planning days. Nine days would be eliminated at a cost of $55 million. That figure is based on the $6.1 million a day it costs to run the school system with all employees and operating expenses such as electricity, water and bus transportation. In addition, teachers would give up six planning days, as they've already voted to do under the current supplemental agreement between the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the BOE. Six furlough days would be left under the plan developed by Save Our Schools Hawaii and Hawaii Education Matters, which would eliminate all scheduled furlough days up to March 21, 2011. The parents say they hope lawmakers and the next elected governor will resolve the remaining days. "Given what the governor and others have put on the table and said they are willing to do, this is what we have come up with. We are very hopeful and believe it is a workable solution," said Lois Yamauchi, with SOS Hawaii, whose children attend Manoa Elementary and University Laboratory School. State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi reiterated that the BOE and HSTA already have come to a legally binding, $92 million supplemental agreement to deal with furloughs. He said he was pleased to see that the parents used the $6.1 million figure in their per-day calculations to run to the school system because it represents bringing all employees back to work. "It is an endorsement of the proposal we already have with the teachers," Toguchi said. "It's not a plan that I can take to the HSTA and say, 'Let's work out a new deal.'" He said the plan essentially would amount to funding only part of the supplemental agreement with the teachers' union, which might be possible. "Because it's only partial funding, we would have to go back to the union," he said. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 16, 2010 1:50 p.m. HST Central Maui Landfill To Accept Scarp Metal - Starting on Earth Day KAHULUI - The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division announced today that beginning Earth Day, April 22, 2010, the recycling of small-sized, residential scrap metals will be allowed at the Central Maui Landfill Recycling Center. No commercial scrap metal will be accepted. Metal recycling will be available during daily landfill hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Residents should separate their metal loads from all other waste/recycling. Metal items that will be accepted include: roofing, gutters, tubs, sinks, faucets, pipes, metal lawn furniture, blinds and fencing. Other items that will be accepted include: bicycles (rubber tires must be removed), push mowers (all fluid must be removed), cable and electric wires, small electric appliances, microwaves, hand tools (batteries must be removed), satellite dishes, solar panels and motor parts (all fluid must be removed). Items
that will not be accepted in the metal recycling bin include: Residents are encouraged to continue recycling their larger metal items at the SOS Island Metals Recycling Facility located on Mokulele Highway in the Central Maui Baseyard. The County’s Solid Waste Division designed the Central Maui Landfill with the intention of offering metal recycling to residents and is pleased to begin offering this service. SOS Island Metals Recycling has been awarded the bid for a two-year pilot project, which comes at no cost to the County. The contractor provides the bins and hauling of the scrap metals at no charge, while retaining all profits from the sale of metals collected. Besides the benefit of providing this service to residents, the County benefits by diverting metals from the waste-stream, which helps to reduce future landfill expenses. Commercial customers are encouraged to take their metals directly to permitted processors: SOS Island Metals Recycling and Kitagawa. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - April 16, 2010 10:10 a.m. HST Kamehameha Road Improvements Project to Begin Sunday KAHULUI - The County of Maui Department of Public Works announced that the Kamehameha Avenue Roadway Improvements Project will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2010 and continue through mid-August 2010. The project involves reconstructing Kamehameha Avenue between Puunene Avenue and Hana Highway. The $1.359 million contract was awarded to David P. Ting and Sons, Inc. The work will be performed at night; however, all phases except nine and ten will require detours and daytime closures for safety reasons and to allow the concrete topping to cure. Lane closures will be set up to allow motorists to utilize the affected areas of Kamehameha Avenue, which is expected to allow access to all businesses in the area at all times during the project. Motorists are asked to exercise caution when traveling through the project area. The project will be conducted in multiple phases, with the first phase affecting the east-bound lanes of Kamehameha Avenue between Alamaha and Hoohana. Both lanes will be completely closed for 1-2 weeks; work will then move to the west-bound lanes (Phase two) in the same area requiring those lanes to be closed for 1-2 weeks. The third and fourth phases will affect the west-bound lanes of Kamehameha Avenue from Hoohana to Puunene (including the west-bound lanes of the Hoohana and Kamehameha Avenue intersection); both lanes will be closed for 1-2 weeks. The fifth and sixth phases will affect the east-bound lanes of Kamehameha Avenue from Alamaha to Hana Highway (including the east-bound lanes of the Alamaha and Kamehameha Avenue intersection); both lanes will be closed for 1-2 weeks. Phases seven and eight will affect the east-bound lanes of Kamehameha Avenue from Puunene to Hoohana (including the east-bound lanes of the Hoohana and Kamehameha Avenue intersection); both lanes will be closed for 1-2 weeks. Phases nine and ten will affect the west-bound lanes of Kamehameha Avenue between Hana Highway and Alamaha (including the west-bound lanes of the Alamaha and Kamehameha Avenue intersection). For more information, call the County of Maui Department of Public Works at 270-7745. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - April 16, 2010 8:20 a.m. HST State Doubles PV Installations - Sixth Most in Nation Hawai'i more than doubled the amount of solar power installations that are tied to the electric grid last year, according to data in a new Solar Energy Industries Association report. The review included figures showing 14 megawatts of solar power was installed here last year, or the sixth-highest amount among all states. That compared with the 13 megawatts in place in the state before 2009. The report also cited Energy Information Agency data showing Hawai'i accounted for 5 percent of solar water heater shipments in 2008, the fourth-highest nationally. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 16, 2010 7 a.m. HST High Winds Keep Red Flag Fire Warning Up 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the Red Flag Warning for Leeward areas of Maui and Molokai, until 6:00 p.m. this evening. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create rapid fire growth potential. A Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts. 2. EFFECTS: Strong and gusty northerly winds along with very low humidity values will produce critical fire weather conditions today, especially during the late morning and afternoon hours. 3. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 9:10 p.m. HST Maui's Guerrero, Hanaiali'i Lead Na Hoku Nominations Maui kumu hula Uluwehi Guerrero, who released third album?("Uluwehi Sings Na Mele Hula Aloha") after a nine–year hiatus, garnered seven nominations for this year's Na¨ Ho¨ku¨ Hanohano awards: Male Vocalist, Hawaiian Album, Song of the Year, Favorite Entertainer, Liner Notes, Hawaiian Language Performance and Album of the Year, tthe Hawai'i Academy of Recording Artists announced Thursday. Guerrero's seven nominations are the most of any artist. Amy Hanaiali'i and Na¨ Palapalai are each nominated for five. The 33rd annual event takes place May 30 on the final day of the first Na Hoku O Hawai'i Music Festival. The one-of-a-kind festival will include three days of music workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions and panel discussions in Waikiki. The Na Hokuo Hanohano awards ceremony will again be televised May 30 on KGMB and the red carpet arrivals will be televised on KFVE at 6:30 p.m. This year's Lifetime Achievement honorees include recording artist Ida Keli'i Chun, who began her career in the 1940s, Ma¨kaha Sons of Ni'ihau, and Boyce Rodrigues of Hawai'i Calls fame. Posthumous awards will go to falsetto icon George Ka'inapau, and members of the Issacs 'Ohana including Alvin Kaleolani, Sr., Barney, Atta and Norman. The following is a list of all nomineees. For more information go to www.nahokufestival.com.
Most Promising first-recorded effort as a featured artist or group (must be Hawai`i resident).
ANUHEA JENKINS, Anuhea (OneHawaii) KOLOHE KAI, This is the Life (Go Aloha) KU¨LEWA, Ku¨lewa (Oversized) ALVIN OKAMI, Just Uke and Me (KoAloha) Female Vocalist of the Year Best performance by a female artist (must be Hawai`i resident).
AMY HANAIALI`I, Friends and Family of Hawai`i (Ua) RAIATEA HELM, Raiatea Live! (Raiatea Helm) LORNA LIM, Polinahe, (Palm) MAILANI, Mailani (Mountain Apple) Reggae Album of the Year Best performance of music in a reggae style.
EKOLU MUSIC II: ANTHEM, Ekolu (Waiehu) GO JIMMY GO, Go Jimmy Go (Go Jimmy Go) PRESS PLAY, Nesian N.I.N.E (B.I.G.) THIS IS THE LIFE, Kolohe Kai (Go Aloha) Religious Album of the Year Best performance of religious material.
KALANA, Barrett Awai (Diamond Head Christian Records) NU OLI, Na Leo Ho`onani (Reign) TESTAFIYAH, Testafiyah (Crossstick) Male Vocalist of the Year Best performance by a male artist (must be Hawai`i resident). (Two way tie for 5th place.)
O`BRIAN ESELU, Aloha E, Aloha E, Aloha E (Hiki No) ULUWEHI GUERRERO, Uluwehi Sings Na¨ Mele Hula Aloha (Kaulupono) UNCLE WILLIE K, Uncle Willie K Live from Mulligan's on the Blue (Maui Tribe) KELI`I KANEALI`I, Kaua`i (Mountain Apple) HENRY KAPONO, The Wild Hawaiian Experience (Eclectic)
Best performance of music and video on a DVD (75% musical performance).
RAIATEA LIVE!, Raiatea Helm (Raiatea Helm) UNCLE WILLIE K LIVE AT MULLIGANS ON THE BLUE, Uncle Willie K (Maui Tribe) WILD HAWAIIAN EXPERIENCE, THE, Henry Kapono (Eclectic) WITH LOVE AND APPRECIATION, Kawao (Jus-Us Kawao) R&B/Hip Hop Album of the Year Best performance of music in a R&B or Hip Hop style.
NOBODY OWNS ME, Faioso (Pearl City Publishing) RAPS 2 DA MAX, Mo Illa Pillaz (no label) SITUATION, Pone Boy (Hitropolis)
Best performance of music in a rock style.
CANEFIELD HERO, David Tamaoka (MIX) DON'T SLOW DOWN, The Throwdowns (The Throwdowns) SIMPLE TRUTH, Gail Swanson (no label) WHITE MARKS ON A WHITE WALL, Linus! (Linus)
Best contemporary performance of music of or about Hawai`i.
E KU`UIPO E HULA MAI ME A`U, Ku`uipo Kumukahi (Ward) FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF HAWAI`I, Amy Hanaiali`i (Ua) HAWAIIAN MAN, Brother Noland (Mountain Apple) KAUA`I, Keli`i Kaneali`i (Mountain Apple) Group of the Year Best performance by a vocal duo or group (must be Hawai`i resident).
EDDIE KAMAE AND THE SONS OF HAWAII, Yesterday and Today, Volume 2(Hawaii Sons) HO`OKENA, Nani Mau Loa "Everlasting Beauty" (Ho`omau) NA¨ PALAPALAI, Nanea (Hulu Kupuna) WAIPUNA, Mana`o Pili (Poki) Instrumental Album of the Year Best instrumental performance. (Two way tie for 5th place.)
FROM HIS HEART, Derick Sebastian (Cross Path) LANI, Chiyo Flynn and Bruce Shimabukuro (Forever) LIVE, Jake Shimabukuro (Hitchhike) SOLO `UKULELE ORCHESTRATIONS, Gordon Mark (Daniel Ho) WAIHUA, Ranga Pae (Cave) Anthology of the Year Producer's award - best album of previously released material. Award to local producer (must be Hawai`i resident).
NA¨ LEO 25TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION, Na¨ Leo Pilimehana (NLP) Na¨ Leo Pilimehana – producers SEAN NA`AUAO HOT HITS, Sean Na`auao (Mountain Apple) Sean Na`auao – producer TOM MOFFATT 50 YEARS OF MUSIC IN HAWAII, Various Artists (Shaka) George Chun and Andrea Dismuke – producers ULTIMATE VIBES: THE BEST OF NATURAL VIBRATIONS, Natural Vibrations (Natural Vibrations) Natural Vibrations - producers Compilation Album of the Year Producer's award. Best performance of newly released material by a minimum of three distinct artists. Award to local producer.(must be Hawai`i resident).
DJ JIMMY TACO AND SLAPP SYMPHONY PRESENTS SLAPP COLLECTIVE Various Artists (Slapp Symphony) James Westbrook and Leti Leti - producers HULA ISLAND STYLE, VOLUME 1 Various Artists (Keala) Greg Sardinha – producer `IKE O NA¨ KUMU HULA (INSIGHTS OF HULA SOURCES), Various Artists (Lamaku Society) Tony Conjugacion and Pierre Grill - producers MASTERS OF HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR, Various Artists (Daniel Ho) George Kahumoku, Jr., Paul Konwiser, and Wayne Wong - producers Jazz Album of the Year Best Jazz Performance.
GIRL TALK, Hula Honeys (Ululoa) JUST UKE AND ME, Alvin Okami (KoAloha) LAST TAKES WITH RORY, The Rich Crandall Trio (Music Formats) UKULELE VIBES, Abe Lagrimas, Jr. (Pass Out) Hawaiian Album of the Year Best performance of Hawaiian music.
NANEA, Na¨ Palapalai (Hulu Kupuna) POLINAHE, Lorna Lim (Palm) ULUWEHI SINGS NA¨ MELE HULA ALOHA, Uluwehi Guerrero (Kaulupono) YESTERDAY AND TODAY, VOLUME 2, Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawaii (Hawaii Sons) Contemporary Album of the Year Best performance in a contemporary style.
C & K, Cecilio and Kapono (C & K) LOVE & PEACE AND UNITY, Iolani and Natalie Ai Kamauu (Keko) PULELEHUA..MY PRECIOUS BUTTERFLY, Nohelani Cypriano (Pulelehua) SOUTH OF THE BOUDOIR, Don Tiki (Taboo) Album of the Year Best Compact Disc release of the year. Award to local resident artist and producer (must be Hawai`i resident)
Steve Kramer – producers FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF HAWAI`I, Amy Hanaiali`i (Ua) Amy Hanaiali`i and Matt Catingub – producers MAILANI, Mailani (Mountain Apple) Dr.Trey and Jon de Mello – producers NANEA, Na¨ Palapalai (Hulu Kupuna) Kale Chang and Hulu Kupuna Productions – producers ULUWEHI SINGS NA¨ MELE HULA ALOHA, Uluwehi Guerrero (Kaulupono) Uluwehi Guerrero and Pono Fried – producers Song of the Year Best achievement in creating a first-time recorded song (Must be Hawai`i Resident).
"Ka Ni`o O Maleka `Ailana" by Manu Boyd and Horace Dudoit, III from NANI MAU LOA- EVERLASTING BEAUTY, Ho`okena (Ho`omau) "Nani Kamakura" by Uluwehi Guerrero and Pono Fried from ULUWEHI SINGS NA¨ MELE HULA ALOHA, Uluwehi Guerrero (Kaulupono) "Pa¨ Aheahe" by Amy Hanaiali`i Gilliom, Gary Kalehua Krug, Jr., and Matt Catingub from FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF HAWAI`I, Amy Hanaiali`i (Ua) "Polinahe" by Lorna Lim and Wailau Ryder from POLINAHE, Lorna Lim (Palm) Slack Key Album of the Year Best Performance of slack key or vocals with slack key accompaniment.
KANI WAI: SOUND OF WATER, George Kahumoku, Jr. and Bob Brozman (Kealia Farms) MAUI ON MY MIND, Jeff Peterson (Peterson) Favorite Entertainer of the Year (Must be Hawaii Resident)
AMY HANAIALI`I ULUWEHI GUERRERO HO`OKENA EDDIE KAMAE AND THE SONS OF HAWAII KU`UIPO KUMUKAHI LORNA LIM NA¨ PALAPALAI JEFF PETERSON JAKE SHIMABUKURO The Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts Na¨ Ho¨ku¨ Hanohano Awards
Graphics Award Best Designed and created album package. Digital download-only releases are ineligible. (Two way tie for 5th place.)
(Mountain Apple) HIRASAKI NAKAGAWA DESIGN, for PULELEHUA..MY PRECIOUS BUTTERFLY, Nohelani Cypriano (Pulelehua) SCOTT JOHNSON, for DON'T SLOW DOWN, The Throwdowns (The Throwdowns) STACEY LEONG DESIGN, for MAUI ON MY MIND, Jeff Peterson (Peterson) KATHY LONG, for FOUR STRINGS: THE FIRE WITHIN, Brittni Paiva (Talmidim) KUHAO ZANE, for POLINAHE, Lorna Lim (Palm)
Best liner notes. Digital download-only releases are ineligible. (Four way tie for 5th place.)
TONY CONJUGACION, for `IKE O NA¨ KUMU HULA (INSIGHTS OF THE HULA SOURCES), Various Artists (Lamaku) ULUWEHI GUERRERO, for ULUWEHI SINGS NA¨ MELE HULA ALOHA, Uluwehi Guerrero (Kaulupono) NEIL HANNAHS, for MANA O PILI, Waipuna (Poki) KAWAIKAPUOKALANI HEWETT, for HO`OLA I KA POLI, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett (Daniel Ho Creations) GEORGE AND NANCY KAHUMOKU, for KANI WAI: SOUND OF WATER, George Kahumoku, Jr. and Bob Brozman (Daniel Ho Creations) CINDY A. LANCE, for BABA ALIMOOT, Baba Alimoot (Hula) LARRY SPIELER, for YESTERDAY AND TODAY, VOLUME 2, Eddie Kamae and the Sons of Hawai`i (Hawai`i Sons, Inc.) 2010 ADJUDICATED FINALISTS
(Composer's Award) Best first-released song or chant primarily in the Hawaiian Language.
Ho`okena (Ho`omau, Inc.)
SOURCES), Various Artists (Lamaku Society)
BEAUTY, Ho`okena (Ho`omau, Inc.)
(Artist Award) Best Performance in the Hawaiian Language
KAWAIKAPUOKALANI HEWETT, Ho`ola I ka Poli (Daniel Ho Creations) HO`OKENA, Nani Mau Loa – Everlasting Beauty (Ho`omau, Inc.) NA¨ PALAPALAI, Nanea (Hulu Kupuna) VARIOUS ARTISTS, `Ike O Na¨ Kumu Hula (Insights of Hula Sources) (Lamaku Society)
Best technical achievement in a sound recording and mix-down.
GAYLORD HOLOMA¨LIA, for C&K, Cecilio and Kapono (C&K) DAVID KAUAHIKAUA AND RON SHORT, for KOHALA MOON, Rodney Cazimero (Heloke) DARIN LEONG, for MAUI ON MY MIND, Jeff Peterson (Peterson) RON PENDRAGON, for BEHIND THE MOON, Treysara (Indie) (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 5:20 p.m. HST Public’s Input Sought for Redevelopment of Wailuku Town WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- The County of Maui Department of Planning announced today that the public’s input is being sought to determine how Wailuku town can evolve into a downtown core of commerce, culture and entertainment. To submit comments, the public is asked to complete a brief online survey, available at www.mauicounty.gov/wailukutownsurvey. The deadline to complete the survey is May 7, 2010. The goal for the project area is to create an effective, market-based plan to retain, grow and attract high-quality development, as well as appropriate businesses and new investment to the Wailuku Redevelopment Area. Funding for the Wailuku Market-Based Plan is provided by a grant through Tri-Isle RC&D from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Maui Redevelopment Agency, the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and private donors. Development of the revitalization plan will be coordinated by nationally renowned planning group Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA). PUMA provides professional planning skills that advance business and civic districts through the development of management, marketing and financial implementation strategies that help communities compete in a changing economy. For more information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/wailukutownsurvey or call the Department of Planning at 270-5517. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 2:10 p.m. HST Mudslide Closes Only Land Link to Kalaupapa The past week of heavy rain created a mudslide that caused serious damage to a footbridge on the "pali trail," forcing the National Park Service on Tuesday afternoon to close the only land route to the Kalaupapa Hansen's disease settlement, which remains accessible by plane or boat. Kalaupapa National Historic Park Superintendent Stephen Prokop said yesterday it will take about $150,000 and several weeks to repair switchback bridge No. 3. The bridge is a few hundred yards from the top of the narrow and winding 2.9-mile trail that takes travelers from topside at 1,700-feet high to the settlement at sea level. The incident highlighted the frailty of Kalaupapa's access to the world. And although tourism numbers are slightly up since Saint Damien was canonized in October, the loss of the trail would hurt Molokai's modest visitor industry, Kalaupapa workers and residents said. The former home to Saint Damien and the remaining elderly 14 Hansen's disease patients is only accessible to the general public by hiking, taking a mule ride along the trail or by flying to the tiny Kalaupapa airport via private charter or Pacific Wings, which charges about $500 for a round trip to fly to Molokai's topside airport in Hoolehua, up from about $100 for the same trip a year or so ago. There is no ferry service to Kalaupapa, only a supply barge once or twice a year. Despite the closure of the trail and the suspension of mule rides, Roy Horner, president of Molokai Mule Ride, said yesterday that his business remained busy scheduling charter air flights for visitors into the park and settlement. The company works closely with Hansen's disease patients and town matriarch Gloria Marks, who operates Damien Tours. Marks' company takes the mule riders and hikers on guided bus tours of the settlement, which is legendary for its natural beauty, rich history and unique spiritual sense of place. The impact of the trail's temporary closure on the island's tourism remains to be seen. "But I don't think a lot of people on the topside understand we are Molokai's bread and butter," Marks said. Reach Chris Hamilton at chamilton@mauinews.com. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 11:15 a.m. HST 'False Alarm' Transmitted on Radio Stations During Equipment Test The
Emergency Alert System (EAS) Local Area Event (LAE) message
indicating a rescue event for Maui County was incorrect.
There is no rescue event in progress on Maui. The State’s
manufacturer was testing a backup EAS server, and accidentally
generated a test which was erroneously transmitted online
through the EAS. Again, there is no emergency situation
for Maui County that requires an EAS broadcast. Please disregard
the EAS message sent out at 9:56 a.m. HST, Thursday, April
15, 2010. State Civil Defense is working with the manufacturer
to preclude (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 8:25 a.m. HST High Winds Prompt Red Flag Warning for Maui, Moloka'i 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Red Flag Warning for Leeward areas of Maui and Molokai which is in effect from 11 a.m. this morning to 6 p.m. this evening. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create rapid fire growth potential. A Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts. 2. EFFECTS: Strong and gusty north winds, a dry and stable air mass and low relative humidity will produce critical fire weather conditions. Especially during the afternoon hours, critical conditions may exist on Friday as well. 3. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 7:55 a.m. HST Foreclosures Continue Upward Tick Across Maui, State Foreclosure actions against Hawai'i real estate remained high in March, but continued to be dominated by filings in pending cases as opposed to new cases, a trend that suggests a binge of bad loans may be working their way out of the housing market. There were 1,097 foreclosure filings statewide last month, according to real estate research company RealtyTrac. The figure was the third-highest recorded since the housing and financial markets were destabilized two years ago. The record was 1,534 filings in December, which was followed by 1,302 filings in January and 972 in February. On a year-over-year basis, March filings represented a 52 percent increase from 724 in the same month last year. The percentage increase was the smallest since June 2008. While the level of foreclosure actions continues to be troubling, observers note that relatively few filings counted by RealtyTrac involve new foreclosure cases. RealtyTrac reported that 113 of the 1,097 filings were default notices, typically the first step in foreclosure. The bulk, or 654 filings, were auction notices, while 330 filings represented the last state of foreclosure, lender repossession. Since November, the number of default notices had been under 100 until the run was broken last month. Gauging the health of Hawai'i's housing market, however, can be tricky using RealtyTrac data, especially when looking at default notices. That's because the firm may not count all default notices since some aren't filed publicly. Most Hawai'i foreclosure cases are pursued outside court, meaning no foreclosure lawsuit is filed in most cases. For this reason, RealtyTrac's monthly reports are regarded as a rough indicator of local foreclosures. In addition, RealtyTrac data can include different types of filings on the same property counted in different months, and doesn't exclude filings on commercial property such as condotels and time-share units. Perhaps a better but less timely gauge is a quarterly survey of mortgage delinquencies by the national Mortgage Bankers Association, which in February published a report that suggested foreclosures in Hawai'i's housing market will continue to rise this year. The association reported that 12,182 mortgages representing 7.3 percent of the market were delinquent but not yet in foreclosure at the end of last year, up from 8,981 mortgages a year earlier. Also, there were 7,535 residential property loans, or 4.5 percent of loans statewide, in foreclosure at the end of last year, which was about twice as many as the year before. Some industry observers note that Hawai'i's core housing market is faring better than foreclosure data suggest because a large number of foreclosures are occurring on Neighbor Island resort property, including time shares, that visitors snapped up during the real estate bubble. RealtyTrac data by county showed that Honolulu had the most filings — 522 — but the lowest rate, at one filing for every 646 households. Kaua'i had the next best rate, with 76 filings representing one per 392 households. On Maui, there were 217 filings, or one per 305 households. The Big Island had the highest rate, with 282 filings, which equated to one filing per 282 households. hawai'i
13th worst RealtyTrac said filings in March nationally were at a record high for any month since the company began issuing its report in January 2005. James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer at RealtyTrac, said in a statement that national filings were more tilted toward the final stage of foreclosure, and suggested that lenders are starting to make a dent in the backlog of distressed property. Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 7:35 a.m. HST ML&P Proposes New Debt Plan to Shareholders Maui Land and Pineapple Co. is seeking shareholder approval to almost double the amount of its authorized common stock as it contemplates financing alternatives to pay down debt and raise money. The Makawao-based company is proposing increasing the authorized shares to 43 million from the current 23 million, according to proxy material filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The proposed increase comes after the company reported losses totaling $202.7 million during the past two years and the exit from the pineapple business on which it was built. Maui Land had previously noted it might have to sell shares as it looked to generate additional cash, use stock in compensation plans and make acquisitions. "Our cash outlook for the next 12 months and ability to continue to meet our financial covenants under our credit facilities is highly dependent on generating additional capital, including the sale of equity," said the filing. The filing said the company has no definite plans for the shares should they be authorized, but that it may need to sell shares in excess of its current authorized number. This would be needed to facilitate meeting obligations as well as its ability to redeem $40 million of convertible notes that become redeemable in July 2011. Maui Land's annual shareholder's meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., May 13 at the Kapalua Village Center in Lahaina. Shareholders are also being asked to approve a downsizing of the company's board as part of its effort to simplify its operations and reduce costs. Maui Land would shrink its board to seven directors from the current nine under the proposal to be considered, with four current directors giving up their seats and two new people being added. Warren Haruki, interim chief executive officer since May 2009, would receive a director's seat, as would Arthur Tokin, who was the managing member of the Honolulu office of accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Steve Case, David Heenan, Kent Lucien, Duncan MacNaughton and Fred Trotter III would remain on the board. Non-employee directors were each paid a $27,000 cash retainer last year. Leaving the board would be John Agee, David Cole, Walter Dods Jr. and Miles Gilburne if the measure is passed. Reach Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 15, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST Oil Rax Passes, DHS Offices Saved - For Now The state House and Senate yesterday gave final approval to an increase in the barrel tax and a measure to halt a state plan to close eligibility offices on the Neighbor Islands that help the poor. The majority Democrats hit a snag on other tax-related proposals designed to contain the state's budget deficit. The barrel tax on petroleum products would rise from 5 cents to $1.05 and bring in $22 million a year — $13.2 million for the state's general fund and $8.8 million for food and energy security programs. The tax hike would likely be passed on to consumers and lead to slightly higher gasoline and electricity costs. Lawmakers want to block the state Department of Human Services from carrying out a reorganization plan that would close most eligibility offices and lay off hundreds of eligibility workers. The bill approved yesterday would preserve eligibility offices on the Neighbor Islands but allow the department to proceed with a pilot project to consolidate application-processing services in Honolulu. Gov. Linda Lingle will likely veto both bills, but lawmakers passed them in time to consider veto overrides before the session ends later this month. In a hint of potential discord, however, the Senate deferred final votes on bills that delay investors' ability to claim high-technology tax credits for three years, repeal the high-tech tax credits early and cap itemized tax deductions for the wealthy. The Senate also chose to pull back on a bill that would have cut general-excise tax exemptions on several business activities and impose a 0.5 percent GET on those activities. House and Senate budget negotiators had wanted to lock these bills — which represent about $160 million in revenue — into place early to give lawmakers a better idea of what other tax and spending decisions are necessary to close the $1.2 billion deficit. With such a large amount of money now in flux, lawmakers may have to leave other controversial decisions, such as whether to set aside money to reduce teacher furloughs and whether to scoop hotel-room taxes from the counties, for the final endgame before adjournment. "At the end of the day, if we have less, then we'll have to go into the budget and make more cuts," state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-14th (Halawa, Moanalua, Kamehameha Heights), the lead Senate negotiator on the budget, told reporters. State Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), the lead House budget negotiator, sternly warned last night that lawmakers may indeed turn to hotel-room tax revenue from the counties or deeper budget cuts to state departments if the tax bills stall. Oshiro made a similar warning in budget talks last year, when the Senate hesitated in cutting back on high-tech tax credits after an initial conference agreement, but last night he appeared more frustrated. He called for a "time out" in negotiations until tomorrow night. "We seem somewhat schizophrenic at this point in time," he said afterward. "We want all these things, but at the same time, we're not willing to step forward and make the commitment to pay for these programs and services. "For me, I was more disappointed than angry. I'm a straight-up kind of guy. I'm not playing around. We have about a week to decide, so if you guys don't want us to do these tax bills, fine, then we'll go back in there and do our best with what we have." TOBACCO TAX Earlier yesterday, lawmakers cast final votes on bills to increase the tax on cigarettes and little cigars and raise the fees for traffic abstracts from $7 to $20. The tobacco tax would generate $10 million to $14 million a year and the higher traffic abstract fees would bring in about $6.5 million a year. The biggest debate was over the barrel tax increase. Many lawmakers and environmentalists believe it is a step toward food and energy security in a state dependent on imported oil. They pragmatically accepted a compromise that would initially divert most of the new money to the state's general fund to help with the deficit. "This is still a huge start, a big step toward our state becoming more sustainable in regards to food and energy," said state Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser, D-7th (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau). State Sen. Sam Slom, R-8th (Kahala, Hawai'i Kai), said that when you "strip away all of the nomenclature, it's just simply a bad tax bill." "And it's so much worse than the supporters think it is," he said. State Sen. Rosalyn Baker, D-5th (W. Maui, S. Maui), said she was grateful the bill would exempt aviation fuel. But she said the tax hike would fall disproportionately on consumers on the Neighbor Island and others who have to drive longer distances. She prefers a broad-based increase in the GET, which she believes would be more equitable than the targeted tax increases being considered by the House and Senate. But Kim said the barrel tax money would go to the general fund and help sustain other environmental programs. She questioned how a regressive GET hike, which would raise costs across-the-board, would help consumers or businesses. "I know some members are still with the idea — that if some of these measures fall by the wayside that they'll get the GET — it's not going to happen," Kim told reporters. In the House, state Rep. Kymberly Pine, R-43rd ('Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, Pu'uloa), said the barrel tax had been "hijacked" and was now more of a tax bite on consumers than a strategy to promote alternative energy. But state Rep. Hermina Morita, D-14th (Hanalei, Anahola, Kapa'a), challenged lawmakers to think about the future benefits of food and energy security and not the short-term political risk of raising taxes in an election year. "Doing nothing is not an option, not if we call ourselves leaders," she said. Lillian Koller, the director of the state Department of Human Services, described the attempt by lawmakers to block the department's reorganization plan as "a sad day for the neediest men, women and children of Hawai'i." The department wants to close most eligibility offices and consolidate the application process for welfare, food stamps and other aid at locations in Honolulu and Hilo. The department's plan would mean that 228 of 517 eligibility workers statewide would lose their jobs. OFFICE CLOSURES If the bill becomes law and prevents eligibility office closures on the Neighbor Islands, she said, "it will not harm our customers on O'ahu. ... The customers who will be harmed are those living on the Neighbor Islands, where the backlog of applications for public assistance grows larger every day." Koller accused Democrats of trying to preserve an antiquated and inefficient processing system solely to save government jobs. "It is shameful to put the interests of government workers above the needs of our customers," she said in a statement. State Rep. Mele Carroll, D-13th (E. Maui, Molokai, Lana'i), said lawmakers want to improve efficiency in the department. But she said the department moved forward with what she described as a total system overhaul without adequately consulting eligibility workers. "For me, that's not right," she said. Carroll said a pilot project in Honolulu would help determine whether the new processing system will work statewide. Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 14, 2010 8:50 p.m. HST Gill Net Traps, Drowns Monk Seal Off O'ahu A 9-month-old Hawaiian monk seal was found drowned in a gill net Tuesday offshore from Waimanalo. The female, nicknamed Mikala by monk seal volunteers, was seen floating offshore from Bellows Beach at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and brought to shore by lifeguards, said Charles Littnan, lead scientist for NOAA Fisheries' monk seal research program. The animal was entangled in a net known as a lay, or gill net. A necropsy of the animal determined that it drowned, Littnan said. The seal is the sixth confirmed monk seal drowning in a laynet since 1976 -- and the third since 2006, Littnan said. "When you're looking at an endangered species, every animal is important," Littnan said. "The fact this was a young female -- that's the future of the species. Losing any young female is a tremendous loss to the population, as well as that individual." State law requires that users of lay, or gill nets register their nets with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and inspect nets in use every two hours, removing any illegal or unwanted catch. NOAA Fisheries and the DLNR are investigating the seal's death. NOAA Fisheries' 24-hour entangled or injured marine mammal hotline: 1-888-256-9840. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 14, 2010 8:20 p.m. HST High, Dry Winds Prompt Fire Danger Warning 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Red Flag Watch for Leeward areas of Maui and Molokai in effect from Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon. A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur. A fire weather watch does not predict new fire starts. Listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings. 2. EFFECTS: A dry and stable air mass spreading over the Islands from the north will bring low relative humidity over the next couple of days. Combined with strong and gusty north winds, the threat of critical fire weather conditions is increased, especially during the afternoon hours. 3. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 14, 2010 1:10 p.m. HST Voters Will Decide Who Picks Education Directors Voters will get to decide in November whether Hawai'i's next governor should have the authority to appoint the members of the state Board of Education, a dramatic shift away from nearly five decades of voters electing members to the education policy-setting body. A legislative conference committee today merged state House and Senate versions of a constitutional amendment bill that would pose the following question to voters: "Shall the Board of Education be changed to a board appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, as provided by law?" A similar question has been posed to voters twice before and had failed both times. Lawmakers must still rectify differences between House and Senate versions of a sister bill that would specify the makeup of the new BOE — the number of members, geographic areas of representation, length of term and term limits. The bill would also outline the role of an advisory council, which would select candidates for the governor to choose from, similar to the current process of selecting the members who sit on the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents. The Legislature's deadline for merging the sister bill to the constitutional question is Friday, said state Rep. Roy Takumi, D-36th (Pearl City, Momilani, Pacific Palisades), chairman of the House Education Committee. Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 14, 2010 8:25 a.m. HST Australian Police Arrest Captain of Chinese Reef-Destroying Ship SYDNEY — Australian police arrested a Chinese ship captain and senior officer today and charged them with damaging the Great Barrier Reef, more than a week after their coal carrier ran aground and tore a two-mile gash in the protected area. The Shen Neng 1 veered out of a shipping lane and slammed into the reef on April 3, possibly smearing the coral with toxic paint that could prevent marine life from growing back. Even in the best case scenario, experts said the damage could take 20 years to heal. Coral shredded the ship's hull, causing it to leak as much as three tons of fuel oil. Most of the oil was dispersed by a chemical spray and did little or no damage to the reef itself, but officials said today they believe some of it has begun to wash up on the beaches of a wildlife sanctuary. The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage site because of its gleaming waters and environmental value as home to thousands of marine species. The accident occurred in the southern tip of the reef, which is not the main tourism hub. The Australian Federal Police said the ship's captain and the chief officer on watch during the accident would appear in court tomorrow. "Investigations showed that the Shen Neng 1 failed to turn at a waypoint (a specific latitude and longitude) required by the intended course of the ship," the police said in a statement. The 47-year-old shipmaster was charged with liability for a vessel causing damage in a marine park, an offense that carries a maximum 55,000 Australian dollar ($51,200) fine. The 44-year-old chief officer is charged with being in charge of the vessel when it caused the damage, and faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to AU$220,000. The police said officers executed a search warrant on the ship today. It was not clear what they were looking for. The ship's owners, Shenzen Energy Transport, said last week they were cooperating with the investigation. Su Zengdong, the chief manager of TOSCO-KEYMAX, which is in charge of the vessel's technical management, said today that the company was "fully cooperating with the Australian side in the investigation and pollution control." He had no further comment. The 755-foot ship was successfully lifted off the reef Monday after crews spent three days removing its fuel to lighten it. Salvage crews later towed it to an anchorage area near Great Keppel Island, 45 miles away. Before it was removed, tides and currents repeatedly pushed the ship along the reef, cutting a scar 1.9 miles long and up to 820 feet wide into the coral. Paint from the hull, used to prevent marine life from growing on it, was also smeared into the reef. Certain paints contain chemicals prevent growth, while others simply act as a barrier. Experts are analyzing paint samples to determine if it is the more toxic variety. "There is more damage to this reef than I have ever seen in any previous Great Barrier Reef groundings," Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority chief scientist David Wachenfeld said yesterday. In some areas, "all marine life has been completely flattened and the structure of the shoal has been pulverized by the weight of the vessel," he added. Globules of oil believed to be from the ship have washed ashore on North West Island, a turtle hatchery and bird sanctuary, said Adam Nicholson, a maritime safety spokesman for the northeastern state of Queensland. Teams today began to clean up the globules, which were about an inch wide, and were scattered across about a half-mile of beach. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 14, 2010 7:25 a.m. HST Remaining Four Furlough Days Likely to Stay Off Today's legislative deadline to address the four remaining public school furlough days this school year is likely to pass with no compromise agreement between Gov. Linda Lingle, the Hawaii State Teachers Association and education officials. The likelihood of an agreement to end the remaining furloughs for the current school year is slim, Lingle said yesterday, but she is confident that the state Legislature will take action on the furloughs for next school year. No new talks among the union, BOE or governor were scheduled. Lingle dismissed today's deadline imposed by state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), chairman of the House Finance Committee, saying, "there is no deadline." If the Legislature wanted to, she said, it could set aside an unspecified dollar amount from the state's hurricane relief fund to address furlough days. But lawmakers are reluctant to do that, saying it amounts to a blank check during uncertain economic times. "My impression is that the union has taken such a hard position that it would be unlikely (an agreement) could possibly occur. They simply insist that everybody be brought back. They've sent out letters talking about union solidarity, and not just within their union," Lingle said. She made her statement in a press conference yesterday morning, after inviting in a handful of parent protesters who have been conducting a sit-in at her office for the past seven days. The parents sat through the question-and-answer with the media, holding their hands up in hopes the governor would address them directly. She did not take questions from the parents. She also warned protesters yesterday that sheriff's deputies have been directed to arrest anyone who stays in the office past the end of the business day. 'NO AUTHORITY' The governor's statements amount to her giving up on furlough days for the current school year, said Garrett Toguchi, chairman of the state Board of Education. The BOE and the HSTA reached a $92 million supplemental agreement earlier this month to end the four remaining furlough days this year and the 17 days scheduled for next year. Lingle has said the HSTA-BOE plan is too costly, by about $30 million, because it brings back all the public school system's employees. She proposes bringing back only "essential" employees — mostly teachers and school-level support staff. Toguchi said Lingle is standing in the way of resolving the furlough situation. "We have an agreement. By law, we are the parties — the BOE and the superintendent — ... authorized to come to a supplemental agreement with the HSTA. We did that. We have a lawful agreement with the union. Her only role is to fund education. Her role is not to dictate to us how to operate the schools," Toguchi said. "She has no authority in the supplemental agreement, period. ... She either releases the money or she doesn't." Toguchi also criticized an open letter from the governor to parent protesters, where the governor wrote: "We should not tolerate perpetuating a system that results in situations such as Nanakuli (High & Intermediate) where only 14 percent of the children are proficient in arithmetic." Toguchi said her statement does not recognize the good things happening in the school system. "Obviously there are weaknesses in the system we need to strengthen, and instructional time is one of them. She is standing directly in the way of the kids in Nanakuli who need that time," he said. "She also fails to recognize the number of schools that are doing well and the number of teachers who have taken it upon themselves to get nationally certified," Toguchi said. LINGLE CONFIDENT The governor also said yesterday that she was confident the state Legislature will set aside money to take care of the 17 furlough days scheduled for next school year. "The Legislature will find a way. ... They will take some action to make money available for next year. I have no doubt about that," she said. Lawmakers gave officials two more days to reach an accord, beyond the original legislative deadline set for Monday. Oshiro has said that the most recent agreement between the HSTA and the state Board of Education has a deadline of April 21 for $24.5 million to be released so that teachers can return to the classroom on April 23. If no agreement is reached today, Oshiro has said, the Legislature will only be able to appropriate money to restore the 17 furlough days on next year's school calendar. HSTA president Wil Oka-be has said the union has already come to a $92 million supplemental agreement with the state Board of Education and that there is no need for additional talks with the governor. Parent protesters said yesterday they were disappointed in Lingle's responses and planned to continue their sit-in, even with the threat that protesters could be arrested. "It was a one-way conversation," said Jill Tao, a parent with Save Our Schools Hawaii. "We're only here because we know she holds the power of the purse, she's the one who can release the emergency funds to get rid of the furloughs." Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 14, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST High Surf Continues to Hit North, East Shores 1.
EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu
has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and EAST
FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect until 6 p.m.
this evening. 2. EFFECTS: Surf along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be at 10 to 15 feet and then subsiding to below advisory levels this evening. Surf along east facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be at 5 to 8 feet today then subsiding to below advisory levels this evening. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 2.5 feet is expected between 2:59 p.m. and 4:17 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 2:10 a.m. and 3:28 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 5:05 p.m. HST Governor Confident About Next Year's Furloughs - Not This Year's Gov. Linda Lingle said that the likelihood of an agreement to end the four remaining furloughs for the current school year is slim, but said she is confident that the state Legislature will take action on the furloughs for next school year. "My impression is that the union has taken such a hard position that it would be unlikely (an agreement) could possibly occur. They simply insist that everybody be brought back. They've sent out letters talking about union solidarity, and not just within their union," Lingle said. She made the statement in a press conference this morning in her ceremonial room after inviting in a handful of parent protesters who have been conducting a sit-in at her office for the past seven days. The parents sat through the question-and-answer with the media holding their hands up with hopes the governor would address them directly. She did not take questions from the parents. The governor dismissed tomorrow's deadline imposed by state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, chairman of the House Finance Committee, saying, "there is no deadline." The governor said if the Legislature wanted to, it could insert a blank dollar amount for the current school year into a budget bill since she, the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Board of Education has not come to an agreement on how much it should cost to reopen schools for the rest of the year. "From all the legislators I've talked to, my impression is that everyone is looking at next year," she said. The governor went on to say she was confident that the state Legislature will set aside money to take care of the 17 furloughs scheduled for next school year. "Very confident the Legislature will find a way ... They will take some action to make money available for next year. I have no doubt about that," she said. At one point, the governor addressed a question from a reporter asking if the school furlough issue would have been different if she had children. She laughed it off. "This is not about whether the governor has children or doesn't have children. It's about having the money to afford what is being requested, and we just simply don't have the money. I'm not going to allow the state to get into an insolvent position," she said. Afterward parent protesters said they were disappointed in her responses and planned to continue their sit-in, even with the threat that protesters could be arrested. "It was a one-way conversation," said Jill Tao, a parent with Save Our Schools Hawaii. "We're only here because we know she holds the power of the purse, she's the one who can release the emergency funds to get rid of the furloughs." Meanwhile, Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi issued the following statement today: "I strongly urge the Legislature and the governor to provide funding to return students to school and avoid another furlough day on April 23. Today, the governor indicated a possibility to leave the four remaining furlough days in place this school year and instead focus on a solution for next school year. But the reality is we are not talking about just four more days, but about days No. 14, 15, 16 and 17 in which students would be out of school. "The Board of Education, Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association have a fiscally responsible agreement to bring students back to class. In addition to being widely supported by teachers and parent groups, the agreement meets two key concerns from the Legislature and the governor in that it converts six planning days for instruction and eliminates all furlough days in both years. "The bottom line is that special funds have sat idle for months while children are left out of schools. All parties, including the governor and the Legislature, agree that tapping a portion of the Hurricane Relief Fund to open schools will not impact the state budget, nor will it jeopardize the home insurance market. The Legislature and governor are able to stop furloughs at any time by appropriating special funds, or lifting the budget restriction imposed on public schools." (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 4:55 p.m. HST Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday to Address Underage Drinking WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii - The Hawaii Partnership for the Prevention of Underage Drinking (HPPUD), in conjunction with the County of Maui Department of Housing & Human Concerns, will hold a town hall meeting tomorrow on efforts to prevent underage drinking, Director Lori Tsuhako announced. The meeting will be held Wednesday, April 14 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) at Cameron Center in Wailuku, with food and bottled water provided. All stakeholders, public and private agencies that service youth, along with families, sports club representatives, other community members and members of the County Advisory Council (CAC) are invited to attend the HPPUD meeting to survey viewpoints, exchange ideas and learn more about planned activities. The CAC is the community agency that assisted with obtaining $1.46 million in grant funding for underage drinking prevention through the State of Hawaii Department of Health and through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Funds will be used to promote the prevention of underage drinking on all three islands within Maui County. Grant funds through the County of Maui will be available to agencies and other stakeholders through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process; the RFPs are expected to be issued shortly. During a prior town hall meeting held on April 5th, which was also sponsored by HPPUD, an “Alcohol Awareness Month” proclamation was presented on behalf of Mayor Charmaine Tavares by Director Tsuhako. The observance during the month of April calls attention to the statistics and prevention efforts related to alcohol use; to view the proclamation, visit www.mauicounty.gov/mayor. Public Service Announcements developed by youth through MEO's Youth Bank were shown for the first time at the April 5th meeting. These announcements will be shown on AKAKU on a regular basis. The informational meeting was attended by stakeholders, community members, parents and their children. This afternoon Governor Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr., declared April as Alcohol Awareness Month. Read their Proclamation here. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 3:30 p.m. HST North Shore Waves Expected To Reach 15 Feet Tonight 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui will continue at 10 to 15 feet tonight and then drop below advisory levels by Wednesday morning. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.8 feet is expected between 1:48 a.m. and 3:06 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 2.5 feet is expected between 2:59 p.m. and 4:17 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 2:20 p.m. HST Prosecutors Say 'Money, Resentment' Motivated Accused Maui Spy Motivated by money and resentment, Maui-based aerospace engineer Noshir Gowadia sold secret U.S. military stealth technology to the People's Republic of China for less than $84,000, laundering the money through Lichtenstein non-profit foundations and a Swiss bank account, a federal prosecutor told jurors this morning. In a 2 1/2 hour address to the four-woman, eight-man jury, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Sorenson gave a detailed recitation of a long-running investigation of Gowadia that began in 1999 and continued well after his criminal indictment in 2005. Two years after the espionage indictment was returned, federal authorities finally obtained financial records from Lichtenstein that showed the Chinese paid Gowadia far less that the $400,000 he expected to receive for selling them top-secret technology, Sorenson said. And well after Gowadia was charged, U.S. experts discovered hidden data "embedded" in electronic data that Gowadia shared with the Chinese during multiple trips to that country in 2004 and 2005, the prosecutor said. Sorenson apologized for the length of his opening remarks but noted that the case is a complex one dealing with confidential military secrets, many of them obtained by Gowadia while he worked as a design engineer on for the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber in the 1970's and '80's. In 2003, Gowadia was "desperate" for money to pay the $14,000-per-month mortgage on his palatial Haiku, Maui, home when he offered to help the Chinese design and build a cruise missile exhaust nozzle with a reduced infrared heat "signature," said Sorenson. Gowadia was angry that he had been denied access to "low observability" stealth technology that he had helped design for the U.S. government, the prosecutor said. The trial is expected to last into mid-July. Opening statements from Gowadia's defense will be delivered this afternoon. Reach Jim Dooley at jdooley@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 8:15 a.m. HST High Surf Heading for North Shores 1.
EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu
has ISSUED a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES
of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect from 6:00 a.m. this morning
to 6:00 p.m. this evening. 2. EFFECTS: Surf along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui will rise rapidly to 10 to 15 feet through today. The surf is expected to subside this evening. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 2.3 feet is expected between 2:25 p.m. and 3:43 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 1.8 feet is expected between 1:48 a.m. and 3:06 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 8:05 a.m. HST Gowadia Spy Trial Starts Today The prosecution and defense are due to give their opening statements today at the trial of a former B-2 stealth bomber engineer accused of selling military secrets to China. The trial of Noshir Gowadia of Haiku, Maui, is due to reconvene in U.S. District Court. The court recessed last week after selecting a jury. Gowadia is facing 17 counts including conspiracy, violations of the arms export control act, money laundering and filing false tax returns. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say Gowadia helped China design a radar-evading cruise missile aimed at defeating U.S. heat-seeking missiles. The trial has been postponed several times in part because lawyers needed to review large volumes of classified evidence. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 7:55 a.m. HST Ligienza Joins A&B As Agribusiness Controller HONOLULU — April 13, 2010 — Daniel J. Ligienza has joined Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. (NYSE:ALEX) (A&B) as vice president and controller-agribusiness, effective today, reporting to Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company (HC&S) General Manager Christopher J. Benjamin. Ligienza will be responsible for financial reporting, accounting and internal controls at A&B’s agribusiness operations statewide, including HC&S and its affiliates, as well as Kahului Trucking & Storage Co, Kauai Coffee Company and Kauai Commercial Company Ligienza also will be responsible for financial and operational planning and analysis for these businesses. Most recently, Ligienza was director of corporate finance with Maui Land and Pineapple Company (MLP), where he was employed for nearly a decade in positions of increasing responsibility, initially as a systems engineer. Ligienza also served for four years with Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture plc) as a consultant in their Innovative Consulting Group. “Dan brings a tremendous skill set and experience base from his time at MLP and Andersen Consulting,” said Benjamin. “He will be instrumental in our evaluation of strategic options for HC&S and in improving our current operations while ensuring a sound control environment.” Ligienza is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the Ross School of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting and corporate and real estate finance. He is pursuing his Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) certification from the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA®). (Report Provided by Alexander and Baldwin) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 7:25 a.m. HST 500 Ex-Aloha Workers Now Work for Hawaiian Hawaiian Airlines has hired about 500 former Aloha Airlines employees since the latter shut down two years ago, and the number continues to grow as the state's largest airline moves ahead with expansion plans. "We still see a lot of former Aloha employees," said Mark Dunkerley, president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Holdings Inc., in an interview yesterday. "We certainly encourage them to apply. There is definitely sentimental hope among everyone at Hawaiian to help out former Aloha employees." About 1,900 Aloha Airlines employees lost their jobs when Hawaiian's main competitor went out of business March 31, 2008, due to soaring fuel prices and a costly fare war initiated by go! airlines' June 2006 startup. Of the roughly 1,000 employees Hawaiian has hired in recent years, about 500 are former Aloha workers, he said. Hawaiian's total workforce currently stands at about 4,000, Dunkerley said. Hawaiian plans to add 10 new long-range Airbus A330-200 aircraft through 2014, the first of which will be delivered at the end of this month. A second will come in May and a third in November. The airline is hiring 45 flight attendants and 10 pilots for each aircraft, Dunkerley said. "The number of applications we've received is overwhelming," he said. The airline recently advertised for "a couple of dozen" flight attendant positions and received 2,500 applications, Dunkerley said. Many of the new pilots needed for the expansion were hired at the end of last year and are undergoing training, Dunkerley added. Hawaiian will take 200 employees to Toulouse, France, during the last week of this month for a ceremony at which it will take delivery of the first Airbus, Dunkerley said. The plane's first commercial flight is tentatively scheduled for early June. Hawaiian hopes to use its new A330-200s for routes it is seeking between Honolulu and Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Hawaiian has applied with the U.S. Department of Transportation for two of four new Haneda routes that are being offered to U.S. carriers. Dunkerley said he expects the DOT to announce its decision between now and the end of May. If it succeeds in its bid, Hawaiian would begin flights in October. Other carriers bidding for the routes are Delta, American, United and Continental airlines. Of the four, Hawaiian is the only one that doesn't now fly to Japan. Hawaiian also announced yesterday that it received the top spot for the second consecutive year in a quality ratings study that looks at air carriers in terms of on-time performance, baggage handling, denied boardings and customer complaints. Hawaiian beat out 17 other carriers in the 20th annual Airline Quality Rating study by researchers at Purdue University and Wichita State University. Hawaiian was best of all airlines in on-time performance, and was second-best in fewest denied boardings and fewest mishandled bags in 2009, the study said. The full report is available online at www.aqr.aero. Shares of Hawaiian Holdings closed up 9 cents at $7.26 yesterday on the Nasdaq market. Reach Alan Yonan Jr. at ayonan@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 13, 2010 6:35 a.m. HST Legislature Advances Bills Anticipating Battles Expecting vetoes by Gov. Linda Lingle, state House and Senate leaders yesterday placed several potentially contentious bills in position for final votes this week, including an increase in the barrel tax and an attempt to block the state from closing eligibility offices on the Neighbor Islands that help the poor. House and Senate negotiators agreed yesterday to increase the barrel tax on petroleum products from 5 cents to $1.05, which would generate about $22 million a year to help with the state's budget deficit and finance food and energy security programs. The Senate had wanted to raise the barrel tax to $1.55, but agreed to a House compromise. Negotiators also reached agreement on a bill that would prohibit the state Department of Human Services from implementing a reorganization plan this summer that would close most eligibility offices and lay off 228 of 517 eligibility workers. The reorganization plan, which would concentrate eligibility processing at centers in Honolulu and Hilo, is expected to save $8 million. But lawmakers are worried that it would erect barriers for the poor, the elderly and people who speak limited English by reducing the opportunity for face-to-face interviews when applying for aid. The bill would instead authorize a pilot project in Honolulu after the state adopts administrative rules, sparing the Neighbor Island eligibility offices. Lawmakers want to move the two bills, and several others, by tomorrow so they would reach Lingle in time to force the governor to act before the end of session later this month. The governor has 10 days to act on bills passed 10 or more days before the session ends, compared with 45 days on bills passed at the end of session. House and Senate leaders would prefer to consider veto overrides during session rather than in a veto override session in July. Lingle vetoed a barrel tax increase last year and has indicated she would probably reject the bill again. The governor has said the tax hike, which would likely be passed on to consumers and raise the price of gasoline and electricity, does not make sense as people are struggling economically. 'IT'S A STEP' Some lawmakers and environmentalists were disappointed yesterday that much of the barrel tax hike would go to reduce the state's budget deficit. Lawmakers estimated that $13.2 million would go toward the deficit, while $8.8 million would be directed to alternative energy and food security programs. "I think the major concern right now is balancing the budget," said state Rep. Hermina Morita, D-14th (Hanalei, Anahola, Kapa'a), the lead House negotiator. Morita said lawmakers would have an opportunity when the state's economy improves to devote more resources to the environmental programs. "It's a step," she said. State Sen. Clayton Hee, D-23rd (Kane'ohe, Kahuku), the lead Senate negotiator, said using money from the barrel tax to help with the deficit is part of an attempt to avoid a broad-based general-excise tax increase. "The question that's being asked is how to raise revenue. And there's a general reluctance on the part of the Senate to raise the general-excise tax," he said. "To balance the budget, the Senate budget committee looked at special funds. The barrel tax is one of the special funds." State Rep. Cynthia Thielen, R-50th (Kailua, Kane'ohe), an environmental attorney and one of the House's strongest advocates for alternative energy, opposed the agreement because only 40 percent of the money generated by the barrel tax would go to environmental initiatives. "That becomes nothing but a tax on the motoring public and on everyone that turns on their lights," she said. Robert Harris, the director of the Sierra Club's Hawai'i chapter, said the new draft is a shell of what environmentalists wanted when the bill first moved last year. But he chose to look at the positive. "Forty percent of manapua is better than no manapua at all," he said. JOBS IN DANGER Lingle may also consider a veto on the bill that would halt the reorganization plan at the Department of Human Services. Lillian Koller, the department's director, has said the plan could reduce a backlog in applications and offer more convenience by allowing people to apply for aid online and over the telephone instead of visiting eligibility offices. But the Hawaii Government Employees Association, the union that represents the eligibility workers, and many lawmakers believe the department is rushing through a plan that will cost state jobs and inconvenience the poor. "We need to save these jobs," said state Rep. Tom Brower, D-23rd (Waikiki, Ala Moana), one of the negotiators. "We're going to have a new administration that may have a new perception on how the state should administer human services. "And, in addition, now is not the time to cut these positions. If we're going to cut these positions, it has to be much slower and drawn out over time." Negotiators also reached a deal yesterday on a bill that would lift general-excise tax exemptions on several business activities and impose a half-cent GET on the activities. The new tax is expected to raise $25.3 million a year to help contain the deficit. Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 7:20 p.m. HST Hawaian Best In The Sky - Second Year In A Row Hawaiian Airlines was No. 1 for the second consecutive year in a quality ratings study that looks at air carrier performance last year in terms of on-time performance, baggage handling, denied boardings and customer complaints. Hawaiian beat out 17 other carriers evaluated in the 20th annual Airline Quality Rating study conducted by researchers at Purdue University and Wichita State University. Hawaiian was also the top-ranked airline in the annual AQR study for 2006 and 2008, and was not included in the report for 2007. Hawaiian was best of all airlines in on-time performance, and was second-best in denied boardings and mishandled baggage. The full report is available online at www.aqr.aero. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 4:20 p.m. HST PEP Aims to Save Rarest Native Plants from Extinction HONOLULU – Protecting Hawai‘i’s rarest native plants from extinction is the aim of a unique partnership known as the Plant Extinction Prevention (PEP) program, supported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) along with numerous conservation partners who are working to provide Hawai‘i’s native plant populations with the resources to survive for generations to come. The PEP Program is funded in part by DOFAW, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other state, federal and private funds, and focuses on plant species (known as “PEP” species) with fewer than 50 plants remaining in the wild. In 2009, the PEP Program and its partners discovered new individuals or populations of 17 PEP species through surveys on all the main Hawaiian Islands. The hope-inspiring discovery of these “founder plants”-- or naturally occurring wild plants -- is important to the survival of the species. Having a complete picture of all known individual plants allows conservation botanists to plan their recovery actions in an informed way, increasing the species’ chances of recovery in the ecosystems to which they belong. To protect these precious few plants from extinction PEP partners use fencing (to prevent damage from wild sheep, goats, cows and donkeys), weed control, propagule (seeds and cuttings) collection, and planting out in the wild. The PEP program also completed propagule collection from a total of 89 PEP species in 2009. The propagules—fruit, cuttings, or seeds—are taken to off-site seed storage labs, tissue culture labs or partnering nurseries to preserve the genetic material of the founder plants and are used to reintroduce the species back into their natural habitat. “We have seen precipitous declines of Hawai‘i’s biodiversity over the past 200 years because of loss of natural habitat to human uses, introduction of animal and weed pests, and diseases,” said Joan Yoshioka, Statewide PEP Coordinator. “I’ve personally witnessed several plant extinctions in the past 20 years. It’s time to accept that we can and must do more to preserve the native Hawaiian biological treasures that have been placed in our care. The PEP Program, together with all its partners, is trying to do just that,” said Yoshioka. Hawai‘i’s isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean results in extreme species diversity. Approximately 90 percent of Hawai‘i’s flora is endemic and found no where else in the world. This richness in diversity represents 42 percent of all endangered plant species in the United States, the largest number of any state. To preserve the biodiversity of these islands, PEP and DLNR will continue to work together to monitor and recover these rare species to ensure their survival and continued presence in Hawai‘i’s fragile ecosystems. For more information on the PEP Program and how you can get involved visit www.pepphi.org. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 3:50 p.m. HST County to Celebrate 'National Volunteer Week' KAHULUI - The County of Maui Volunteer Center announced today that it will be celebrating the kick-off of National Volunteer Week 2010 by hosting the 3rd Annual "Join Hands" Volunteer Fair and Volunteer Recognition Awards Program. The festivities will take place Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queen Kaahumanu Center near center stage. The Maui event takes place in conjunction with the National observance held April 18-24, 2010, which highlights this year's theme, "Celebrating People in Action." Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Council Member Michael Molina will be present at the celebration, which will include numerous vendors, live music, Polynesian dancers and informational displays by 25 local non-profit organizations and government agencies. The public is encouraged to attend the free event to explore new opportunities to volunteer in the community for even a few hours a month, or a few hours a week. The Volunteer Recognition Ceremony begins at noon. Volunteers to be recognized were nominated by the community through the County's Volunteer Center earlier this year. For more information, call the County of Maui Volunteer Center at (808) 270-7150 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/volunteer. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 10:10 a.m. HST New Walgreens Opens on Maui to Customers - and Protesters KAHULUI — Walgreens opened its second full-service store on Maui yesterday, but it came with a demonstration against the store by members of the Hawaii Carpenters Union. Union members expressed their opposition to the store's use of contractors who didn't pay standard wages and benefits. "We just wanted to raise public awareness that Walgreens is not paying area standard wages for carpenters and dry wallers on Maui," said Bill Kamai, Maui senior service representative for the Hawaii Carpenters Union. More than 100 union members, family supporters and friends lined the curb and waved signs outside Walgreens, Kamai said. Such protests began at Walgreens' Kahului and Lahaina locations while construction was ongoing in October. He pledged that such demonstrations would continue at both locations. Contacted by phone yesterday, a Walgreens spokesman said he didn't have the details of construction bidding on the store in Kahului. But "our approach is to use union contractors whenever their bids are competitive," said Michael Polzin, director of Walgreens corporation communications in Deerfield, Ill. The new 14,820-square-foot store is on the site of the former Pizza Hut at the intersection of Puunene and Kamehameha avenues. It features a double-lane, drive-through pharmacy, which is Walgreens' first on Maui. Reach Brian Perry at bperry@mauinews.com. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 10 a.m. HST Hirono Helps Steer $1.6 M to Endangered Species Projects in Hawai'i WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today announced the awarding of $1,683,000 in U.S. Department of the Interior grant funding for two projects in Hawai‘i that will enable the State to work with private landowners, conservation organizations and other partners to protect and conserve the habitat of threatened and endangered species throughout the islands. These grants, awarded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, will protect a strategic watershed on the island of Moloka‘i along with help protect 10 endangered animals and 34 endangered plants in North Kona on the island of Hawai‘i: $1,500,000 Recovery Land Acquisition Grant to acquire perpetual conservation easement on Moloka‘i (Maui County) This grant will be utilized to complete Phase II of the Kainalu Forest Watershed Acquisition. It provides the additional funds necessary for the acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement that stretches over 614 acres of strategic watershed on the eastern end of the island of Moloka‘i. Reaching from the summit down to the ocean, this connected parcel follows the traditional Hawaiian land delineation and management system, or ahupua‘a. The property has several federally identified threatened or endangered species, as well as critical habitat in and around the proposed easement area. $183,000 Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grant to finalize planning for Game Mammal Management in North Kona (Hawai‘i County) This funding will allow for the completion of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) in the Pu‘uanahulu Game Mammal Management Area and the Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Cooperative Game Management Area in North Kona. This is one of the largest areas designated for game mammal production in the State and currently has or had 10 endangered animals and 34 endangered plants in the area. Completion of the HCP will address the potential impacts of game mammal management on the listed plants and critical habitat of several plant and animal species that may be impacted by game management activities. The Recovery Land Acquisition Grants Program provides funds to states and territories to acquire habitat for endangered and threatened species with approved recovery plans. Habitat acquisition to secure long-term protection is often an essential element of a comprehensive recovery effort for a listed species. The HCP Planning Assistance Grants Program provides grants to states and territories to support the development of HCPs through funding of baseline surveys and inventories, document preparation, outreach and similar planning activities. (Report Provided by the Office of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 9:10 a.m. HST DLNR Simplifies Camping Permit System Online HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has launched a new on-line camping and lodging reservation and permit system for Hawai‘i’s State Parks, a major step to increase efficient, user-friendly public service as part of the DLNR’s Recreational Renaissance initiative. The new Internet-based site, which went live on March 22, processes camping and lodging permit reservations on-line and accepts payment by credit card. The new on-line system eliminates the need for the public to physically visit State Park offices, or call and ask for camp site and cabin availability - and then mail in permit applications and payment. The on-line system also saves staff time and costs spent on processing mailed or faxed permit applications and payments for camping and lodging reservations. However, the public may still come to the respective office for personal, same-day permit service, if they prefer. Mail-in permit requests will be discontinued. “This long-needed conversion to an Internet-based system, which is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing effort to streamline government operations and provide more on-line services for the public, will vastly improve the service and convenience for both Hawai‘i residents and out-of-state park visitors in obtaining camping and lodging permits,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “If there were any questions about whether the public would embrace the system, they were quickly answered. On the first full day the site went live, 93 permits for camping and lodging were issued on-line to Internet users in Hawai‘i and around the world, compared to 15 that were issued to walk-in customers,” said Dan Quinn, State Parks administrator. “The on-line system will continue to be adjusted over time to streamline the interface and process in response to public feedback.” Along with the added convenience, increased camping and lodging fees also went into effect on March 8, the first increase in 10 years. The increase in fees will be applied to park operations, including improvements and maintenance of camping and lodging areas. “We are optimistic that this faster, streamlined service will also encourage greater camper compliance in obtaining permits, and reduce overuse and impacts to the natural resources at popular camp sites,” said Quinn. "We are very proud and excited to be a part of this initiative,” said Russell Castagnaro, general manager of Hawai‘i Information Consortium, LLC a.k.a. eHawaii.gov. “As the portal manager of the State of Hawai‘i, we will continue to partner with DLNR to make more services available on-line for both residents and visitors." In the next few months, DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife will also implement an on-line permit reservation system for state forest reserve campsites and cabins, modeled after the State Parks’ new “Wiki Permit” site. More information will be available in future from the DLNR website at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 7:20 a.m. HST Lawmakers Work Into Night - Still Come Up Short on Shortfall-Fillers State House negotiators last night offered to significantly scale back a proposal to lift general-excise tax exemptions on several business activities and impose a new GET hike, a move that would generate $25.3 million — instead of about $100 million — to help contain the state's budget deficit. House lawmakers had said they thought the original proposal was a creative way to clamp down on about three dozen exemptions that many tax experts believe are outdated or unnecessary. But advocates for community associations, local airlines and tourism fought to keep the tax breaks. State Senate negotiators also opposed the original House idea. Under the new draft, the state would lift GET and use-tax exemptions on about two dozen business activities and impose a 0.5 percent GET on the activities through 2015, down from the 1 percent GET initially recommended. If the new draft is accepted by House and Senate negotiators today, it would mean lawmakers have to look elsewhere for additional savings. State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-14th (Halawa, Moanalua, Kamehameha Heights), the lead Senate negotiator, said she still believes lawmakers can find the money to balance the budget without a broad-based GET increase. "It's not on the table," Kim said. State Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), the lead House negotiator, said lawmakers heard appeals from business interests about the importance of saving the tax exemptions, some of which have been on the books for decades. "As you are all aware that, any time you give an exemption and/or credit, there is some revenue loss that is subsidized by the other general taxpayers," he told negotiators. "So that's the basis for this. This is our approach to addressing the budget shortfall, in lieu of an increase in (the) general-excise tax." Condominium, homeowner and community associations want to keep the tax exemption on money received from their residents to pay for common expenses, such as maintenance. Losing the tax exemption could mean higher fees on residents. Hawaiian Airlines wants to preserve tax exemptions for the loading and unloading of cargo, servicing aircraft, and building aircraft maintenance facilities. The Hawai'i Tourism Authority wants to keep the tax exemption on reimbursements to the Hawai'i Convention Center. The GET exemption bill is one of several that state House and Senate leaders want to approve and get to Gov. Linda Lingle by Wednesday, which would force the governor to act on the bills before the session adjourns later this month. Under state law, the governor has 10 days to act on bills passed 10 or more days before session ends. She has 45 days to announce her intentions on bills passed at the end of session. Many lawmakers would prefer overriding vetoes during session rather than coming back to do it in July in an election year. Kim said that the scaled-back GET exemption bill should not influence negotiations on a separate bill to take hotel-room tax revenue from the counties. The Senate wants to cap hotel-room tax revenue to counties at $50 million a year, down from $94 million that counties received this year, to help with the deficit. The House wants the cap at $94 million. "We've got to see, at the end of the day, if we actually need to take it," Kim said. House and Senate negotiators deferred talks until this morning. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. were at the state Capitol last night to urge lawmakers not to reduce the counties' share of hotel-room tax revenues. They said it could lead to higher property taxes and county-level program cuts. "We really believe that it's only fair, it's only proper, it's only appropriate that the counties keep their share of the hotel-room tax," Hannemann said, adding that it helps counties absorb the cost of providing public services to tourists. Carvalho said losing the hotel-room tax revenue would have a "devastating effect on our counties." Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 12, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST Hawai'i Non-Resident Weddings Still Dropping Like A Rock The number of Mainland and foreign couples coming to the Islands to tie the knot continues to plummet from a high in 2005, and industry experts aren't optimistic the figures will improve this year. Last year, the Health Department issued some 13,936 nonresident marriage licenses (mostly to Mainland couples), a decrease of about 12 percent from 2008 and 30 percent from 2005, new statistics show. The number of couples and immediate family members traveling from the Mainland and overseas for weddings also dropped last year by about 11 percent and is down 35 percent from 2005, the state said. The statistics come as Hawai'i's No. 1 economic driver, the tourism industry, continues to try to claw its way out of the recession. Weddings account for a sizable — though not formidable — portion of overall tourism figures. Of the 6.5 million people who visited the Islands last year, nearly 2 percent (108,882 people) were to-be-married couples and their immediate family members. Those figures don't include other wedding guests, including friends of the couple. Industry experts also point out that destination weddings to the Islands bring in much more money per visitor than a vacation alone. An average wedding costs anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, not including airfare, lodging and other incidentals. And the married couple often sticks around for the honeymoon. Also, most weddings for Mainland and foreign visitors have 30 to 50 guests. "Marriage is a major component to the tourism industry," said Alvin Onaka, who heads up the Department of Health's vital statistics office as the state's registrar. He said that several factors may be involved in the steady decline in nonresident marriage licenses, but the economy is by far the biggest. "There's a general downturn in the economy and it's reflected in people being able to travel," he said. He added that furloughs at the Health Department wouldn't affect the numbers because nonresident couples have 30 days to get the licenses and the logistics for getting the licenses are usually handled by wedding planners, who know when to apply. Also, he said, the $60 for a license hasn't gone up in years. All islands saw declines in nonresident marriages last year. The DOH figures show some 5,596 nonresident marriage licenses were issued in 2009 for couples planning a Maui wedding, a decline of 13 percent from 2008's 6,471 licenses. Kaua'i saw a 20 percent decline, with 2,028 licenses issued, while the Big Island saw a 6 percent drop. O'ahu saw a 6 percent decline, with 4,990 licenses. SLUMP IN BUSINESS Hawai'i businesses that cater to wedding couples from the Mainland or overseas say they are feeling the slump — and not just with fewer bookings. Couples who do come, they say, are spending less. "Their budgets are a little tighter," said Michelle Garibay, owner of Blue Sky Productions, which handles destination weddings almost exclusively. "They might not go all out for flowers and decor, all the bells and whistles, in exchange for coming to Hawai'i." Also, she said, fewer guests are flying in. Susan O'Donnell, owner of Aloha Wedding Planners, which has a mix of nonresident and local weddings, said that judging from inquiries made late last year, it will probably be another slower-than-normal year for the nonresident wedding industry in the Islands. "This year might be somewhat flat," she said. O'Donnell and others said Hawai'i is competing with other, sometimes cheaper wedding destinations, including the Caribbean. In some cases, couples who would have had a destination wedding decided to stay home so they could use money they would have spent on travel on the ceremony. Eugene Kam, a wedding photographer and president of the O'ahu Wedding Association, said his nonresident business is actually up, something he attributes to recent advertisements promoting Hawai'i as a value destination. But he said his resident wedding business is down, in part because people are looking to save money and so choose to shoot their own photos. "We're in a DIY market," he said. Kam added that the destination wedding industry has a "pretty big influence" on the economy. "Forty to 80 people come here" for a wedding, he said. "That adds up." About 30 people from several states came for Kimberly Gerber's wedding Thursday at Wai'alae Beach Park. The Florida resident said that because of the tight economy, she decided to go through with her dream of getting married in the Islands but opted to make it less elaborate and more budget-friendly. She estimates the wedding cost about $11,000, not including travel, lodging and other costs. Gerber, 29, married Ivo Solis, 31, on the beach in Kahala, then headed for a reception in Waikiki. "I really wanted to get married on the sand," Gerber said. After the wedding and a stay in Waikiki, the couple headed to Maui for their honeymoon. Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 11, 2010 4:45 p.m. HST Four-Vehicle Crash on Haleakala Highway Claims One Life Maui Police say a 96 year-old Pukalani man became the county's sixth traffic fatality after his vehicle was hit from behind in an accident this morning on Haleakala Highway. According to the police report, a 2002 Ford E150 van, driven by a 47 year-old Kahului woman, was travelling east on the highway around 10:20 a.m. today when it collided with the rear of a 2004 Toyota Echo, drive by 96 year-old Masami Nikaido. The van then collided with the rear of a 2008 Nissan Sentra, operated by a 56 year-old woman from Kaneohe. That vehicle, in turn, was forced into a 2010 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, driven by a 24 year-old man from Kahului. In all, four people were transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment. Only Nikaido died from his injuries. Traffic was reduced to on lane in the uphill direction during the crash investigation. This is Maui County's sixth traffic fatality of the year. There were seven traffic deaths by this point of 2009. (Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - April 11, 2010 12:45 p.m. HST Taxes Still Due on Time - But Refunds Will Be Late Taxpayers still have more than a week to meet the April 20 Hawai'i income tax filing deadline, but it could take until early September before some of them see their portion of an estimated $600 million in state refunds. Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to delay income tax refunds this year is intended to save $275 million in the face of a $1.2 billion budget shortfall. Other states, such as California, Missouri and Kansas, are also delaying refunds to ease their own budget problems. Hera Kainau of Wahiawa already received her federal income tax refund and yesterday wondered how many more months will pass before she sees the $1,000 she's owed by the state. "I understand why she's (Lingle) doing it," Kainau said. "But it's still irritating. I count on that money every year for repairs and stuff like that — maybe a nice dinner." The cumulative effect of delaying everyone's state refunds will save the state money but will also serve as another temporary brake on Hawai'i's stuttering economy, said Leroy Laney, a Hawai'i Pacific University professor of economics and finance. "We know the kind of pressure state government is under, but any time you take money out of the economy — furloughing workers, delaying tax refunds — that is a drag on the economy," Laney said. "Once the money becomes available, you could see some sort of boost to the economy. But there is a delay, no doubt about it." Hawai'i's Department of Taxation hopes to get the first refunds out to the earliest filers with automatic deposit by July 6 or July 7, said Joan Bolte, taxation services administrator. "We're still working out the schedule right now," Bolte said. Tax officials have until Sept. 2 to issue the last refund without having to pay interest, said deputy tax director Stanley Shiraki. The first refunds will go to taxpayers who filed early with direct deposits, Bolte said. The last refunds will go to people who filed later and need a check to be sent, Shiraki said. ANTICIPATING REPEAT Tax preparers such as David Ramirez, owner of Tax Relief Services, have never seen the state delay refunds before. But Ramirez said he is already helping clients prepare for the same possibility next year and beyond. Several of his clients already have adjusted their paycheck withholdings so they'll see more money coming back to them on payday, rather than getting a lump sum from a state tax refund, Ramirez said. "A lot of people use their tax refunds as a forced savings account," he said. "They know that money's going to be there at year's end, even though financial planners tell you that's the worst thing to do. But people are now obviously frustrated and upset and want to change their withholdings so next year their refund will be very small or nonexistent." Before this year, Hawai'i's philosophy was to get "refunds out as quick as possible to get people to go out and spend it and put that money back into the economy," Ramirez said. Now, some of his clients are wondering whether they can delay meeting the state's April 20 filing deadline since they won't see a return for several months. "No," he tells his clients. "Unfortunately, based on the laws, they (the state) have the ability to do this." So that leaves taxpayers such as Shanna Toves of Mililani wondering how she'll get by without the $700 to $1,000 she usually gets from her state refund. "I always rely on my refund for bills, the usual things," Toves said. "It's definitely going to put a burden on my finances." Jane Kutuzova of Mo'ili'ili already received her federal refund and, until yesterday, wondered why her state refund had not arrived. It will be only $200, but that's no small amount for Kutuzova, a graduate student at Argosy University in Downtown Honolulu. So when that $200 from the state finally arrives sometime this summer, Kutuzova said, "every little bit helps." Reach Dan Nakaso at dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin) NEWS FLASH - April 11, 2010 12:05 p.m. HST Haleakala Highway Accident Slows Traffic Maui Police report that an accident on Haleakala Highway near the Keahua Junction - in the Kahului-bound direction, has traffic slowed in a contraflow pattern. No word on injuries or when the area will be reopened to traffic. (Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - April 11, 2010 7:10 a.m. HST Keali'i Reichel's Halau Excels at Merrie Monarch Merrie Monarch veteran O'Brian Eselu and his Ke Kai O Kahiki won the 2010 Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition Saturday night, beating out Keali'I Reichel's Halau Ke'alaokamaile by 34 points. Eselu, who walks with difficulty, had to steady himself on the shoulders of two of his male olapa (students) to make his way up to the ramp to the stage, a touching moment. This was his second win in as may years. Ke Kai O Kahiki received a total of 1,162 points; Reichel won both women's divisions but his point total of 1,128 didn't add up to Eselu's exceptionally high scores in the kane (men's) division. Eselu brought only men to the competition. The women's modern competition was characterized by tie breakers (the judges set aside points which are only used to break ties), the five winners were set apart by only 10 points total and three sets of tiebreakers had to be used. For their Kahiko number, Eselu's halau performed a rousing chant about a battle between Pele and Kamapua'a. Their 'auana number was a sprightly piece, performed in white pants and shirts girded by a purple sash (purple was very much the color of the 'auana division) about a white bird known as a skilled catcher of fish and for its lavish tail; it was representative of royalty. Both were well received by both audience and judges.
Wahine kahiko (women's ancient style) — Halau Ke'alaokamaile, Keali'I Reichel, 566 points Hula Halau 'O Kamuela, Ka'ui Kamana'o and Kunewa Mook, 563 points Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu, Sonny Ching, 561 points Halau Mohala 'Ilima, Mapuana de Silva, 560 points Na Pualei O Likolehua, Leina'ala Kalama Heine, 557
Halau Ke'alaokamaile, Keali'I Reichel, 562 points Hula Halau 'O Kamuela, Ka'ui Kamana'o and Kunewa Mook, 561 points Halau Mohala 'Ilima, Mapuana de Silva, 561 points Halau Hula Olana, Olana and Howard Ai, 555 points Na Pualei O Likolehua, Leina'ala Kalama Heine, 552
Halau Ke'alaokamaile, Keali'I Reichel, 1,128 points Halau Hula O Kamuela, Kau'I Kamana'o and Kunewa Mook,1,124 points Halau Mohala 'Ilima, Mapuana de Silva, 1,121
Ke Kai O Kahiki, O'Brien Eselu, 562 points Kawaili'ula, Chinky Mahoe, 570 points Ka Leo O Lake I Kahikina O Ka La, Kaleo Trinidad, 564 points Halau I Ka Wekiu, Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupng, 556 points
Ke Kai O Kahiki, O'Brian Eselu, 587 points Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanulu, Sonny Ching, 562 points Halau I Ka Wekiu, Karl Veto Baker and Michael Casupang, 560 points Hala Hula O Kahikilaulani, the late Ray Fonseca, 557 points
Ke Kai O Kahiki, O'Brian Eselu, 1,1,62 points Kawaiili'ula, Chinky Mahoe, 1,125 points Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu,, Sonny Ching,1,117 points
Ke Kai O Kahiki, O'Brian Eselu,1,162 points Halau Ke'alaokamaile, Keali'I Reichel, 1,126 points (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin) NEWS FLASH - April 10, 2010 7:30 a.m. HST Lahaina Smokestack Restoration to Begin This Month LAHAINA — Restoration of the Pioneer Mill smokestack in Lahaina will begin this month, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation announced. Work will include restoring the top 14 feet of the smokestack, which was removed in 2006 during the demolition of Pioneer Mill buildings. The top will be fabricated from steel and painted to match the new paint being applied to the entire smokestack. It will replicate the design and size of the original smokestack, including the words "Pioneer Mill Co. Ltd. 1860." The project is expected to take four months. Other work includes installing 17 carbon steel tension bands to reinforce the smokestack, filling in the flue with masonry and outlining the flue perimeter with brick to match a brick walkway surrounding the base of the stack. Cost of the renovation is around $600,000. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is fundraising for the project through the sale of commemorative bricks that can be engraved and will be used in the walkway. The price for a brick will increase from $100 to $125 on May 1, and bricks must be purchased by May 1 to be included in the first phase of the project. For information, visit www.lahainarestoration.org or call 661-3262. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - April 9, 2010 8:50 p.m. HST Trespassing Citations Handed to Some at Governor's Office HONOLULU – State sheriffs have issued trespassing citations to seven adults who refused to leave the Governor’s office tonight after the office closed for the weekend. The sheriffs informed the small group who had remained in the reception area of the office that if they did not leave, they would be cited for simple trespass (H.R.S. 708-815). After the sheriffs gave the individuals time to decide what they would do, approximately six adults and several children left the office. Seven adults chose to stay and each was cited for simple trespass. Those cited were not removed from the office. No children were cited. As of 6:30 p.m., five adults and three children remained in the office. Claims by the group that first occupied the office on Wednesday that Governor Lingle has not been personally involved in the negotiations to end teacher furloughs are patently false. The Governor has had face-to-face meetings on multiple occasions with the Department of Education, including the previous superintendent and the current superintendent; the Board of Education, including different factions within the board; the Hawai‘i State Teachers Union, including the past president and the current president; and various legislators. The Governor is continuing to work with the DOE and legislators to resolve the furlough issue. However, the HSTA has said it will not continue to negotiate. The individuals who are making false allegations against the Governor should encourage the HSTA to change its position that it will no longer negotiate to end the school closures. (Report Provided by the Office of Govenor Linda Lingle) NEWS FLASH - April 9, 2010 7 p.m. HST Today Is 'Tax Freedom Day' in Hawai'i - Or Is It? The so-called "Tax Freedom Day" for Hawai'i residents is today, April 9, or four days earlier than occurred last year. Tax Foundation annually provides an estimate of the tax burden shouldered by taxpayers across the nation, calculating how many days of the year residents of states have to work to pay their federal, state and local taxes before earning money for themselves. This year Hawai'i's tax freedom day falls on the say day as the national average. The Tax Foundation, a Washington-based non-profit group, said Hawai'i has the 19th highest tax time period in the nation. The center also has criticized the report for overstating the tax burden for many people because the Tax Foundation uses an average tax liability that is skewed higher by the upper-income households. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 9, 2010 6:10 p.m. HST New Report Reinforces Maui's Growth in Visitors, Spending Maui saw big jumps in its hotel occupancy and revenue in February as the hotel industry continued a slow but steady recovery statewide. Statewide occupancy rose 3.2 percentage points to 75.5 percent in February, according to the latest hotel report released today by Hospitality Advisors LLC. Discounted room rates took a big toll on the industry's revenue per available room (RevPAR), but that gap appears to be narrowing. Statewide RevPAR slipped to $132.28 compared with $136.06 in February 2009. "We seemed to have bottomed out in losses in terms of room rates," said Joseph Toy, president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Advisors. "As occupancies get firm, hotels are going to be able to manage those rates a little bit better and start raising." Maui was the only island to see a jump in RevPAR in February, coming in with $183.55, as opposed to $179.97 in the year-earlier month. The increase came despite continued discounting and was the first revenue increase on Maui since March 2008, when airline closures reduced air service. Occupancy increases in Wailea and in luxury markets were largely driven by West Coast visitors, while Kihei, Kaanapali and budget markets saw a rise in Canadian visitors. "It's because of the substantial increase in visitor arrivals in Maui," Toy said. "The volume in room sales more than offset the decline in room rates. It's certainly a welcome sign." Oahu had a 3.4 percentage-point increase in occupancy but a 3.8 percent decline in room revenue. International arrivals from Canada, Japan and Europe drove the increase. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported earlier that Oahu's domestic arrivals fell by 9 percent in February, the largest of any island due to the Pro Bowl's absence. Budget properties statewide saw a 5.4 percentage-point jump in occupancy, the largest in any of the markets. Luxury and upscale markets also increased above 3 percentage points. "When the Canadians come in, they want value," Toy said, which is why the cheaper properties made gains. "The good news is even though they're generally budget travelers, they stay longer, with 12 1/2 days on average." Toy said the hotel industry is experiencing firm recovery. February's occupancy increase was the fifth in the past six months. The summer should provide a more accurate picture of how far tourism has recovered. An increase in interest from strategic investors looking to acquire properties here is also another positive sign. Hawaii as a mature destination has strong appeal for investors. "You really need those new investment dollars to help fuel reinvestment and reinvigorate the economy," Toy said. "You must have a clean-out of the bad debt that's in Hawaii before you can have true recovery." Reach Gene Park at gpark@starbulletin.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin) NEWS FLASH - April 9, 2010 4:20 p.m. HST HSTA Lobbies Legislators to Fund Furlough Finisher Honolulu
-- Hawaii public school teachers visited state lawmakers
today, urging them to sign a card pledging their support
to fund the agreement reached by the Association and the
Board of Education that would end furloughs for the remainder
of the 2009-2010 school year and the 2010-2011 school year.
Both houses of the legislature have passed measures that
could fund the agreement. However, the amount of funding
remains unresolved. (Report Provided by the Hawai'i State Teachers' Association) NEWS FLASH - April 9, 2010 9:10 a.m. HST Group Wants to Put Brakes on Open-Ocean Fish Farming A hui of local environmental groups has partnered with a powerful Mainland organization to call for major changes in open-ocean fish farming in the state, including a moratorium on expansion. The alliance seeks to halt what it said is a near-term 900 percent potential expansion of local ocean aquaculture production until greater safeguards can be put in place to better ensure the protection of Hawai'i's ocean waters. "Hawai'i is being the guinea pig for open-ocean aquaculture," said Rob Parsons, former environmental coordinator for Maui County who has been working for the past two years to help Washington, D.C.-based Food & Water Watch research the industry here. Two ocean farms operate in the state — Hukilau Foods, which began in 2001 as Cates International raising moi off 'Ewa Beach on O'ahu; and Kona Blue Water Farms, which since 2005 has produced amberjack off the Kona Coast of the Big Island. Food & Water Watch produced a 20-page report, "The Empty Promise of Ocean Aquaculture in Hawai'i: Lessons on Factory Fish Farming From an Industrial Testing Ground." Supporters of ocean aquaculture, which involves raising fish in submerged cages, claim that the Mainland group is trying to keep the federal government from adopting Hawai'i industry regulations as a national standard. Local fish farm operators also say the report isn't based on scientific study, and unfairly highlights individual incidents to discredit broad industry and regulatory practices. "These are outsiders that have manipulated local activists to achieve a national agenda," said Bill Spencer, co-founder of Hawaii Oceanic Technology Inc., a 4-year-old company trying to start an ocean farm off the Big Island raising bigeye and yellowfin tuna. Spencer, whose start-up has produced an environmental impact statement and cultural impact statement, said the state Department of Land and Natural Resources has set very high regulatory standards that continue to be improved. Parsons contends that very little analysis has been done on industry practices outside of what fish farm operators report. "We've been given the sales pitch on this, and now we've taken a deeper look and find there are many troublesome issues," he said. "We are being sold a bad bag of goods," added Miwa Tamanaha, executive director of Kahea, The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance. Kahea, along with the Kanaka Council and 'Apono Hawai'i, partnered with Food & Water Watch to form Pono Aquaculture Alliance, which the groups hope will be joined by others. The alliance held a press conference yesterday to present the report, and later lobbied state lawmakers to support initiatives that would restrain industry growth, including bills that would create a moratorium on ocean farm leases and require an EIS for all such farms. Those two measures stalled in the Legislature this year. Another still pending bill, opposed by the alliance would extend the length of ocean leases from 35 years to 45 years. Parts of the report say that DLNR, which issues ocean leases, does a poor job overseeing the industry and lacks enough resources to conduct investigation and enforcement actions. "Hawai'i's agencies are not prepared to effectively regulate any expansion of the industry and have struggled to regulate the two existing operations," the report said. DLNR said it couldn't respond to details of the report yesterday, but agency director Laura H. Thielen said exploring whether ocean fish farms in Hawai'i are operating in an environmentally responsible manner is a legitimate question. Thielen said the industry is managed by self reporting, public complaints and agency actions — though she noted that the agency's Division of Aquatic Resources could be shut down under the most recent budget proposal in the state Senate. "That is going to be devastating," she said. Much of the report was based on Kona Blue actions, including what the report said has been inadequate environmental testing and use of antibiotics that could have an impact on the marine ecosystem and consumers. Neil Sims, Kona Blue president and chief executive officer, said the company closely monitors the ocean floor, water quality and wild fish populations for negative effects including ecological damage and disease. Sims said antibiotics are tightly regulated by federal agencies, and that two antibiotics have been approved for use by Kona Blue to treat fish ailments. Antibiotics intended to prevent conditions from developing, so-called preventative antibiotics, are prohibited under DLNR leases. Sims also said that representatives of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Ocean Conservancy and the Environmental Defense Fund have observed Kona Blue operations and not raised alarms with the company's practices. Sims acknowledged that some past issues have been a concern, such as when the company killed a tiger shark five years ago. Last year, a Galapagos shark broke into a cage, but was safely removed after many fish escaped. "It's part of the learning curve," he said. "We are pioneering something that is very hard, but is really necessary." Sims said some environmentalists should realize that ocean aquaculture is a solution to overfishing, which is depleting global wild fish populations. "We know there's a lot of concern," he said. "We want to make sure things are done responsibly." The report is full of other criticisms, including four workplace safety lawsuits filed against Kona Blue, the amount of farmed fish exported from Hawai'i and the industry's lack of profits.. The report recommends that consumers don't eat fish farmed in offshore cages. Spencer said the report is trying to call the industry a failure before it has a chance to develop. "They're telling us not to do something that could be good for the local economy," he said. "They don't care about us." Kona Blue, which mostly exports its fish, has suffered losses that in part have led the company to shift much of its production to Mexico, though it is maintaining some operations in Hawai'i. Randy Cates of Hukilau Foods could not be reached for comment yesterday. He has said that 99 percent of the moi he raises is for the local market. Isaac Harp, a local fisherman supporting Pono Aquaculture, said he's not against ocean fish farms, but would like to see a better model that avoids importing feed and one that uses animals like filter feeders and crustaceans to mitigate impacts from excess waste and food around cages. Added Christina Lizzi, fish program organizer for Food & Water Watch: "Hawai'i needs fish farms, but it needs to be pono." Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 9, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST Case, Djou Disagree With Proposed Changes to Akaka Bill Former congressman Ed Case said last night that he disagrees with changes to a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill pending before Congress and would like to see the issue brought back to Hawai'i for another discussion. Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou also said he opposes the current version of the bill, which would give Hawaiians inherent power to govern prior to, instead of after, negotiations with the state and federal governments. State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa supported the bill, arguing that it grants Hawaiians the same sovereign authority as American Indians and Native Alaskans. The three rivals in the May special election for Congress appeared last night on "Insights" on PBS Hawai'i, a live, one-hour panel discussion hosted by Honolulu Star-Bulletin political writer Richard Borreca. The Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill, known as the Akaka bill for its main sponsor, U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, is awaiting a vote in the Senate. The bill had the broad endorsement of Hawai'i's political leaders, but recent changes negotiated with the Obama administration have led Gov. Linda Lingle and others to reluctantly withdraw their support. Case, a Democrat who backed previous versions of the Akaka bill, said he regrets that the bill no longer has what he described as a "pretty deliberate process for trying to work out the kinks and the details and the exact manner in which implementation would occur." Case also said he would prefer another debate on the bill in Hawai'i. Local hearings have not been held in the Islands for a decade, when the bill was first introduced in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Rice v. Cayetano, which held that Hawaiians-only elections for trustees of the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs were unconstitutional. Many opponents, including conservative Republicans who have fought the Akaka bill in Congress, have criticized the lack of local hearings and believe the issue should go before Hawai'i voters. "I think at this point it's time for us, if the opportunity arises, to bring it back to Hawai'i and talk about it again in a broader context," Case said. Djou, a Republican, said Hawaiians should have similar rights as other indigenous people but only after negotiations with the state and federal governments. "We all should remember, that whatever the United States Congress (does), we have to be fair to everyone," he said. Hanabusa, a Democrat, said the current version of the Akaka bill is part of the reconcilation process since the 1993 apology resolution, where the United States apologized for its role in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i in 1893. "For the first time, Native Hawaiians were being recognized as having the similar rights as indigenous people elsewhere," she said. The panel discussion was much more free-flowing than recent debates, and the candidates took the opportunity to explain their differences, using some of the strongest language of the campaign in urban Honolulu's 1st Congressional District. Hanabusa defended the Jones Act, the federal law that protects the nation's shipping industry from foreign competition, as important to national security and Hawai'i's ability to obtain goods from the Mainland. She said she doubted the law has led to substantially higher consumer prices. "It doesn't increase it to that wide of an extent, and you must balance that with security — that you're entitled to — the knowing that what's going on between the states is governed by an American-flagged, American-owned vessel, versus what it's costing," she said. Case said he could not understand why Hanabusa thinks the law does not drive up business and consumer costs. "There is no reason whatsoever why our government — federal or state — should create an artificial monopoly," he said of the shipping domination by Matson Navigation Co. and Horizon Lines Inc. "I believe in the free market. I believe in the open market. And I believe that if properly regulated, it can deliver best to consumers at the best possible price, the best possible efficiency, the product that they want and need." Djou also believes in the free-market approach and, like Case, would support a Hawai'i exemption to the law. He said the law may make more sense on the Mainland, where there is competition in shipping because businesses can also choose to transport goods between states by rail. "And because we're not getting competition here, I do think it hurts the people of Hawai'i as whole," he said. The candidates are also divided on civil unions. Case and Hanabusa support giving same-sex couples the ability to have their relationships legally recognized by the state, while Djou opposes the idea. Hanabusa said a bill that is stalled before the state Legislature would be a landmark because it would apply to both same-sex and heterosexual couples.
Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 8, 2010 2:10 p.m. HST Maui Firefighters Rescue Eight Visitors in One Night WAIHEE — A day after being carried by helicopter across a river that quickly rose in the swinging bridges area of Waihee, a New Jersey family was thankful for firefighters who responded. "We feel like they saved our lives," said Lauren Federici. "They were amazing." Federici, 48, her 52-year-old husband, David, their 16-year-old daughter, Shanna, and 12-year-old son, Matthew, were among eight people rescued Tuesday evening when they became stranded by rising waters while trying to hike out of the area. Wailuku firefighters and a Kahului fire rescue crew responded to the 4:53 p.m. call, arriving at Waihee Valley Road at 5:16 p.m., said Battalion Chief Frank Tam. He said firefighters reached the two families of hikers, who were at the location of the first bridge, about a half-mile into the valley, at 5:42 p.m. The first bridge had been taken down but the hikers had been able to cross the river earlier that afternoon before finding the water running higher than usual when they returned to leave the area, Tam said. Lauren Federici said the riverbed had been dry when her family first crossed rocks, then reached the second bridge, which had "just a trickle" of water beneath it. They stepped on rocks to cross the river in a third location before reaching another crossing where the water was up to her mid-calf, she said. Just one other family was still there when the Federicis began hiking out, with the water at the last crossing up to her waist, Lauren Federici said. She said the two families formed a "human chain" to navigate the crossing and eventually reached the location of the first bridge to find water "gushing." "We didn't know each other, but we became friends," Federici said. The other family, from Washington state, included a 43-year-old woman, her 50-year-old husband and two sons, ages 13 and 10, Tam said. The group tried to make it across but became stuck in the middle of the rising riverbed and turned back, Federici said. Using her cellular telephone, she called a woman at the entrance to the area, where the family had paid $6 each for entry, Federici said. After at first telling the visitors they would have to wait until the water subsided, the woman called for help, Federici said. She said firefighters first reached the area by all-terrain vehicle. After deciding the water was too deep and too rough to try to walk people across, firefighters called in the helicopter, she said. Rescue firefighters secured the eight hikers, one by one, into a basket suspended from the helicopter to transport them across the river to safety, Tam said. "It was an adventure of a lifetime, and I guess I'll always have this memory," Federici said. "When you think about it now, we could have so easily got hurt or lost our lives going down that river." She said visitors should be warned about the dangers of crossing with the first bridge out. "It wasn't raining," she said. "How were we supposed to know water was going to come down like that? It was scary. "I just think that these firemen were so wonderful. They were calm, professional." Reach Lila Fujimoto at lfujimoto@mauinews.com. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - April 8, 2010 9:25 a.m. HST Hawaiian Telcom Looks to Become Public Phone Hawaiian Telcom said it will begin trading as a public company once it emerges from bankruptcy protection. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday, the state's largest telecommunications company said it will issue 10 million shares of common stock, which it will distribute to its main creditors and will be traded on the Nasdaq market. The company also will appoint a new board, which will include CEO Eric Yeaman, former president Warren Haruki and a number of telecommunication industry experts. "Becoming a publicly traded company marks a significant milestone in our efforts to evolve as a stronger, more competitive company," Yeaman said. In November, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved Hawaiian Telcom's $460 million, stand-alone reorganization plan. The plan requires the approval of the state Public Utilities Commission. Founded in 1883, Hawaiian Telcom is the state's largest and oldest telecommunications company. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Dec. 1, 2008, due to its heavy debt load and the loss of thousands of customers to wireless and other services. Under the reorganization plan, Hawaiian Telcom will convert more than $500 million of bank debt into $160 million in new stock. In addition to Haruki and Yeaman, board members will include: • Richard Jalkut, president and CEO of U.S. TelePacific Corp., a communications company that operates in Nevada and California. • Steven Oldham, president and CEO of SureWest Communications, which provides voice high-speed Internet and digital video services in Northern California and Kansas. • Bob Phillips III, who is president and CEO of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, which represents 1,500 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states. • Paul Sunu, CFO of Hargray Communications Group, a South Carolina-based telecommunications company. Sunu is a former CFO at Hawaiian Telcom. Hawaiian Telcom's current directors no longer will serve on the board, including chairman Walter Dods, who helped steer the company's reorganization efforts. Dods recently became chairman of Alexander & Baldwin Inc. "I made the decision to take a more active role in the company as part of the restructuring process because I believe this institution is important to Hawai'i," Dods said. "Upon emergence from Chapter 11, we have a local management team in place who will continue to build the trust of our employees and our customers, taking the company to the next level." Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 8, 2010 7:25 a.m. HST 'Bittersweet' Merrie Monarch Begins Today The 47th annual Merrie Monarch Festival is under way today through Saturday in Hilo, where reaction to the Islands' most prestigious hula competition runs the gamut from solemn nostalgia to amped-up anticipation. The event has taken on a bittersweet tinge for many longtime participants and observers, losing its two most notable driving forces in the past few months: hula master Uncle George Na'ope, who died in October, and executive director Auntie Dottie Thompson, who died March 19. And then, shockingly, on March 20, kumu hula Rae Fonseca of Hilo died of a heart attack, even as his hula school was preparing to give a performance in honor of Uncle George, his hula teacher. Yet Luana Kawelu, Thompson's daughter and her successor as director, said, "It's not different for me, because I'm so busy just getting everything organized. If I had time to sit and think, maybe ... but it's just time to get the show on the road." Kawelu pointed to the heavens, thinking of her mother, and said, "She's looking down on me from up there." Jerry Santos of the Hoku Award-winning group Olomana, who is performing for only the third time at Merrie Monarch, said, "It's a special time to be here because all the people we lost are people that inspired me." His ensemble will accompany Keali'i Reichel's Miss Aloha Hula candidate in her 'auana (modern-style hula) performance. The sound of Reichel's "Kawaipunahele" spilled from the stadium as the halau of Leina'ala Heine Kalama lined up, waiting for other dancers to vacate the stadium so they could rehearse. Kupuna Jade Ka'iulani Hind and Florence Iwalani Koanui, former hula sisters of Kalama's, waited alongside the halau. They recalled the first Merrie Monarch hula competition, in 1971, when there were only 10 halau performing (there are 24 now) and only seven dancers in their hula school — Auntie Pauline Kekahuna's Hauoli Hula Girls. "It is a very sad thing; Auntie Dottie and Uncle George were very important," Hind said. "It is through their hard work and efforts that this (festival) came to happen." Thompson's relentless promotion efforts, along with the years of TV coverage, have brought much attention to the hula. This festival is one high-profile avenue through which the Islands' native dance and language, and various associated arts, have been revived. For these elders, there is a strong sense of an era passing; the simplicity and homegrown nature of the hula competition of their day is giving way to a more sophisticated era. Not, they say, a bad thing, just different. "Bittersweet, yeah?" Hind said. "Different, yeah, this year," said kumu hula Hokulani De Rego. Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 8, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST BHS Softball Scores Major Victory in Title IX Suit The governor's office yesterday released more than $1 million to build a new softball field on the campus of Baldwin High School on Maui as part of an out-of-court settlement reached in a gender equity lawsuit. The agreement was announced yesterday in U.S. District Court and ends a lawsuit filed by three members of the Baldwin softball team who alleged they were forced to practice and play at a sub-standard field while the baseball team played at a "beautifully manicured" field at Iron Maehara Stadium. The lawsuit accused the state and Maui County of violating the girls' rights under the Patsy Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act, also known as Title IX. The lawsuit was filed by players Trisha Nobriga, Tayler Shimizu, Julia Kinoshita, their parents and coach Joe Duran. They were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai'i and the law firm Alston Hunt Floyd and Ing. The settlement also calls for the state to pay the plaintiffs' lawyers $75,000 in attorneys fees. On March 19, U.S. District Judge David Ezra ruled that there was an "obvious disparity" in the boys' and girls' athletic facilities at Baldwin High that violated federal law. Ezra granted a preliminary injunction and ordered the state and county to fix the field that the girls play on and address the differences in quality of facilities. But Ezra also ordered the parties to meet with U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang to mediate their differences. Ezra yesterday applauded the efforts of the parties during "very intensive discussions" that resulted in a "perfectly appropriate" settlement. EQUAL TREATMENT Ezra said the settlement will ensure that the Baldwin High School girls' program will receive the "same serious attention and financial support for which it is entitled." He also said the lawsuit and agreement should serve as a wakeup call that agencies have an obligation to ensure equality in "all situations of public accommodations." The judge yesterday accepted the settlement and withdrew the preliminary injunction. He also praised the three players because he said it "took a great deal of courage for them to stand up for what they believed was right." State Deputy Attorney General John Cregor said that the new stadium at Baldwin High should be completed in time for the 2012 softball season. In the meantime, league games next year will be played at Maui High's Patsy Mink stadium. Mink represented Hawai'i as a U.S. representative for 24 years and died in 2002 at age 74. The field that Baldwin currently uses is operated by Maui County. Cheryl Tipton, Maui County deputy corporation counsel, said the county has made many improvements to the field over the past three weeks to the satisfaction of the team. She said workers have filled a depression, fixed the pitching area, swept small stones from the field and will build a storage facility closer to the field and away from a men's comfort station. 'VERY, VERY PLEASED' All of the parties said they were pleased that an agreement could be reached in such a short time. "The settlement really advances the whole situation at Baldwin High School and Maui in general," Cregor said. ACLU lawyer Daniel Gluck said he was "very, very pleased with the results." He agreed with Ezra that the settlement will help to ensure gender equity in athletics throughout the state. Gluck said the three players also were "very excited" with the settlement. He said there was a concern that they may have faced retaliation for filing the lawsuit, but Gluck said that didn't happen. "As far as I know, everyone has been very supportive of the girls' efforts," Gluck said. "I know that was certainly a concern that the girls had. It was a concern that the parents had. But the community has been, as a whole, very supportive of them." Baldwin has won the past three Maui Interscholastic League championships and the 2007 state title. Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 7, 2010 7:30 p.m. HST Rescuers Free Humpback Whale from Wad of Fishing Gear A male humpback whale that was entangled in fishing gear outside Haleiwa boat harbor was successfully released Wednesday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration received a call Wednesday morning that a humpback whale was entangled just outside the harbor. A team from NOAA Fisheries Science Center, Coast Guard and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary responded to the scene. The team discovered that the 30- to 35-foot whale, a large juvenile or small adult, was anchored to the sea floor by fishing gear. The whale was able to surface and breathe, despite being anchored, NOAA said. Using a hooked knife, the team was able to cut the lines that were wrapping the left pectoral fin and the whale was able to break free at about 5:30 p.m. NOAA said the whale appeared to be in good condition and was expected to survive. Anyone who wants to report an entangled marine animal is asked to call the NOAA Hotline at 1-888-256-9840. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 7, 2010 4:10 p.m. HST Four Seasons Resort Loan in Default A loan on the Four Seasons Resort Maui, a luxury hotel owned by Dell Inc. founder Michael Dell and his family, was transferred to a special servicer after the borrower defaulted, according to Fitch Ratings. The loan has a balance of $250 million, Fitch said today. The Dell family's private investment firm, MSD Capital LP, bought the 380-room property in Wailea, Hawaii, in June 2004 for $280 million, according to Realpoint LLC. The loan has been on a watchlist for default because of declining cash flows, Horsham, Pennsylvania-based Realpoint said in March. "The ownership group is in discussions with the holders of the mortgage loans on the property," Todd Fogarty, a spokesman for MSD Capital, said in a statement. "As soon as possible, we hope to achieve a financial restructuring that recognizes the challenges of the current operating environment." (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 7, 2010 3:50 p.m. HST Spring Break Misdeeds Led to 16 Arrests on Maui WAILUKU — While students were out of school for spring break last month, police juvenile officers swept through Maui beaches and parks, making arrests for underage drinking, drug possession and curfew violations. Sixteen people were arrested for 27 offenses during "Operation Spring Fling" from March 15 to 19. Those arrested included 14- and 17-year-old Upcountry boys found with marijuana in Paia on March 15 and 29-year-old Lahaina resident Kamana Ng, who was found with marijuana at Honolua Bay on March 17, police said. That afternoon, three other men —Lahaina residents Kingston Lindsey, 19, and James Lane, 18; and Jesse Silva, 19, who gave no local address — were arrested at Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina for drinking in a historic district and underage drinking. Silva also was charged with third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug after a glass pipe containing suspected marijuana residue was found in his backpack, police said. Lane was charged with possessing a prohibited deadly weapon after a throwing knife was found in his pocket, police reported. The following day, three boys were arrested at 12:10 p.m. in the Paia Bay parking lot after they were seen drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, police said. One of the boys also was charged with second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug after he was found with a glass jar containing 16 sealed packets of marijuana and a jar containing a white powder suspected to be cocaine, police said. Officers also recovered $400 cash. The final arrests occurred at 12:45 a.m. March 19 when officers made contact with Kihei youths who were at a beach along North Kihei Road. Jennifer DeGala, 18, and Jeffrey Busto, 19, were arrested for underage drinking along with a 16-year-old and two 15-year-olds. The juveniles also were charged with curfew violations as were two other juveniles, ages 10 and 12, who were in the group, police said. All of those arrested were released to parents or released on their own recognizance. Juvenile investigator Kyle Nagano organized the operation, which was headed by acting Sgt. Gordon Sagun and included juvenile investigators Sam Gasmen, Dale Corpuz and Mary Sagawinit. Sgt. David Silva said enforcement targeting criminal activity involving juveniles is ongoing. "With kids back in school, we'll continue to do our weekend enforcement," he said. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - April 7, 2010 3:10 p.m. HST Kula Lodge Fined $51,000 for EPA Cesspool Violations The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Gay and Robinson on Kaua'i and Kula Lodge and Restaurant on Maui a combined $151,000 for failing to close large-capacity cesspools on their properties. A large-capacity cesspool ban was implemented in 2005 to address environmental concerns. Large-capacity cesspools are defined as those that discharge untreated sewage from multiple dwellings or non-residential locations that serve 20 or more people per day. Gay and Robinson was fined $100,000 for failing to close 40 large-capacity cesspools. The company has been ordered to close its Kaumakani and Camp 6 cesspools by next month, and its cesspools at Pakala Village by September 2011. Kula Lodge and Restaurant owner Fred Romanchak agreed to pay $51,000 after receiving numerous warnings regarding the cesspools, the EPA reported. The lodge recently completed installation of a new state-approved wastewater system. David Albright, manager of the EPA Southwest region's Ground Water Office noted that cesspools are used more widely in Hawai'i than in any other state. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 7, 2010 2:40 p.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Issued for Entire State 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for the state until 6 a.m. Thursday. 2. EFFECTS: Heavy rain fall could persist through early Thursday morning. The advisory may need to be extended if heavy rain persists. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD A FLASH FLOOD WARNING BE ISSUED. STAY AWAY FROM STREAMS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND LOW LYING AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 7, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST State Lawmakers Consider Wider, Wilder Range of Ideas to Balance Budget State House and Senate lawmakers yesterday preserved an array of difficult and unpopular options to contain the state's $1.2 billion deficit, moving into the final weeks of the session with the tools — if not the consensus — to balance the budget. While differences remain on ideas to contain the deficit, House and Senate leaders have so far avoided a broad-based tax increase, and appear inclined to stick with targeted tax hikes, siphoning from special funds and cutting spending on state programs to complete the job. Lawmakers prepared dozens of bills for the second crossover between the chambers tomorrow, the last step before House and Senate negotiators meet in conference committee to produce the final drafts before session ends later this month. Pressure from county mayors, business interests, investors and social-service providers will likely increase as they appeal to lawmakers to save favored programs. Lurking in the background, meanwhile, is the question of whether lawmakers will set aside money to reduce teacher furloughs, even if no deal is reached between Gov. Linda Lingle and educators. One of the main conflicts in conference may be whether lawmakers will take hotel-room tax revenue from the counties, as the Senate wants, or suspend the general-excise tax exemption on about 36 business activities and impose a new 1 percent GET on those activities , as the House proposes. The Senate, in a 14-11 vote, agreed to cap the hotel-room tax revenue sent to counties at $50 million a year, instead of the $94 million counties receive now. County mayors have warned that taking that revenue could lead to property tax increases. Suspending the GET exemption on targeted business activities could generate about $100 million a year, removing the need to scoop the hotel-room tax money from counties, but businesses and some senators have complained that ending the exemptions may be damaging, as businesses try to climb out of an economic downturn. State Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), the chairman of the House Finance Committee, said the bill offers a more equitable way to raise revenue for the state than a general-excise tax increase. But state Rep. Gene Ward, R-17th (Kalama Valley, Queen's Gate, Hawai'i Kai), said the bill was no more than a "job killer" in the form of a veiled tax increase at a time when no taxes should be raised. INVESTMENT CREDITS The House and Senate also may suspend investors' ability to take advantage of technology infrastructure and high-technology investment tax credits for three years to help with the deficit. The move has drawn protests from some investors and lawmakers, who say they believe the state would be reneging on an incentive for investing in emerging technology. But many lawmakers believe it would be better to delay the tax credits for people who can afford it than to levy new taxes or further cut state programs for low and middle income residents. "Once you get the credit, you can use it. This just delays it," said state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-14th (Halawa, Moanalua, Kamehameha Heights), the chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. TEACHER FURLOUGHS State Sen. Carol Fukunaga, D-11th (Makiki, Pawa'a), the chairwoman of the Senate Economic Development and Technology Committee, said she doubts lawmakers will save as much as they think they will by suspending the tax credits. "It would have the likely impact of killing off companies that have gone forward in raising money, and now, potentially, if the investors can't use the credits, they may pull their money out," she said. The House agreed to divert an unspecified amount of money from the state's Hurricane Relief Fund to reduce teacher furloughs, and has set an April 12 deadline for the governor and educators to reach an agreement. Lingle told reporters yesterday that no meetings with educators are scheduled. Lingle also said the state has little room to budge from its position that a recent deal between the teachers union and the school board is too costly. "We like to keep the lines of communication open as long as we can," the governor added. In a letter yesterday to state House Speaker Calvin Say, D-20th (St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Wilhelmina Rise), the Hawaii State Teachers Association repeated that it has no further plans to negotiate with the governor and asked lawmakers to fund the $92 million deal reached between the union and the state Board of Education. The teachers union said lawmakers could choose to only fund part of the deal by leaving the four furlough days remaining this school year and ending the 17 furloughs for next school year. Oshiro said the possibility that lawmakers could focus only on next school year may create some flexibility on the April 12 deadline. But he said the teachers union has to recognize that Lingle has the power over whether to release any money to reduce furloughs, whether it comes from the Hurricane Relief Fund or general fund money in the state budget. GOVERNOR DECIDES Lingle has proposed spending $62 million to end teacher furloughs. "I'm very practical, and realistic, and pragmatic. And I want to end the furlough Fridays," Oshiro said. "Like it or not, at the end of the day, you're going to need the governor in some form in the settlement. She needs to release the money." The House and Senate also moved a constitutional amendment asking voters in November whether the school board should be appointed by the governor or elected, as it is now. Lingle had wanted voters to consider whether the governor should have power over the state schools superintendent, instead of the school board, but lawmakers have so far declined to put that question on the ballot. Lawmakers envision that an appointed school board would function similarly to the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents, but many Republicans deride the idea as a half measure that will not provide true accountability, while some Democrats believe it would give the governor too much power. "I believe this bill is an overreaction to the furloughs and the situation we have right now," said state Rep. Joseph Souki, D-8th (Wailuku, Waihe'e, Waiehu). PTHER MEASURES The House advanced a bill that seeks to stop the state Department of Human Services from shutting down most of its eligibility offices and laying off 228 workers in June. Closing the offices, according to the state, could save $8 million and give people easier access to services by applying online and over the telephone. The House bill would require a task force to study the conversion before it moves forward. The Senate backed a bill to increase the barrel tax on petroleum products from 5 cents to $1.55, which would provide $22 million a year to help with the deficit and about $11 million for food and energy security programs. The Senate also voted to increase transparency in corporate campaign contributions by requiring corporations to report direct donations to political candidates after donating more than $1,000 in an election cycle. The Senate also supported the creation of clean energy bonds that homeowners could tap as loans to help pay for the conversion to solar or other energy efficient systems. The loans would be repaid through assessments on county property tax bills. In a rare floor vote to kill a measure, the Senate voted 17 to 8 to reject a study of a statewide ferry system. Senators who wanted the bill believe the study could have outlined future options in ocean transportation, but many found it odd given the failure last year of the private Hawaii Superferry project. Staff writers Gordon Y.K. Pang and David Waite contributed to this report. Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 8:20 p.m. HST Hawai'i Beekeepers Gaining Ground on Devastating Varoa Mite Hawai'i beekeepers are making progress battling the devastating varroa mite with a pesticide approved late last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The local field office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Statistics Service reported that a treatment using vaporized formic acid in bee colonies is giving beekeepers some momentum in their fight against the mite. Varroa mites are a parasite that kill honeybees. Use of the formic acid kills a large percentage of mites, allowing beekeepers to control infestation, the USDA report said. The report estimated that Hawai'i honey production rose 6 percent last year to 950,000 pounds from 900,000 pounds in 2008 when beekeepers reported that extreme dry weather and the varroa mite hurt production. Last's years production increase was due to an improved yield per colony, which was up 6 percent on average. The number of honey-producing colonies was unchanged at 10,000. The average price producers received for honey was $1.63 per pound last year, up 3 percent from the year before. Combined with the production increase, total farm value of Hawai'i honey last year was $1.5 million, up about 8 percent from $1.4 million a year earlier. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 6 p.m. HST UPW Leadership Travels to Maui to Endorse Tavares for Re-election WAILUKU,
Maui, Hawaii – The United Public Workers (UPW) union cited
Mayor Charmaine Tavares’ commitment to public service, strong
leadership, and her ability to successfully collaborate
with other agencies and organizations as key reasons for
the union’s endorsement of Mayor Tavares’ bid for re-election.
UPW has over 13,000 civil service workers statewide. (Report Provided by the Campaign Committe to Re-Elect Charmaine Tavares) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 2:45 p.m. HST State House Reiterates Support for Lahainaluna Boarding Program HONOLULU - The State House of Representatives today announced its continued support in funding the Lahainaluna Boarding School Program for next fiscal year, according to House Speaker Calvin Say. The Speaker of the House, along with the members of the Maui House delegation, reiterated their support for the Lahainaluna Boarding School Program. The funding for the program, totaling about $600,000, was included in the House Draft of the State budget bill, HB2200, but when the bill crossed over to the Senate, the Senate Ways and Means committee deleted the item. “I support the House’s position to fund the Lahainaluna High School boarding program,” said Speaker of the House Calvin Say. “This is the position the House will take into conference committee with the Senate.” ”Because the students of the boarding program do important maintenance and custodial work at the school, not only do they pay their way, but they save the state money,” said Rep. Angus McKelvey (District 10 – Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Kihei). “The decision to cut the funding for the boarding program is short-sighted because the cost to hire the same services would cost the state much more.” The budget bill will now go to a conference committee where the House and Senate will discuss their different positions and work toward a final version for passage. “On behalf of the community and the many supporters of the Lahainaluna Boarding Program, I want to thank both my Maui colleagues and the other members of the State House for continuing to support the House's position as we move forward on the budget,” said Rep. McKelvey. The budget conference committee has not been scheduled, but will likely begin sometime next week. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on April 29, 2010. (Report Provided by The State of Hawai'i, House of Representatives) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 2 p.m. HST 7.8 Quake Jolts Sumatra - Tsunami Watch Set for Indonesia An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 has rattled northern Sumatra in Indonesia, the U.S. Geological Survey reported today. The quake struck at 2215 GMT (12:15 p.m. Hawaii time) and was 205 kilometres (125 miles) northwest of Sibolga, in Sumatra, Indonesia and 1,425 kilometres (880 miles) northwest of Jakarta, the USGS said. It was 46 kilometres (28.6 miles) deep, the agency said. There is a tsunami watch in effect for Indonesia. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no Pacific-wide tsunami was generated. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 12:10 p.m. HST Coast Guard, DLNR Join to Regulate Canoe Races in Busy Channels HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Honolulu today released a joint statement to clarify their mutual position regarding marine events, including races, in navigable boat channels in state waters. The overall goal of this policy is to protect the safety of ocean users. DLNR and the Coast Guard recently met with representatives of O‘ahu canoe clubs who had expressed concern that marine event permits no longer allowed races in active navigable boat channels. On O‘ahu, three channels have been locations for racing events: Ala Wai small boat harbor, Ke‘ehi small boat harbor, and Maunalua Bay. The groups asked under what conditions could racing in specific waterways continue to be allowed. Marine events attract crowds of spectators, and because of their desire to see the competition and the participants up close, race courses have in the past been staged close to shore and in areas of elevated vessel traffic, including boat channels. However, due to the mix of different uses in these channels, volume of boat traffic, and restricted maneuverability, adding races creates a potentially dangerous situation and dramatically increases the potential for loss of life and property. DLNR and the Coast Guard have determined that they cannot be used safely as a race venue without proper marine event permits and safety controls. “We want to clarify that racing will be able to continue in channels with low traffic. However in areas of high traffic, we will work with the constituencies to ensure that any vessel racing is done in a manner that protects both life and property and the safety of ocean users in these areas,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “The feedback received during our recent meeting with local paddlers helped us to reach a compromise that implements the proper safeguards to protect all waterway users, while still facilitating race events that can be enjoyed by the maritime community,” said Captain Barry A. Compagnoni, Sector Honolulu Commander. The conditions that will apply in future to marine events include: •
DLNR and the USCG will not completely ban racing in the
three specified boat channels but have placed very strict
guidelines and requirements for their use as racing venues.
Both DLNR and the USCG would allow racing in boat channels
if all safety requirements are met. • Each request for a Marine Event Permit has been, and always will be, reviewed on a case-by-case basis and safety requirements will be stipulated according to the type of event, number of participants and number/types of vessels. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 10:50 a.m. HST Inaugural STEM Conference Coming to Maui MAKENA, MAUI – Hawaii will host its first-ever regional conference dedicated to STEM and service-learning on April 9-10 at the Makena Beach Resort on Maui. Over 200 students and educators from 15 Project EAST middle and high school labs across the state are expected to participate in the cutting-edge technology sessions and competitions. On Saturday, April 10th, the community is invited to view an exciting student exhibition where EAST teams will showcase tech savvy projects that advance environmental stewardship, as well as those that make a difference in their respective communities. Exhibit hours are from 8 am to 1:30 pm. The flagship event is sponsored by the Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) in partnership with the County of Maui and the Office of the State Director for Career and Technical Education. According to WIT Project Manager Isla Young, the Conference will not only allow EAST teams from different islands to meet and share best practices, it will also expose them to regional science event formats that include competitions, exhibitions, breakout training sessions and industry speakers. “For local kids to get this kind of experience, they normally would have to find sponsors and funding to travel to the mainland,” Young said. “As a result, few could go. This conference allows so many more of our Hawaii students to get first-rate STEM exposure. That’s why we want to see it grow into Hawaii’s premier science and technology event.” For
student participants, the two-day conference will include: For more information, please contact Isla Young, isla@medb.org , phone 875-2307 or visit www.womenintech.com/HawaiiSTEMConference. The Women in Technology Project is a statewide initiative of the Maui Economic Development Board. Funded in part by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, and Agriculture as a workforce development project, WIT encourages women and girls into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers, as well as other non-traditional occupations. (Report Provided by the Maui Economic Development Board) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 9:30 a.m. HST Hanabusa Denies Rumors Of Dropping Out of Race State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and her top supporter, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, are rejecting Washington rumors that Democrats are trying to get Hanabusa out of the special congressional election. Hanabusa, fellow Democrat Ed Case and Republican City Councilman Charles Djou are the three major candidates in the May 22 special election to fill the remaining months of Neil Abercrombie's congressional term. Abercrombie resigned to run for governor. After Hanabusa retracted last week a campaign commercial that featured her boast that she had cut legislative salaries 5 percent — after accepting a 36 percent raise — speculation in Washington popped up that she had been weakened and the two Democrats would split the vote — allowing Djou to win the special election. Hanabusa said she is in the race and will not withdraw, and Inouye echoed her resolve. While Inouye said having two Democrats against one Republican in this unusual special election is a concern, Djou "hasn't demonstrated he can get the votes." "There is always a concern ... if he can get 40 percent and then each side splits, but the polling we have done indicates that the best he's going to get is 30 percent," Inouye said. Djou did not respond to requests for comment, but GOP Chairman Jonah Kaauwai said the "momentum in the race is definitely with Charles." At issue is the national political organization, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which was rumored by several news media groups that cover Congress, including Roll Call and CongressDaily, to be mulling over supporting Case, a former U.S. House member who has consistently polled ahead of Hanabusa. On Friday, representatives of the DCCC said the organization had not made a decision on backing a specific Democrat in the winner-take-all race. "The DCCC is not going to come out for any candidate," Inouye said. "They are going to be against the Republican." Hanabusa added that she met with the DCCC when she was planning her campaign and had been assured they were neutral. "There position was that they were not going to get involved in this election," Hanabusa said, adding that she thinks Hawaii Democrats will view her as "the Democrat, compared to Ed." The contest is opening up bitter divisions between the Democratic Party's old guard, represented by Inouye, and newer members such as Case. Inouye, in an interview yesterday, continued to attack Case for running against U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka two years ago. "I support Colleen. Part of it is personal. I don't like the way he (Case) proceeded to run against Dan Akaka," Inouye said, adding that he felt Case had mislead him about running for re-election instead of against his Senate colleague. "Unfortunately, it appears Sen. Inouye took personally that I did not ask his permission to run for the U.S. Senate," said Case yesterday. Inouye concluded that the winner of the special election should not be considered the favorite to win either the primary election or the general election to represent Hawaii for the next two years. "Only a fool would make that statement," said Inouye. On another subject, Inouye repeated his prediction that the native Hawaiian recognition bill before the Senate would pass this year. "I am personally confident we will get it this year," Inouye said, adding that he thought it could pass by the end of June. Reach Richard Borecca at rborecca@starbulletin.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 8:20 a.m. HST Scam Artists Taking Advantage of Health Care Confusion WASHINGTON — Scam artists are taking advantage of the new health insurance law to peddle phony policies. Health and Human Services Sec. Kathleen Sebelius said today she is warning state officials about a proliferation of scams involving phony health insurance policies. Federal investigators are also on the lookout. Some of the hustlers are going door to door claiming there's a limited open-enrollment period to buy health insurance now. But the big expansion of coverage won't come for another four years, and door-to-door salespeople are unlikely to be part of the plan then. "Unfortunately, scam artists and criminals may be using the passage of these historic reforms as an opportunity to confuse and defraud the public," Sebelius wrote in a letter to state insurance commissioners and attorneys general. In the letter, released today, she urged vigorous prosecution of anyone caught selling fraudulent policies. The new health care law will ultimately provide coverage to more than 30 million uninsured, but those changes will come slowly, beginning with smaller steps. As early as the summer, people who have been turned down for coverage because of a medical problem will be able to buy a plan through a new high-risk health insurance pool. Many states already operate such pools, but the coverage has been expensive, and only about 200,000 are signed up. The new health care law provides an infusion of federal dollars to bring down costs and cover more people. Then in the fall, two other consumer benefits take effect. Insurance plans will no longer be able to deny coverage to children with medical problems. And parents will be able to keep their adult children on their policies until they turn 26. While those measures may make a big difference for particular families, experts say it will only lead to a small decline in the number of uninsured people, which now is nearly 50 million. The big push to cover the uninsured comes in 2014, when new health insurance marketplaces will open for business and federal tax credits will start flowing to millions of working families and individuals. At the same time, Medicaid will be expanded to more people living near the poverty line. And health insurers will not be able to turn anyone down on account of a medical problem. Once those tax credits and new consumer protections are in place, most Americans will be required to carry health insurance. The nearly $1 trillion, 10-year law will provide coverage to an estimated 94 percent of eligible Americans when it is fully phased in. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 6, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST Onaga, Opakapaka Off Limits Soon Fishing for seven deepwater bottomfish, including onaga and opakapaka, will be closed off between April 20 and Aug. 31. The National Marine Fisheries Service yesterday published its notice of temporary closure of the fishery in the main Hawaiian Islands for the group of seven bottom fish. They also include ehu, gindai, Kalekale, lehi and hapu'upu'u. The closure will mark the third consecutive year the fishery has been temporarily closed for the seven bottomfish. The National Marine Fisheries Service sets an annual estimate for the amount of fish that can be caught without risking overfishing. During the last two years the fishery was closed temporarily in July and reopened when the fishing year began again in September. This year the limit was set at 254,050 pounds, which the fisheries service estimates will be reached on or before April 20. Light winds last fall and early in the winter provided favorable conditions for fishing boats since the start of the 2009-2010 fishing year. The primary market for the catch is seafood counters and restaurants in Hawai'i. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 5, 2010 11:10 a.m. HST Maui Man's Spy Trial Set to Begin This Week A former B-2 stealth bomber engineer from Maui is due to face trial in federal court this week for allegedly selling military secrets to China. Noshir Gowadia has been indicted on 21 counts including conspiracy, violating the arms export control act and money laundering. The trial comes some 4 1/2 years after Gowadia's arrest and more than three years after his trial was originally scheduled to be held. The 66-year-old Haiku resident has been in federal detention since his October 2005 arrest because a judge ruled he was a flight risk. Jury selection is scheduled to begin tomorrow at U.S. District Court, and opening statements are expected the following day. The trial is expected to last at least two months. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 5, 2010 7:25 a.m. HST Rain Only a Fraction of 'Normal' Statewide in February It's shaping up to be a dry year. Rain gauges across the state recorded the lowest February rainfall totals in a decade, according to the National Weather Service. At Lihu'e International Airport, rainfall totals were 25 percent of normal in the first two months of the year. It's the same story at Honolulu International Airport and Kahului Airport. Hilo International Airport was at 12 percent of normal. Meanwhile, gauges sprinkled across the state recorded their lowest totals since 2000, including at Moanalua, Waipi'o and Kunia on O'ahu, Hana and Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui and Mountain View, Glenwood, and Kamuela on the Big Island. The Ha'iku gauge on Maui posted its lowest February total since 1992. You don't have to tell people in Ka'u and Kona on the Big Island or in parts Maui that rainfall totals are down. Those are the only places in the country where the drought is in the "exceptional" category, the worst on the drought intensity scale. The lower-than-average rainfall is part of the El Niño weather pattern, which typically brings drier conditions and big surf, said National Weather Service forecaster Jonathan Hoag. An update on the drought conditions in Hawai'i will be issued Thursday by the National Weather Service. But it doesn't look like there will be much reprieve anytime soon, Hoag said. "There may be some brief wetter period on Wednesday," Hoag said. "But the week will be dominated by trade winds." On Easter Sunday, scattered showers dampened egg hunts, but not enough to make a big difference, Hoag said. "It will take prolonged rainfall, not excessive rainfall, to alleviate the drought areas," he said. More rain would be good for business, said Leonard Gines, an orchid farmer in Kea'au on the Big Island for more than 30 years. This year he's had to bring in water more weeks than not. "It's an added cost for me," Gines said. "We depend on catchment systems here, and without rain I have to haul in water." Lately there has been rain, he said. But for a while, he spent $130 a week to bring in 4,000 gallons of water. "You can't water your plants any less. You have an investment in them," he said. The National Weather Service said areas of "extreme drought" are present along the leeward slopes of the Big Island, including most of Ka'u, north and south Kona areas and south and leeward areas of Kohala. Drought conditions also extend to parts of Maui, Moloka'i and Kaua'i. O'ahu is the only major island without any areas under a drought classification, according to the weather service. Trade wind showers haven't been significant enough to improve pasture and soil moisture conditions, the weather service reported. "We're not done yet with winter," Hoag said. "But we're moving into the drier time of the year once we go into late spring. We have some chances of cold fronts for April and those could provide some precipitation." Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 5, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST Large Waves Still Hitting East Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for EAST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI, until 6:00 P.M. this evening. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf along east facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be 6 to 8 feet today. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.9 feet is expected between 9:38 p.m. and 10:56 p.m. this evening. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 4, 2010 7:10 a.m. HST Wailea Chosen for 'Smart Grid' Experiment A 4-square-mile patch of Maui in the nation's most fossil-fuel dependent state soon will be home to a new kind of power grid, one that saves energy by turning off household appliances when electricity is expensive and makes better use of wind and solar power. General Electric Co. recently announced it would test its "smart grid" technology in the luxury resort community of Wailea, hoping to reduce peak electricity consumption there by 15 percent by 2012. Planners envision installing a new kind of power meter in homes—a wall-based unit that can monitor how much electricity is being used by various appliances and turn them off at peak times during the day or night when demand for energy is higher, and costlier to produce. The project also would upgrade the utility's computer systems so that it can integrate more renewable energy. There are about 70 smart grid pilots nationwide, including Miami, Seattle, Houston and Boulder, Colo. But Wailea is one of the only resort communities where the test is being conducted. "There's a lot of opportunities for us to improve our knowledge of what's using power, and making it easier for us to shut off the power when we're not around," said Bob Gilligan, vice president for transmission at GE Energy. "Most consumers aren't really aware of how much energy they're using at any time of day." For example, if customers knew what times electricity was most expensive to produce, they could automatically adjust air-conditioning and refrigerator temperatures, or they could choose to delay turning on the dishwasher until power demand drops. That would save money. It also would reduce the strain on the grid, allowing the electric utility to absorb more renewable energy from wind turbines and solar panels. Wailea was chosen for the smart grid because rapid construction growth in the area and its isolation make it a fertile testing ground, said Peter Rosegg, spokesman for Hawaiian Electric Co., a shareholder-owned utility and the parent of Maui Electric Co. "Eventually, advanced metering and the smart grid will be all across the country," Rosegg said. "They can learn a lot here on a small, easily manageable grid." Half of the $14 million Maui project is paid for with a federal Department of Energy grant, with the rest of the resources and personnel contributed by General Electric and Hawaiian Electric. The pilot is being treated as part of the federal economic recovery package, which included $4.5 billion for smart grid development. If Hawaiian Electric later decides to buy similar technology for use in other areas, it would have to put the project out to bid, with GE being one of the likely competitors. Other grid technology providers nationwide include ABB North America and Xcel Energy. Hawaii remains the nation's most fossil-fuel dependent state, with imports supplying about 90 percent of its power needs. Meanwhile, it is difficult for Hawaii power utilities to take on much more renewable electricity because of its unpredictable nature—the wind has to blow or the sun needs to shine, meaning old-fashioned, oil-fueled generators have to stay online to ensure power keeps flowing. "The challenge of renewables is that they're not there when you want them," said Ted Peck, Hawaii's energy administrator, who organizes the state's efforts toward using more renewables. "The smart grid is able to manage when that energy gets to the load." The smart grid would help integrate additional clean energy into the grid through computers that could quickly manage Maui's power needs, adding and subtracting alternate power sources when desired. "It will give the utility another knob to turn when wind suddenly calms on an afternoon, or when people are coming home and turning on their air conditioning," said Devon Manz, an engineer at GE's Global Research Center. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 3, 2010 2:20 p.m. HST iPad Sales Brisk on First Day in Hawai'i Excitement was high today as Apple's iPad went on sale in Hawaii and nationwide. Only a handful of people were in line at Kahala Mall shortly after 5 a.m., but the line grew as the morning wore on. Eventually, dozens of people were patiently waiting in line at Kahala Mall for their turn in the Apple store. The iPad, bigger than an iPhone but smaller than a laptop, can be used to surf the Internet, read digital books, watch videos and play games. As soon as they had their iPads, giddy owners tried out their apps. Analysts say Apple could sell more than 7 million of the computer tablets worldwide this year. The device sells for $499 and up. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 3, 2010 11:15 a.m. HST Retired Marine Leaves Largest-Ever Gift to Maui Libraries KAHULUI, Maui - The largest gift in the history of the Maui Friends of the Library, $245,000, has been received from the estate of Bruce Staiger, a Maui retiree from New Jersey, who left the organization $205,000 along with an earlier donation of $40,000 from his wife, Anne, at the time of her death. Dorothy Tolliver, the group's president, said: "Our libraries have many needs right now with the economic downturn, and we are so grateful to have been remembered in this estate." The Staigers also were generous donors to Maui Memorial Medical Center and to the free library in Southhold, N.J., where Bruce Staiger was a memorable high school teacher. The announcement was made at a joint meeting of the library managers who serve Maui County's eight public library branches, State Librarian Robert Burns and the Maui Friends of the Library, which traces its origin to 1912, the same year the first public library opened in Wailuku. Tolliver said the Maui Friends group plans to use these and other donated funds to address high priority needs as identified by the Maui County public libraries that cannot be funded due to the current government revenue crisis. "While staffing and furlough days are key concerns of Maui librarians and patrons, technology, equipment, books, periodicals, media supplies, library programming, bookmobile, building upkeep, staff development and college scholarships for library and information graduate students are equally important and will continue to be considered for funding by the Friends," Tolliver said. The Staigers lived in Kihei and often used the library there. Bruce Staiger died in 2005 at the age of 87. He was not forgotten. Earlier this year, one of his former students died at age 67, and his friends described him as "a great dancer, cook, storyteller, model train enthusiast, beach bum, luxury car aficionado and class pet in Bruce Staiger's history class," still a standout memory from half a century earlier. Bruce Staiger was a Marine veteran of World War II who went to college on the G.I. Bill and was, in 1949, the first person to be given the Louis Pelzer Memorial Award for the best essay in American history by a graduate student, "Abolitionism and the Presbyterian Schism of 1837-1838." Twenty years before his death, the couple funded the C. Bruce & Anne Staiger Endowment at Maui Memorial to fund cardiovascular services in perpetuity. That fund, $305,000, came to the hospital recently, just as MMMC is inaugurating its heart health surgical center. "The timing of receiving this generous gift is unbelievable" said Wesley Lo, the hospital's chief executive officer. "We are so thankful and grateful that the Staigers were philanthropic and visionaries to identify cardiovascular as the program to support with this gift." The gift to the friends also comes at just the time when the libraries are facing unusual financial challenges. The Maui Friends of the Library raises funds through donations of money and used books that are sold at its bookstore in Puunene. The store is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Most books at the store, about 180,000 volumes, sell for 10 cents each. The bookstore is entirely staffed by volunteers. "Our bookstore needs lots of volunteers," Tolliver said. She urged anyone interested in volunteering two to three hours a month or more, at the store or at libraries, to call 871-6563 or John Tryggestad at 268-5773. She said schedules can be worked out for part-time residents as well as those who live on Maui and want to become involved. For more information, visit www.maui.net/~mfol/. Reach Harry Eager at heager@mauinews.com. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - April 3, 2010 10:55 a.m. HST Waves Continue To Build Along East Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has EXTENDED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for EAST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI, now in effect until 6:00 P.M. SUNDAY. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf along east facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be 6 to 8 feet through Sunday. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 2.1 feet is expected between 6:22 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 1.2 feet is expected between 1:30 a.m. and 4:16 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - April 3, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST USDA Eyes Hawai'i to Grow Biofuel Stock for Military Use The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Navy are hoping to jumpstart the growth of crops and algae in Hawai'i that can be used for military fuel as part of an aggressive drive by the Pentagon to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and increase renewable energy sources. An industry forum Tuesday and Wednesday at Marine Corps Base Hawaii will bring together government officials and potential biofuel companies from Hawai'i and the Mainland. As many as 40 companies and 250 people are expected to attend. The Navy and the Agriculture Department want to evaluate the use of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to set up biofuel projects in Hawai'i "as soon as possible." How much funding remains unclear, but Hawai'i was selected for the initial collaboration between the two federal entities "because Hawai'i's energy costs are among the highest in the nation and imported oil supplies 90 percent of the state's energy," the USDA said. "A viable agricultural sector in Hawai'i can enhance Hawai'i's energy security, and energy projects like those anticipated by the Navy's needs can help rural economies." Experts say Hawai'i's biofuel crop pursuit is in its infancy, and challenges include the need to build an entire pipeline — crop selection, growth and refinement of oils — to start satisfying Navy needs. But the U.S. military is moving aggressively toward renewable energy sources — and the demand for it. The Air Force recently flew an A-10 Thunderbolt II on a biofuel blend of oil from camelina, a plant related to mustard, and conventional JP-8 jet fuel. Tests with F-15 and F-22 fighters and C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes are expected to follow. The Navy, meanwhile, is expanding tests of biofuel blends in marine gas turbines that it uses in the surface fleet and tactical vehicles. On Earth Day, which is April 22, the Navy will fly a "Green" Hornet F/A-18 on a biofuel and jet fuel mix. By 2016, the Navy wants to deploy a "Great Green Fleet" that will be powered entirely by alternative fuels, said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus during the signing of the Navy and Department of Agriculture agreement on Jan. 21. "Through alternative energy use, improved technological efficiencies and biofuel development," Mabus said, "we are going to improve the range and endurance of our ships and our aircraft, reduce their reliance on a vulnerable supply chain, and create a resistance to the external shocks that come from overreliance on a fragile global oil infrastructure." The goal of next week's sessions is to use the purchasing power of the Navy as a "pull" for production. The state has some biofuel production, but most of it comes from waste cooking oil and not from crops or algae, officials said. CREATING MARKETS "If you talk to the biofuel developers, they want to know, 'Hey, am I going to have a market? If I produce this stuff, who is going to buy it?' " said Ted Peck, Hawai'i's energy administrator. "What the Navy is going to do, and the (entire) military is going to do, same as the utility is going to do — they are going to create a market for local crops that are going to help drive that." The U.S. military consumes about 80 million gallons of jet fuel a year in Hawai'i, Peck said. Dovetailing with the military's pursuit of biofuel crops is interest by Hawaiian Electric, which this week said it is looking for a long-term supply of biofuels made from feedstocks produced and processed in Hawai'i. HECO Executive Vice President Robbie Alm said the formal request for proposals is the next stage in the company's commitment to create a market for locally grown biofuels. This first call for proposals will test the market and determine what HECO's next actions will be, officials said. Many of the details of the Navy and Department of Agriculture collaboration remain unclear. Both federal entities are waiting for next week's forum to provide more information. Breakout sessions will focus on the "big picture" for biofuels in Hawai'i, opportunities and challenges for agriculture producers, and converting crops into usable fuels. Peck said part of the plan may include the Navy leasing some of its land to growers. Among that land may be the 7,500-acre Naval Munitions Command Lualualei on the Wai'anae Coast, he said. What Hawai'i farmers could grow also would have to be determined. The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is betting on algae. DARPA recently told the British newspaper the Guardian that large-scale refining operations nationwide could within a few years produce 50 million gallons of fuel per year. The goal is to get algae jet fuel down to $3 or below per gallon. San Diego-based General Atomics was previously awarded a $19.9 million DARPA project to work on algae jet fuel. The contract included work by Hawai'i BioEnergy, which was established by Kamehameha Schools, Grove Farm Co. and Maui Land & Pineapple. ALGAE WORK IN ISLES Peck, the state's energy administrator, said there are about eight companies either doing or planning to do algae work in Hawai'i. Cyanotech Corp. has one of the largest algae farms in the nation at Keahole Point on the Big Island, but the 90-acre facility produces nutrient products BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin and Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica, and not biofuel. The University of Hawai'i estimated that the state could sustain a maximum of 40,000 acres of algae ponds, but fuel yield and cost-effectiveness for algae remains a subject of debate. The New York Times recently reported that the Agriculture Department would soon announce a joint project with the Navy to grow camelina in Hawai'i to make biofuel. Camelina originated in northern Europe, grows up to 3 feet tall and has seeds containing 35 percent oil. Another possibility mentioned is jatropha, a shrubby tree that grows on arid land and is suited to the tropics and subtropics, and whose seeds also are a source of biofuel. The biofuel pipeline that officials say is needed in Hawai'i was extended a bit more in January when the Department of Energy awarded a $25 million grant to an Illinois company to build a demonstration plant to convert forestry, agriculture and algae "feedstocks" into green transportation fuels. The demonstration plant at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Kapolei is expected to start up in 2014. "I can tell you, from our perspective, this (biofuel development) is worth our time and attention because it can be transformative for Hawai'i's agriculture industry and for Hawai''s energy independence ," Peck said. Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 2, 2010 9:55 a.m. HST Hawaiian Electric Warns of Phony Employment Email Hawaiian Electric is warning about a phony e-mail that advertises a fake employment opportunity. The e-mail from hawaiinelectric1891@gmail.com asks the recipient to apply for a nonexistent accounts receivable position and to supply personal information. Hawaiian Electric said all its employment opportunities are listed on its Web site at www.heco.com. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - April 2, 2010 8:25 a.m. HST Bankruptcy Filings Highest in Nearly Five Years The number of bankruptcy cases filed in Hawai'i rose to the highest level in 4 1/4 years in March as consumers and businesses facing rising debt burdens and other recession-induced financial strains continued to seek protection from their creditors. The 357 filings in March were the most since October 2005, when federal bankruptcy laws were overhauled. Still, the rate of increase was on par with the previous two months, according to figures released yesterday by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Honolulu. March bankruptcy filings were 32 percent higher than the same month a year earlier. That followed year-over-year increases of 29 percent in February and 33 percent in January. Nationally there were 158,141 U.S. bankruptcy petitions filed March, the most since 2005. Honolulu bankruptcy attorney Michael Glenn said the bankruptcy court numbers confirm what he has been seeing at his office. "Bankruptcies are showing zero signs of any slowing. I haven't seen any marked decrease or marked increase," Glenn said. However, Glenn said he has been seeing an increase in clients whose bankruptcy filings are tied to home foreclosures. "A lot of it has to do with people having less income because they've been furloughed or lost their job. They could barely afford to pay their bills before and now its impossible," Glenn said. "It only takes a 10 to 15 percent cut in some people's salary to put them in that position." Glenn said he expects to see an increase in filings next month when the number of people getting their tax refund rises and they use the money to pay the fees associated with filing for bankruptcy. Among the more notable businesses filing for bankruptcy in March were the companies that operated the now-defunct Aloha, Hula and O'ahu football bowl games. Aloha Sports Inc. and its parent company, ASI Acquisitions, filed for Chapter 11 protection last week. The bulk of the filings in March, or 293 filings, were done under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, which involves a straight liquidation of assets to pay creditors. The bankruptcy court figures also show March filings rose in three of four counties compared with a year earlier. Filings were up 21 percent to 206 on O'ahu, up 74 percent to 73 on Maui, up 87 percent to 56 on the Big Island and down 21 percent to 22 on Kaua'i. Reach Alan Yonan Jr. at ayonan@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 2, 2010 7:15 a.m. HST Governor Clarifies 'Essential' vs. 'Non-Essential' in Furlough Talks A day after votes by Hawai'i lawmakers and the teachers union renewed pressure for resolution of the state's teacher furlough mess, Gov. Linda Lingle's office released new details about the "nonessential" personnel that have become a $30 million sticking point in the controversy. The Hawaii State Teachers Association and the state Board of Education have said for months that many school-level employees would not return to work on restored furlough days under Lingle's proposals. However, Lingle's office said yesterday that her latest plan to end the remaining public school furlough days would not only bring back teachers, but also nurses, security guards, cafeteria workers and others. It would not cover the majority of district- and state-level office workers, resource teachers, librarians and others. "Nonessential Department of Education personnel include those who sit behind desks on Punchbowl Street or work in the complex area offices. The schools can operate without them for 21 days out of the next year-and-a-half," Linda Smith, Lingle's senior policy adviser, said in a written statement. Smith also said that the list of essential and nonessential personnel was created based on information supplied by the state Department of Education. BOE Chairman Garrett Toguchi yesterday urged the Legislature to fund the $92 million plan endorsed by teachers Wednesday, and said the board and teachers union stand firm on its proposal to end furlough Fridays. "With respect to the House Finance chair's call for the BOE, DOE, HSTA and the governor to come to an agreement (by April 12) — that time has passed," Toguchi said in a written statement. He said Lingle expressed a willingness to negotiate only after the BOE and the teachers union reached an agreement on a plan to end furlough Fridays. Toguchi said the latest plan offered by the BOE and HSTA addresses two concerns of the governor and the Legislature — that a solution address furlough days in this school year and the next; and that teachers give up some planning days to reduce the number of furlough days. "The board will now be requesting the Legislature to fund the agreement, and the governor to release the funds, so students and educators can return to school," he said in the statement. The information on essential workers from Lingle's office came a day after teachers voted to support a deal between the HSTA and the state BOE that would bring back every employee in the public school system. That was followed by a House Finance Committee agreement to provide money from the Hurricane Relief Fund to end teacher furloughs, but only if Lingle, the HSTA and school board reach an agreement by April 12. Lingle's $62 million plan costs approximately one-third less than the proposal agreed upon by the HSTA and BOE. Their plan would cost $92 million to restore the four furlough days remaining this school year and the 17 planned for next year. Smith said the HSTA-BOE plan is too expensive and that Lingle is willing to work with the BOE and the union on a solution that would return school children to class. "By adding in nonessential employees, the HSTA has inflated the cost of reopening the schools and getting our children back in the classroom by $30 million. Bringing back employees that the DOE considers to be nonessential is unnecessary and something that we simply cannot afford," Smith said. "The administration is prepared to continue to work with the DOE, BOE and HSTA to find an affordable way to return our children and teachers to school. It is indeed unfortunate that the HSTA says they won't do this." HSTA president Wil Okabe has described the agreement between the union and the BOE as the last chance to end furloughs and has said the union would not negotiate another proposal. It is unclear whether the essential and nonessential worker lists released yesterday by Lingle's office have been used over the past six months of negotiations to eliminate furlough Fridays. The issue of essential versus nonessential employees was first raised in negotiations on Nov. 25. At that time, HSTA officials, after a meeting with the governor's office, claimed that the governor's plan to restore furlough days would only call back "essential" teachers, and would not cover the salaries of health aides, educational assistants, office staff, security guards or cafeteria workers. Lingle's plan has changed several times since November, but union officials say they never received details of Lingle's most recent proposals. They have also filed a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board accusing her of negotiating her plans in the media without presenting them directly to the union. In an interview with The Advertiser on Nov. 25, Dwight Takeno, then HSTA executive director, said the governor had been misleading the public into thinking that restored furlough days would be like any other school day. "Under her plan, it only funds teacher salaries," Takeno said. "It's like we're trying to shoot from the hip on a skeleton system, which does not fund any other position except for teachers. We know all the auxiliary staff — school security, health aides, counselors, the whole gamut of what makes a system run — is not in this budget." The next furlough day for public schools is scheduled for April 23. Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 2, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST Hawai'i Among Nation's Leaders in Swine Flu Vaccinations Hawai'i is among the nation's leaders in swine flu vaccinations and health officials here credit an aggressive educational program for much of the success. But officials also caution that the H1N1 virus threat isn't over and that residents who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to do so. A report released yesterday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that 34.6 percent of Hawai'i residents have received the H1N1 vaccine since October 2009. That placed Hawai'i sixth among the 50 states and U.S. territories . Nationally, about 24 percent of Americans had been vaccinated, the CDC said. Rhode Island led the nation at 38.8 percent, followed by Massachusetts (37 percent), Maine (36.7 percent), Vermont (34.2 percent), and South Dakota (36.9 percent). The CDC said one reason the New England states had a high rate of vaccination is that they had aggressive, statewide efforts to hold clinics, particularly at schools. The Hawai'i Department of Health also held swine flu clinics in schools that helped the state achieve a 55.4 percent vaccination rate among children 6 months to 17 years old, according to the CDC report. Rhode Island reported 84.7 percent of its children were vaccinated, the CDC said. Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist, credited the school program as well as pediatricians and other providers with aggressively targeting children for vaccination. She said getting these programs up and running was challenging because of difficulties in getting federal funding and early problems obtaining the vaccine because of supply limitations. "We all pulled together and in the end it was a success," Park said. But she reminded parents that children under 10 who received a first dose should be sure their children get a second dose. Park said an estimated 30 percent of children in this category got the second dose. "Thirty percent is not 100 percent, but it's better than no percent," she said. ADULTS LAGGING While the rate of vaccination for children is high here, the same cannot be said for adults. The CDC reported that 23.4 percent of people over 18 had been vaccinated. Park said residents may be complacent because swine flu hasn't been in the news lately. "People are well-intentioned, well-meaning and they do want to do it, but it's human nature," she said. "You're not hearing the news about deaths or severe illness and you probably don't have anyone close to you who's had very severe illness, so it becomes this once-removed event that could be bad and you know it's bad, but you kind of prioritize things that are more real to you." Hawai'i has recorded 13 deaths connected to the virus, compared with about 12,000 nationally. Ten of the deaths here occurred last July and August. SECOND WAVE The first confirmed case of the swine flu in Hawai'i was reported in early May and the number of cases peaked in July. A second wave of disease activity hit the Mainland, but that second round didn't reach the Islands. But there has been an uptick in the South and Park cautioned that Hawai'i isn't immune from a possible increase in cases. "We get a lot of visitors from the Southeast, so even if you're not traveling, you could be exposed to someone who did travel, directly or indirectly," Park said. "Getting vaccinated is pretty easy. It's better to get vaccinated than to get sick." Hawai'i received about 570,000 doses of the vaccine and Park said there is an ample supply for anyone who wants to be vaccinated. "In general, we've been very lucky," she said. "We still need to put up our guard and make sure we stay lucky." The CDC report also found: • 37 percent of children nationally were vaccinated. • 33 percent of people in priority groups, including children, young adults, health care workers and pregnant women, were vaccinated. • 37 percent of health care workers were vaccinated, while 62 percent received seasonal flu vaccinations. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 1, 2010 2:20 p.m. HST HECO, MECO Seeking Locally-Grown Biofuel Stock Growers (Honolulu, Hawaii): Hawaiian Electric Company today began a formal quest for a long-term supply of biofuels made from feedstocks produced and processed within the state of Hawaii. These local biofuel supplies may be proposed for use at Hawaiian Electric companies’ generation sites on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii Island. The
proposals may use land or water-based crops, waste animal
fat or yellow grease feedstocks originating in Hawaii that
may be converted to liquid biofuel. Each growing, production
and processing method for supplying biofuels to Hawaiian
Electric companies must meet all environmental standards
and other requirements under Proposals
will also be carefully evaluated as to how well they meet
environmental guidelines for the sustainable use of biofuels
developed by Hawaiian Electric Company in partnership with
the Natural Resources Defense Council. Responders to the
request for proposals (RFP) are encouraged to “think broadly
about the larger benefits of their approach to the people
of Hawaii, the local economy and the local environment.”
Proposals may note possible benefits such as the number
and types of jobs created, both directly and indirectly
over the life of the project, “This is the next stage in Hawaiian Electric’s long-term commitment to create a clear market for locally grown biofuels,” said Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric executive vice president. “This first call for proposals will test the market and determine what our next actions must be. “Hawaiian
Electric is totally committed to building a clean energy
economy in which at least 40 percent of electricity comes
from a portfolio of renewable sources. Sustainable biofuels
are critical to that mix. Biofuels produced locally are
the most beneficial for our economic, environmental and
energy security. The Hawaiian Electric companies already actively promote use of biofuels in place of fossil fuels where possible. On Oahu, Hawaiian Electric’s newest combustion turbine generating unit at Campbell Industrial Park is designed to run on biodiesel. The utility is finalizing plans to test a blend of biofuels in existing steam generation units. All islands served by Hawaiian Electric utilities have generators that could use varying supplies of biodiesel or biofuels which may be blended with other fuels. Hawaiian Electric continues to support research on biofuel crops by the Hawaii Agricultural Research Center and the University of Hawaii. Selected suppliers for the local biofuels RFP must receive all required project-related permits and approvals including all appropriate county construction and other permits, and approvals as applicable from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii Department of Health, Hawaii Department of Transportation, Commission on Water Resource Management and the Federal Aviation Administration. Complete information for bidders is available at http://biodieselsupply.heco.com. Letters of intent are due by May 7, 2010. The final acceptance date for proposal submittals is June 18, 2010. (Report Provided by Hawaiian Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - April 1, 2010 12 p.m. HST Brushfire Briefly Closes Honoapi'ilani Highway Maui Police say that Honoapi'ilani Highway reopened to traffic just before noon today. A brushfire near Mile Marker Seven closed the roadway at 11:05 this morning. No word on the cause of the fire, nor were there any injuries or damages reported. (Report Provided by The Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - April 1, 2010 11:05 a.m. HST Road Work Closes Portion of Kamehameha Avenue Today Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului is closed between Alamaha Street and Hana Highway for roadway repairs until 4 p.m. today. Maui Police advise motorists to use alternate routes. (Information Provided bythe Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - April 1, 2010 9:10 a.m. HST More Questions Than Answers After Keawakapu Reef Damage Report KIHEI — Maui coral reef lovers came looking for answers Tuesday night from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources about an accident in which state officials and private contractors dropped 125 concrete slabs onto the Keawakapu artificial reef. About 50 residents, many of whom identified themselves as scuba divers and marine biologists, attended an often emotional meeting at Kamalii Elementary School. The informational meeting was led by DLNR Chairwoman Laura Thielen. The meeting was the first of several public meetings to determine the best course of action to rectify the mistake as well as create a permanent advisory board to prevent such an incident from happening again, Thielen told audience members. In the interim, she said she's canceled the artificial reef program. "What happened? What happened?" asked Native Hawaiian cultural expert and longtime Makena resident Leslie Kuloloio, after a "brief incident history" presentation by state officials. "I call it a failure. .. Job lousy done. Don't ever do that again. It's an insult to the culture." Another 1,400 of the donated "Z" slabs fell safely to the sandy or algae-covered bottom during the Dec. 2 operation conducted by DLNR experts and a barge owned by a state-hired contractor, American Marine Corp. Within several years, the concrete slabs are expected to be covered in live coral and marine life, but the damaged and now shaded areas may take much longer to revive, if at all, state officials said. The concrete "modules" were placed in a 5-acre area within the 52-acre Keawakapu artificial reef, according to an independent preliminary report on the accident recently issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Again and again, testifiers asked how could could those sinking the modules could have missed the mark and allowed so many 1.3-ton concrete slabs fall onto what was healthy coral reef. Some called it "heartbreaking." "Why didn't you send out divers during it?" shouted one man who then bolted angrily from the school cafeteria. People also wanted to know if the contractor would be held financially liable for its part. A representative from American Marine Co. was not on the 10-member panel assembled by Thielen to answer questions. Thielen said the DLNR has found an independent investigator who has agreed to determine what happened and why. That investigation will include figuring out whether American Marine is financially responsible. It will also include a complete assessment of the damage, she said. DLNR aquatic experts said that, at the time of the accident, the barge was riding on rough water. It was murky, too, and those sinking the slabs could not see the bottom about 60 to 120 feet below. The Keawakapu reef is made up of 150 cars, a sunken ship, 35 other concrete slabs and thousands of tires. Half the artificial reef is covered in self-sustaining live coral. "I would want to wait for the investigation report before saying much more," Thielen said in an interview yesterday. "But I anticipate that one of the concerns may be the amount of predrop underwater surveying done and the conditions at the time." She said that the flat, lipped shape of the slaps also may have caused them to glide off course as they were dumped overboard. She said the depths were too great to put into place the modules one by one using cable, a technique done in the past. Diver Steve Scott said he watched the dumping from shore in disbelief. The barge operator, he said, was shoving the slabs off the vessel's side with all the delicacy used in pushing garbage over a hillside with a bulldozer at the landfill. "I wanted to call the DLNR or the police or EMS," Scott said. Audience members were asked what of the three solutions to the incident they preferred: do nothing and let it heal itself; do a partial removal of slaps that did the most damage; or remove all 125 of them. She said there are risks involved with the last two solutions, to both divers and reef. The audience appeared unable to come to a consensus on what route the state should, several saying it should be left to the experts. View the Keawakapu preliminary injury assessment: www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/pdf/keawakapu.pdf. Reach Chris Hamilton at chamilton@mauinews.com. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - April 1, 2010 8:40 a.m. HST FCC Orders Honolulu Stations to Disclose Financial Details of Merger The owners of KGMB, KHNL and K5 must disclose much of the financial details behind the newsroom merger involving three of Hawai'i's five largest television stations, the Federal Communications Commission has ruled. However, the FCC did not order the records to be handed over immediately, and analysts said the public disclosure could take weeks if the companies involved decide to appeal the matter. The disclosure order follows a Freedom of Information Act request by The Honolulu Advertiser, seeking the business agreements between Raycom Media Inc., which owns KGMB and KHNL, and K5's owner MCG Capital Corp. In October, KGMB, KHNL and K5 combined their news operations, laid off about a third of the stations' news staff and began simulcasting some news programs. The financial terms for the newsroom merger, branded as Hawaii News Now, have not been publicly disclosed by Raycom, MCG or MCG's local unit HITV License Subsidiary Inc. The FCC's chief of video in the Media Bureau, Barbara Kreisman, wrote in a March 29 letter, "We find that Raycom and HITV have not demonstrated that disclosure of the specific items of information ... would result in competitive harm. "We find further that even if we concluded that competitive harm would result from the disclosure ... there are exceptionally strong policy considerations that warrant their disclosure." Paul McTear, Raycom's CEO, could not be reached for comment. The FCC said it is reviewing the joint operating agreement, or shared services agreement, between Raycom and MCG and will rule on the legality of the deal soon. The Advertiser reported in November that Raycom is obligated to pay MCG $22 million in seven years as part of a loan agreement. Raycom would not disclose the terms of the loan, saying such deals are confidential and public release of such information would provide an unfair advantage to its competitors. In its ruling, the FCC said that Raycom and MCG must disclose the amount of quarterly interest payments and quarterly principal payments to be made under the terms of the loan. The commission said that the station owners also must make public the schedule of fees paid to Raycom for operating the stations along with any details of an asset swap agreement between the station owners. Raycom also must disclose information about an option agreement it has with Iowa-based Ottumwa Media Holdings LLC to sell K5 in the future, the FCC said. Media Council Hawaii, which has filed a complaint with the FCC over the shared services agreement, believes that the details of the loan arrangement between Raycom and MCG will show that the newsroom merger is in fact a disguised transfer of ownership of the stations. The council has argued that the deal violates federal laws barring one company from owning multiple television stations in a single market. "This will allow us to finally understand what's really happening in the deal," said Angela Campbell, a Washington, D.C., attorney representing the Media Council and director of the First Amendment and Media Law Project at the Institute for Public Representation at Georgetown Law. "And it will make an even stronger case that this deal is an illegal transfer of control." Raycom and MCG have said that the shared services agreement does not violate federal laws because the deal doesn't involve a change of ownership. The station owners also have said that the deal is borne out of economic necessity in an advertising market that has declined by about 30 percent, or $20 million a year. Under FCC rules, Raycom and MCG have 10 days to ask the FCC's general counsel to review the decision. If the FCC's lawyers uphold the media bureau's decision, Raycom and MCG can appeal the matter to the FCC's five-member commission. Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - April 1, 2010 8:10 a.m. HST High Winds Still Forecast - Red Flag Warning Still Up 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the Red Flag Warning for leeward sections of Maui and Molokai, in effect until 6:00 p.m. this evening. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create rapid fire growth potential. A Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts. 2. EFFECTS: Strong and gusty trade winds and low relative humidities will approach red flag criteria from late this morning through early this afternoon. 3. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - Aptil 1, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST No Foolin' - Today Is National Census Day On three, smile. Today is National Census Day, the designated day from which the U.S. Census Bureau bases its decennial "snapshot" of America. As indicated on the official census forms, household counts are to be based on who is living in a particular residence on April 1. Honolulu Census Office manager Winnie Wilson said this led to some confusion among those who thought they could not mail back their forms until today. Regardless, Wilson said Hawai'i mail participation has been strong so far. As of yesterday, 48 percent of households that received a census form had mailed back the form, compared with the national average of 52 percent. In 2000, Hawai'i's response rate was just 60 percent, behind only Alaska (56 percent) and South Carolina (58 percent). Wilson said she expects a "surge" in mailbacks after today. Local census officials are urging residents to mail back their forms by April 19. (Those who have not received a form may pick up a replacement form at public libraries and other Be Counted sites.) Starting in May, thousands of census takers will begin visiting residences for which forms have not been returned. "If you mail back your form, nobody will knock on your door," Wilson said. "We promise." The Honolulu and Wai'anae census offices continue to work with community groups to spread the word about the importance of participation. Leeward Community College professor Raymund Liongson heads a census partnership committee focusing on Waipahu and Kalihi. Noting that both districts have large Filipino populations, Liongson said that in addition to language concerns — which are easily remedied by the U.S. Census Bureau's multilingual help line — he and his fellow volunteers have to overcome residents' fear and distrust about how their information will be used. "Some households have more people than is allowed, so the tendency is to not count beyond the limit," he said. "Others might have people who are not properly documented, so they either don't count those people or don't respond at all. "We're about quelling those fears." Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 8:10 p.m. HST HSTA Members Vote on Deal to End Furlough Fridays Honolulu
-- The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) today announced
that its members have voted in favor of an agreement reached
by the Association and the Board of Education that would
restore a full school year for students and greatly reduce
teacher furlough days for the remainder of the 2009-2010
school year and the 2010-2011 school year. The next step
will be for the legislature to fund this supplemental agreement
to the current master contract. Then it will be up to the
governor to release the funds in order for the agreement
to be implemented and for students to return to the classroom
full time. AGREEMENT TERMS
“We were able to balance some very hard choices and reach
an agreement we believe is fair. In return for fewer furlough
days and a corresponding restoration of pay, teachers will
have fewer non-instructional days, which represents a sacrifice
by teachers, who already work long hours,” Okabe said.
With the approval of the tentative agreement, the Board
of Education can now submit it to the legislature for funding.
Furlough days will end if the legislature appropriates the
necessary funds and the governor releases those funds by
the following dates: April 21, 2010 for the current year
(next scheduled furlough day is April 23, 2010) and July
8, 2010 for next school year. If funding is not achieved,
the supplemental agreement will not be implemented and the
school calendars for this and next year will continue as
planned with “furlough Fridays.” (Report Provided by th Hawaii State Teachers' Association) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 7 p.m. HST Utility Pole Repairs Complete, Road to West Maui Airport Reopened Maui Police say utility crews have completed repairs to two damaged utility poles along Akahele Street between the Kapalua West Maui Airport and Honoapi'ilani Highway. The poles were deemed unsafe early this morning and the throrughway was closed to traffic. According the police, repairs are complete and the road reopened at 6:50 this evening. (Report Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 5:40 p.m. HST Fire Crews Handle Ka'anapali Fire KA'ANAPALI - Crews are responding to a brush fire first reported at 2:27 pm today. It is located above the Honoapiilani Highway and north of Puukolii Road. Multiple fire engines, tankers and Air One have been dispatched to the scene. As of 3:30 pm approximately 10 acres have burned. High wind conditions exist in the area. No injuries are reported and no structures are in danger at this time. Fire officials report that the fire is burning towards the mauka direction and expected to be brought under control soon. No further information is available at this time.The road was reopened to traffic shortly before 5 p.m. today. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 3:30 p.m. HST Brushfire Closes Pu'ukoli'i Road in Ka'anapali Maui Ploice say a brushfire has broken out in the area of the Pu'ukoli'i Road near the Ka'anapali Coffee Farms. Fire crews are using Pu'ukoli'i Road as access to battle the blaze. As a result, the road is tempporarily closed to regular traffic. The fire was reported at 3:20 p.m. and officials estimate the road will reopen to traffic around 4:20 p.m. (Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 2:20 p.m. HST Lieutenant Governor Unveils 'Saint Damien Day' as May 10 in Hawai'i HONOLULU – Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. today announced the signing into law of SB 2740, which he proposed during the legislative session to establish May 10 as Saint Damien Day in Hawai‘i. “This day will commemorate the life and accomplishments of Saint Damien, whose service and ministry has perpetuated the Spirit of Aloha and has offered hope and inspiration to past, present and future generations,” said Lt. Governor Aiona, who presented the legislation, signed into law today by Governor Linda Lingle as Act 10, at an event to celebrate the change in law. Joseph de Veuster, who would later be known as Father Damien of Moloka‘i and Blessed Damien de Veuster, was a Roman Catholic missionary who sacrificed his life in service to those suffering from Hansen’s Disease in Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Moloka‘i. Damien was canonized as Saint Damien by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 11 in Rome. The Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona traveled to Rome with a Hawai‘i delegation to witness the canonization and represent the people of Hawai‘i. Saint Damien was granted a memorial feast day, which is to be celebrated annually on May 10. The legislative measure proposed by the Lt. Governor amends Hawai`i Revised Statutes Section 8-8 to reflect Damien’s recent confirmation of Sainthood and his corresponding feast day. “Though Saint Damien passed away on April 15, 1889, his legacy lives on,” added Lt. Governor Aiona. “In Hawai‘i, he remains a spiritual hero and an icon of love, compassion, courage, humility and humanitarian service.” The Lt. Governor was joined by representatives of Hawai‘i Family Forum, Hawai‘i Catholic Conference, Damien High School, St. Ann’s Church, Sacred Hearts Academy, Knights of Columbus and the Saint Damien Troop of the Boy Scouts of America. (Rerport Provided by the Office of Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr.) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 8:20 a.m. HST 'Luck' Aided Preparation to Get Hawai'i Through February Tsunami Hawaii was well prepared for the Feb. 27 tsunami from Chile — and lucky, emergency officials say. Geophysicist Dan Walker, volunteer tsunami adviser to the Oahu Emergency Management Department, expressed concerns about "false assumptions that might arise out of the successful warning," he said. "We had a lot of things going for us." A tsunami generated from Alaska or the Aleutians — such as the most devastating one in Hawaii's history on April 1, 1946 — wouldn't allow the kind of warning time that occurred with the recent tsunami, he stressed. Moreover, the Chilean tsunami came on a weekend with evacuation during daylight and good weather, he said, pointing out it might be difficult getting people to evacuate if they're asleep and the siren goes off in the middle of the night in a rainstorm. Charles "Chip" McCreery, geophysicist-in-charge of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, agreed: "We had a lot of things in our favor for that event. ... Everything went pretty smoothly." The warning center issued a tsunami advisory the evening of Feb. 26 after receiving data on the 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile and followed it with a warning at 12:46 a.m. Radio, TV and online newspapers began reporting the event; sirens were sounded at 6 a.m., and the first waves arrived on the Big Island at 11:15 a.m. "A middle-of-the-night event from the Aleutians would probably have more challenges involved," McCreery said, with waves arriving 4.5 to 5 hours from the closest spots in the Aleutians. Edward Teixeira, state Civil Defense vice director, said, "The Aleutians scenario we saw on April 1, 1946, is the one that drives the majority of our tsunami evacuation planning." The tsunami scientists, Civil Defense and other emergency responders have been doing action reviews, identifying flaws in the system and planning improvements. Walker said the video "of powerful horizontal surges in Hilo that everyone could look at ... justifies to some extent that we had all those evacuations for what was not much more than a 3-foot tsunami." The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach was established after the 1946 tsunami killed 159 people, mostly on the Big Island, but also on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. There was no warning. Last month, for the first time with a tsunami, the warning center not only predicted arrival times but estimated wave heights, which Walker feels is dangerous without a track record to prove their accuracy. "They've got some toys, supercomputers and special programs to factor in all the bathymetry and some deep-ocean data from buoys ... and come up with an estimate," he said. "The warning center kept telling people it was only an estimate, but it could cause people to make some bad decisions" about going to the beach when they shouldn't, Walker said. McCreery said Civil Defense requested wave heights during the event and the center is still evaluating if and how estimates should be included in information it releases. He said the center is producing spot estimates for only six places around the islands "and we know tsunami heights can vary from one place to the next. ... If we have only one spot estimate and it's a low number, we wouldn't want people to think it is going to be low everywhere." Technology and instrumentation have greatly improved the warning system over the years. It now includes 32 deep-ocean tsunami detection buoys in the Pacific. Keeping them operating is a challenge, McCreery said. Interpreting the data that's programmed into models also "is not a simple thing," he added. But he said the tsunami models "have benefited our performance already," adding, "We're gaining confidence in these tools we have available to us. Our forecasts weren't terribly off." Teixeira cited concerns about communications and common messaging. "We were saying one thing and radio/TV announcers were saying, 'Go get a disaster kit if you don't have one yet.' That is good for business, but it took people out on the road who didn't need to be there." He said the county must do a better job of publicizing evacuation sites and centers because emergency shelters, mostly in schools, aren't opened for a tsunami, which confused many people. "We want people to come out of an evacuation zone and do vertical evacuation." Some work also is needed to manage traffic into and out of airports, he said. Reach Helen Altonn at haltonn@star-bulletin.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 8:05 p.m. HST Cockfighting Still Illegal - And Fails to Receive 'Recognition' HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers are killing a resolution that would have recognized the cultural merits of illegal cockfighting. The Hawaii House of Representatives scuttled the proposal Tuesday by sending it back to its committee. Tourism, Culture and International Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Joey Manahan says there weren't enough votes in the full House to keep the measure alive after it had been approved on a 4-2 vote in his committee Monday. The Democrat says he's disappointed the measure didn't advance because cockfighting enthusiasts put so much effort and enthusiasm into getting official recognition from Hawaii's elected officials. Manahan says he will consider reviving the issue next year. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - March 31,2010 7:15 a.m. HST More Movie Casting Calls For Isle Residents Coming Up WANTED: Strange-looking men with odd body types, missing limbs and any other feature that normally would be more appropriate for a Halloween costume than a big-screen movie. After last weekend's casting call drew an estimated 3,000 on Maui for a shot at big-screen stardom in the upcoming Jennifer Anniston, Adam Sandler feature to be shot in Wailea, another - more "unique" opportunity is presenting itself to movie hopefuls who don't mind travelling to O'ahu or Kaua'i for a chance at stardom. Those are just some of the "requirements" advertised in an open casting call for the upcoming "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" movie that will be filmed this summer in Hawai'i. The film will star Johnny Depp in his fourth turn as Capt. Jack Sparrow in the popular movie series. Sande Alessi Casting recently put out a casting call for men to play background pirates and sailors. The company also is seeking photo doubles and stand-ins and will hold auditions on O'ahu and Kaua'i next month. The call specifies very little, except that the men have odd features and, "Do not say AARGH in your photo!" Here are a few of the physical requirements that the movie producers are seeking: "Looking for authentic-looking scavenger-types ... ages 18 to 60s, all ethnicities, especially extreme character types — thin, tall, short, emaciated, odd features, huge nose, eyes, ears, lazy eye, grizzled and wrinkled faces, odd body types, missing limbs, teeth etc." The ad said men do not have to prepare for the audition. Just bring a photo of yourself and a pen. "We will simply have a look at you, have you fill out a registration card, attach your photo and send you on your way," the ad states. "No wigs, makeup or sunglasses in photos and please shoot it from the waist up." On O'ahu, the casting call will be on April 24 at the Waikiki Community Center at 10 Paoakalani Ave. The times are 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. On Kaua'i, the casting call will be at the Kaua'i War Memorial Convention Hall at 4191 Hardy St. in Lihu'e. Candidates will be seen at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Those who can't make it to the casting calls can still audition for the movie. For more information , visit www.sandealessicasting.com. Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST Unsafe Power Poles Close Road to West Maui Kapalua Airport Maui Police report that Akahele Street in Lahaina is closed between the West Maui Kapalua Airport and Honoapi'ilani Highway. Two utility poles are considered unsafe and travel is prhobitid along that street. No estimate was given for completion of repairts. (Informaion Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - March 31, 2010 6:35 a.m. HST Voters May Get to Decide Who Picks State School Superintendent HONOLULU — Hawaii voters may get to decide whether the state's elected Board of Education should be replaced with officials appointed by the next governor. The House Finance Committee approved a bill Tuesday that would place the issue on November's ballot. The measure now advances to the full House, and then the final language would be decided in a conference committee with senators. The proposal's supporters say an appointed board would be more accountable, and future governors could stack the board with appointees who share their views on education. The board would still appoint the superintendent. Gov. Linda Lingle pushed for a different proposal that would have allowed the governor to appoint the school superintendent. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 3:25 p.m. HST Moloka'i Man Dies in Single Vehicle Accident A Moloka'i man is dead - the first traffic fatality on The Friendly Isle in 2010. Maui Police say that 24 year-old Scott Furtado of Kualapu'u died in a single-vehicle crash last night on Kamehameha V Highway and Aahi Street in Kaunakakai. According to the Police report, Furtado was driving a 1999 Ford F-150 pickup west on the highway when, at 11:04 p.m. Monday, he went off the roadway onto the right shoulder and collided with a signpost. Then the truck returned to the westbound lane, crossing the center line, when it struck another signpost, a fire hydrant and a fencepost. Police say the impact caused the truck to overturn and impact the maintenance shed at the Moloka'i Shores Condominium. Furtado was ejected from the vehicle and was pinned under it. Furtado died from his injuries at the scene. Police say he was not wearing a seatbelt. The report adds that alcohol use is suspected as a contributing factor in this crash. This is Maui County's fourth traffic fatality of 2010, compared with six at this time in 2009. (Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 2:45 p.m. HST Despite Budget Puka, Mayor Pushes Ahead on Bus Shelters WAILUKU — While Maui County might be facing its largest budget hole ever, the buses still need to run, and Mayor Charmaine Tavares said she is sticking with her pledge to start building a bevy of benches and shelters this year to protect riders from the sun, rain and wind. Starting this summer, the county Department of Transportation plans to spend $257,000 for a contractor to construct five covered benches at the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, which is a hub for the nearly 5-year-old Maui Bus system with room for a half dozen buses to come and go and take breaks. Last year, the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center hub, which is a central location where passenger transfers occur, had 865,000 riders. In addition, Maui Bus wants to build over the next five years the first nine of potentially 143 bus stops or shelters across the Valley Isle, said Transportation Department Director Don Medeiros on Monday. Some of the most-used shelters are expected to include solar-powered interior lights, trash cans and bicycle racks as well as signs. The county spent about $250,000 on planning and design for the bus stops. Last July, county-hired consultants KFH Group of Bethesda, Md., suggested that the county build all those bus stops, many composed of simple benches and American Disabilities Act-required wheelchair ramps and sidewalks, and estimated the total cost to be $4.3 million. With or without an economy in the compost heap, the mayor has said she wants to get going. Sometime in the coming fiscal year, Medeiros expects county-hired contractors to start construction on nine roadside shelters in the system's heaviest used areas: •On Waiale Road in Wailuku, near the Maui County Correctional Center and the Ka Hale A Ke Ola housing complex. •On Papa Avenue in Kahului, fronting the Luana Gardens public housing complex. •Two on Uwapo Road, one on either side of South Kihei Road. •Two on Ohukai Road, also on each side of South Kihei Road. •On Papalaua Street, across from the Hard Rock Cafe in Lahaina. •Upcountry, on Makawao Avenue, across from the Eddie Tam Gym. The department has put the project out to bid, but Medeiros said he recently pulled back the "request for proposal" or RFP to see whether the federal government accepts his $800,000 funding application first. The county is responsible for the other $200,000 of the estimated $1 million project. Capital improvements for public transit often are paid for through a combination of municipal bond sales and federal government freebies. Every year since its inception, Maui Bus ridership has gone up, by a lot, according to a department report to the County Council's Budget and Finance Committee. In this fiscal year, which ends June 30, Maui Bus will provide nearly 13 percent more rides — or 2 million total — than the previous fiscal year. On average, 6,611 riders board a Maui Bus every day, according to the Transportation Department. The County Council committee is in the process of reviewing and, possibly, significantly altering Tavares' fiscal year 2011 budget. They have until May 31 to balance the budget. They have $56 million less to spend on programs and services than last year due in most part to fewer taxes being collected as a result of shrunken housing values and a nasty spike in foreclosures. However, Tavares has repeatedly called Maui Bus' expansion a top priority and a great source of pride for her administration. Maui Bus actually started under the regime of the previous mayor, Alan Arakawa, who is running against Tavares in this year's election. But it's seen double-digit ridership leaps and gotten much-improved equipment, and now facilities, under Tavares. "We survived without just a few years ago," Tavares said in her state of the county speech, which is traditionally a prelude to her budget presentation. "We could simply decide to stop the service and save lots of money. But would that make sense in this community to merely cut the whole expense out of our budget? Or should we ask people to pay a little bit more because this service is so important? "In my mind, our bus service has become essential for our community. It is helping our community function, getting people to work and to other places. Our Maui Bus system has exceeded everyone's expectations and projections." That hasn't stopped Tavares and Medeiros from getting a lot of heat for their transit proposals in the past week. They've asked for fare increases; and now the administration has asked the County Council to abandon monthly bus passes ($35 for adults and $30 for seniors and students) in order to help sew up the puka in the county's pocket. "We need the revenue," Medeiros said. "It's still a lot cheaper than owning a car or paying for gas." He said he knows these are unpopular decisions to make, but it will generate almost $1 million annually for Maui Bus. That will help make up for some of the money lost by fluctuating fuel prices, he said. It costs the county about $4 per ride to operate Maui Bus, Tavares said, which has a $7.6 million annual budget. The day-to-day operations are contracted out to Roberts Hawaii. Maui Bus operates 13 regular routes and seven routes for commuters. For the moment, Maui Bus offers free rides on five routes in Wailuku, Kahului and Lahaina. But under the Department of Transportation's proposal, commuter route fares will go from $1 to $2, and the now-free routes would cost a dollar. "Like the mayor says, 'We're in a tough patch right now and everybody needs to share the pain,'" Medeiros said. Administration officials said due to the budget stringency, they also won't be able to add routes for a second straight year, despite almost-constant demands from the public for more ways to get from here to there. In particular, a lot of folks want Kula and Waihee routes, Medeiros said. At least the county hasn't had to resort to stopping entire routes, he said, like many other cities and counties have done during the recession. Or some elected officials have chosen to stop running all buses on Sundays, he said. High ridership numbers don't equate to balanced books. Like most public transit across the United States, the county must subsidize Maui Bus. That comes out to about $6 million a year, not including millions more in federal funds for new buses and other equipment, Medeiros said. For instance, in addition to the $800,000 for those nine bus shelters, the federal government will provide almost $2 million, over a 10-month period through June to add five 37-passenger buses. The county taxpayer's contribution is $360,665 for the new buses. Hopefully, in the next year, riders will have some nice sheltered bus stops to keep them happy and loyal, Medeiros said. Reach Chris Hamilton at chamilton@mauinews.com. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 1:15 p.m. HST Maui Police Investigating Assault on 12 Year-Old Girl WAILUKU — Maui police are investigating a report of an assault on a 12-year-old student in a Maui Waena Intermediate School bathroom Thursday, police said yesterday. Around 1:40 p.m. Thursday, a girl was in a bathroom on the Kahului campus when an unidentified man who was in the bathroom appeared, grabbed her and threw her to the ground, said Lt. John Jakubczak of the Criminal Investigation Division. He said the girl was able to push away the man, who then fled the restroom. The man was described as having a black shirt wrapped on his head. Maui Complex Area Superintendent Bruce Anderson said the "safety of our students is utmost in our minds. We are reviewing what happened. We are reviewing our plans." Anderson said the Department of Education is working with the staff and the community to make sure the campus is safe. Jakubczak said police interviewed a person of interest who denied involvement in the case. He added that there were some differences in the description that the victim gave of the assailant compared with the person who was interviewed by police. No arrests have been made. (Report Provided by The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 12:05 p.m. HST Maui Leads Rebound in Visitor Arrivals HONOLULU – Total expenditures by visitors who came by air in February 2010 was relatively stable (-0.3%) compared to the same month last year at $850.2 million, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. Among the major islands, Maui saw a 7.2 percent growth in visitor arrivals for February 2010. This was only the second consecutive month of positive growth in visitor arrivals to Maui since December 2005. Supporting the heavier visitor traffic were new direct routes and increased direct flights into Kahului airport. In total, there were 531,094 air and cruise visitors in the islands in February 2010, up 0.7 percent from last February. Among the top four visitor markets, losses in arrivals by air from U.S. West (-2.6%) and U.S. East (-8.2%) were offset by growth from Japan (+2.5%) and Canada (+16.2%) compared to February 2009. For the first two months of 2010, total spending by air visitors grew $31.4 million to $1.8 billion, or 1.7 percent higher compared to year-to-date 2009. Total visitor days rose 2.5 percent while total arrivals by air and cruise visitors increased 1.4 percent from the same period last year to 1,063,831 visitors. (Report Provided by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 10:15 a.m. HST Wind Advisory Continued Through Tomorrow Evening 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the WIND ADVISORY for MAUI COUNTY in effect until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: Trade winds will be sustained near 30 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 7:20 a.m. HST HGEA Says DHS Layoff of 228 Not 'Done Deal' A modernization and consolidation plan for some operations within the Department of Human Services would expand benefits for the needy and save the state about $8 million a year, the Lingle administration says. But the union for 228 employees that would be laid off in the process says the plan is ill-conceived and has not been thoroughly vetted.Department Of Human Services Lose Over 200 Workers The Department of Human Services is closing dozens of public assistance offices. The Hawaii Government Employees Association also says the state and Human Services Director Lillian Koller intend to push the plan through without proper consultation with the union. Workers would be laid off by June 30 and already have begun receiving notices. "She (Koller) has told us that she's going to do this," said Nora Nomura, deputy executive director of the HGEA, the state's largest public worker union. "We can provide input, but she's going to do (it). So that's not consultation. "We will take whatever action we need to make sure that she follows the law." Nomura said the union was consulting with its attorneys to decide what course of action to take. Koller, in a 25-page letter to the HGEA, said the union has taken an "obstructionist strategy" and thwarted all attempts by the state to engage in meaningful discussion over the consolidation plan. The state, in its continuing effort to cut costs, wants to streamline the process for applications and renewals of public assistance benefits, including welfare, Medicaid and food stamps. Under the plan, 31 offices statewide that handle applications and renewals in person would be shut down and their functions consolidated at two Eligibility Processing and Operations Division offices that would process applications from facilities in Honolulu and Hilo. The offices would accept applications by phone, fax and e-mail, and would require less manpower, enabling staff to process more applications and get more people into needed services, Koller said. Koller said applicants can expect the same level of service, but in a more convenient manner. "It's the same eligibility workers who now you can only access by going in person and spending hours and hours waiting for your name to be called to come up and see a person," Koller said. "That same eligibility worker will be manning phone banks and be accessible much more easily over the phone to assist you on how to answer questions." Similar streamlining operations have been undertaken on the mainland as states cope with growing budget deficits during the recession. But union officials say successful consolidation plans have had better planning. Nomura said most Hawaii workers did not know of the consolidation plan until it was raised by lawmakers at a public hearing in February. "If you do it as Hawaii—as the Department of Human Services is trying to do right now, without any planning, without any forethought, just with doing it for the sake of doing it—that's when you run into problems," Nomura said. In her letter to the union, Koller said the HGEA abruptly canceled a planned meeting on Feb. 9 before using legislative hearings to "mislead lawmakers and the public" by exaggerating the numbers of jobs that would be lost. "The anti-EPOD public relations campaign has been very unfortunate," Koller said. "We approached the union in good faith ... and instead of engaging in that in a meaningful way, instead they have spent a lot of time going around the state and creating a lot of fear and creating a lot of mischaracterization of our proposal." Reach B. J. Reyes at bjreyes@starbulletin.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 7:10 a.m. HST Nissan's 100-Mile All-Electric 'Leaf' Will Debut Under $26,000 NEW YORK — Nissan Motor Co. said today its new electric car will cost just over $25,000 in the U.S., a move that could force rivals to lower prices on similar vehicles. The Leaf, a four-door hatchback due in showrooms late this year, will have a base price of $32,780, but buyers can get a $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit, Nissan said. The price tag puts the Leaf, which can go up to 100 miles on a single charge from a home outlet, within reach of mainstream car buyers, and it also will force competitors to respond when they introduce their cars. General Motors Co., which also will begin selling its Chevrolet Volt rechargeable electric car later this year, said that it will look at Nissan's pricing before announcing the Volt's price closer to its December sales date. "I think it's fair to say their pricing, it won't overwhelm, but it will have some influence on our pricing decision," said GM spokesman Rob Peterson. GM was looking to price the Volt, which can go 40 miles on full electricity before a small gas engine kicks in to provide power, around $35,000. It would cost $27,500 with the tax credit. But GM executives have said they are trying to lower the price as they begin building models at a Detroit factory. Other competitors, such as Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC, also plan to sell fully electric cars, but those will come out after the Volt and Leaf hit showrooms in December. Nissan says the Leaf will cost 3.76 million yen (about $40,000) in Japan. It will price the car lower in the U.S. because it wants to sell more of them in that market. The automaker says it is confident it can still make money at that price. Orders in the U.S. start April 20 and Nissan is aiming for 25,000 orders by December. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 7 a.m. HST 2.3 Million Airline Seats Added to Hawaii Destinations Worldwide The state is projecting a solid increase in the amount of airline seats on flights to Hawai'i this spring. The report from the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, which is based on flight schedules of airlines that fly to Hawai'i, said the number of airline seats is projected to rise to 2.3 million from March through May, a 5.1 percent increase from the same period a year earlier . The biggest increase is from Canada, with the number of airline seats projected to rise 38 percent to 63,940, according to the report. Seats from the the U.S. West, are expected to rise 6.2 percent to 1.7 million, while seats from Japan are projected to rise 2.4 percent. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST Senate Dips Further Into Counties' Share of TAT to Balance Budget The state Senate Ways and Means Committee yesterday produced its draft of the state budget, avoiding a broad-based tax increase but scooping hotel-room taxes from the counties to help close the state's $1.2 billion deficit. The Senate's version comes in slightly higher than Gov. Linda Lingle's $10 billion supplemental budget request for the fiscal year that starts in July. But senators would trim $14 million from the $4.9 billion in general-fund spending over which lawmakers and the governor have the most control. State Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-14th (Halawa, Moanalua, Kamehameha Heights), the committee's chairwoman, opted against a 1 percentage point increase in the general excise tax that two other Senate committees advanced to help with the deficit. Mercado Kim instead chose to take about half of the hotel room taxes that go to counties, transfer money from special funds and raise the barrel tax on petroleum products to generate new revenue to pair with spending cuts and balance the budget. "The threat to our economy is too great," Mercado Kim said of a GET hike. "We cannot enact a policy today that would threaten businesses, especially small businesses that would lay off the very people we are trying to help." Lingle and the state House also offered budget drafts that did not rely on a GET hike to lower the deficit, so if the full Senate follows Mercado Kim's recommendation, it would be unlikely that the broad-based tax increase would happen this session. A GET bill is still alive and pending in the House from last session, however, so it could theoretically be revived if lawmakers need it as an option. State Sen. Rosalyn Baker, D-5th (W. Maui, S. Maui), said she expects lawmakers to hear from more people who support a GET increase once they see some of the revenue-generating ideas and cuts to state programs being considered as the alternative. "There's a famous saying: it's never over until the fat lady sings," she said, arguing that a GET increase would be more equitable. Mercado Kim decided to cap the share of the transient accommodations tax — commonly known as the hotel-room tax — that goes to counties at $50 million a year. The House's budget draft set the cap at $94 million a year, the amount counties receive today, so counties stand to lose $44 million a year under the Senate version. Lingle had proposed taking all of the hotel-room tax revenue for the deficit. "We needed it to balance our budget," Mercado Kim said afterward, adding that counties would still get about half of the money under her approach. COUNTIES OPPOSE County mayors, in a joint statement, strongly opposed the Senate's decision. "Taking even half will put a significant financial burden on the counties and our taxpayers," the mayors said. "While we appreciate the severity of the state's financial condition and the difficult decisions that need to be made, we believe taking the counties' share of the TAT is not an answer. "That being said, of the two proposals now alive at the Legislature, we obviously prefer the House position." Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi said the state and counties will not be able to solve budget shortfalls by "working at cross purposes with one another." "It makes no sense for the Senate to grab the counties' money and make the state budget situation better, while making the counties budget situation worse. We represent exactly the same people," Kenoi said in a statement. The Senate's draft also differs from the House on how to finance a reduction in teacher furloughs next school year. Mercado Kim would take $32.5 million from the state's hurricane relief fund and $33.5 million from the general fund to reduce 12 of 17 furlough days next school year. Senators expect teachers to make up the additional five furlough days through adjustments to planning days. The House draft, by comparison, set aside $50 million in general-fund money to reduce teacher furloughs next school year. Separate bills are moving that would tap the hurricane relief fund and rainy day fund as options for teacher furloughs. The state Board of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association have reached an agreement to end furloughs, but Lingle has a competing proposal and has said she would not release the money for the school board's and teachers' deal, so there is a stalemate. The Senate also chose to preserve money in the state Department of Education's weighted student formula — which bases school spending on student need — rather than follow the House and make cuts that could increase class size. The Senate, however, made a series of cuts to non-core functions at the department to free up general-fund money to reduce teacher furloughs. The Senate draft also contains a $7.5 million reduction to the University of Hawai'i, compared with $10 million by the House. DIFFERENT TACTIC Mercado Kim would transfer $45 million from a variety of special funds and generate $22 million by raising the barrel tax to help with the deficit. Her committee also wants to save money by closing one of the modules at Halawa Correctional Facility, which could mean about 246 additional prisoners would be sent to the Mainland, where incarceration is cheaper. The House draft of the budget was $41.2 million less than the governor's overall budget request, and $60.7 million less in general-fund spending. The Senate did not restore as many state positions as the House — targeting jobs in priority areas such as agriculture inspectors and security at Hawai'i State Hospital — and did not slash purchase of service contracts at the Department of Education and Department of Human Services. The Senate Ways and Means Committee's draft now goes to the full Senate for a vote. House and Senate negotiators will then meet in conference committee on a final draft to send to Lingle. Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - March 30, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST Kuihelani Highly Briefly Closed Due to Cane Smoke Visibility Problem Maui Police report that the Kuihelani Highway between Ma'alaea and Kahului was closed to traffic for about an hour this morning due to extremely poor visibility following a cane burn. The stretch of road was closed at 5:36 a.m. and reopened at 6:30 a.m. (Information Reported by the Maui County Police Department) |
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