Police Open Arson Investigation in Kapalua House Fire as Potential Hate Crime

At this time, the ARSON incident in Kapalua, Maui is still under investigation. Detectives reported they are looking into surveillance videos of vehicles that were seen entering and exiting the main entrance of the Kapalua Golf Estates. Police are investigating possible evidence leading to an alleged hate crime towards the victim.

(Report Provided by The Maui County Police Department)

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Unemployment Inches Up Statewide - Soars on Moloka'i

HONOLULU - The Hawai`i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced today that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January was 6.9 percent, a 0.1 percentage point increase over December’s revised rate of 6.8 percent. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 9.7 percent in January from 10.0 percent in December. Over the last six months, Hawai`i’s monthly seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has been in the range of 2.7 to 3.2 percentage points lower than the national average. There were 589,800 employed and 43,450 unemployed in January, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 633,250.

House Committee Seeks Testimony to Save 232 DHS Jobs

HONOLULU. The House Human Services Committee will hear testimony on a proposed House Draft 1 of Senate Bill 2650, which seeks to stop the Department of Human Services (DHS) from closing all but two eligibility offices across Hawaii. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 329 of the Hawaii State Capitol. Rep. John Mizuno (District 30 – Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, Fort Shafter), House Human Service Chair, introduced the proposed amendment.

DHS wants to create an Eligibility Processing Operations Division (EPOD), with one location in Hilo and one in Honolulu, to handle all benefit applications, ongoing cases, and renewals for the entire state. This plan would eliminate 232 eligibility staff.

Proposed HD1 for Senate Bill 2650 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES:

• Prohibits the use of private contractors and vendors for intake and eligibility of welfare or public assistance services in Hawaii until a report is completed by a task force to determine the impact to the 300,000 needy Hawaii residents and whether any federal regulation or policy will be violated by the EPOD proposal. (Part II)

"I am shocked by the proposed plan by DHS to eliminate 232 employees who provide vital services to over 300,000 needy residents," said Rep. Mizuno. "I find that the department failed to inform or work with its employees prior to this proposed plan. The department also failed to study the adverse impact to Hawaii's needy population or determine if such a plan, which took years to implement in Florida, would violate any federal regulations or policies."

Cecilia Perry, from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in Washington, D.C., believes that establishing a major operational change without a solid plan is disastrous for the people who rely on DHS's services.

"Both Texas and Indiana hastily instituted call centers with disastrous results for people in need of services," said Perry. "Instituting major operational changes without any concrete plan to test the technology required to set up call centers is a recipe for disaster for the thousands of impoverished people of Hawaii who rely upon these services for their survival."

Sanford Chun, a representative of the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) said that laying off the eligibility workers would "devastate an already severely understaffed department, one of the hardest hit by hundreds of layoffs last year."

"Combine that with an increase in the demand for services provided by DHS as a result of the current economic downturn," continued Chun, "and the state may find itself in non-compliance with federal or state laws, rules and subject to sanctions if eligibility functions are not performed in a timely manner. There is potential for tremendous negative impact and harm to the public served by the department."

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, House of Representatives)

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NEWS FLASH - March 10, 2010 9:05 a.m.

'Heritage Hall' Proposed to Honor Labor of Portuguese and Puerto Ricans on Maui

The Portuguese and Puerto Ricans did backbreaking work as contract laborers on the sugar plantations in Hawaii more than a century ago, and their descendants rose as entrepreneurs and politicians and were key in the expansion of the Catholic Church in Hawaii.

Names like Rego, Redondo, Morgado, Cravalho, Tavares, Vidinha and Baptiste are woven into the business and political fabric of Hawaii.

"Their migration proved to be very significant because within a few years of immigration, they got their first Catholic bishop, someone who grew up here, Stephen Alencastre," said Audrey Reed Rocha, a descendant of Portuguese immigrants from Madeira island.

Rocha and dozens of others are seeking to preserve the history of the two ethnic groups by developing Heritage Hall on Maui, where the contributions of both groups would be on display.

The site is a little more than a half-acre of land once occupied by a plantation medical dispensary along Baldwin Avenue, on the Hana side of the former Paia sugar mill operated by Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin Inc.

Under the plan, the groups would develop a one-story community hall building with a commercial kitchen that would be used by the public and also a second building for a two-story cultural resource center that would have separate areas to display the histories of both groups.

The Portuguese Association of Maui and the Maui Puerto Rican Association each donated more than $30,000 toward the purchase of the land, with Alexander & Baldwin donating the remaining $770,000, Rocha said.

Rocha said the groups are currently seeking environmental and land use approval for the development and also continuing to seek donations toward erecting the buildings, with an estimated construction cost of about $4 million.

By the early 1900s more than 24,000 Portuguese and some 5,000 Puerto Ricans, many with their families, emigrated as contract laborers to Hawaii, according to Rocha.

"They had large families, and somehow they managed to struggle through," she said.

She said the Hawaiians and other ethnic groups exercised tolerance, enabling the Portuguese to retain their cultural heritage.

"We were fortunate to grow up with so many ethnic groups, and we learned from each other," she said.

On the sugar plantations, many rose to become overseers and middle managers, and some families eventually started their own businesses.

Some Portuguese business people include Holsum Bakery Hawaii founders Lorrin and James Dolim, Leonard's Bakery founder Leonard Rego, Portuguese sausage maker Frank Redondo, Ewa Brand huli-huli chicken creator Ernest Morgado, and Roselani Ice Cream founder David "Buddy" Nobriga.

Descendants of Portuguese immigrants also rose to political prominence, including former state House Speaker and Maui Mayor Elmer Cravalho, the late Maui Mayor Hannibal Tavares and his daughter Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares, and late Kauai Mayors Antone Vidinha Jr. and Bryan Baptiste.

Descendants of Portuguese immigrants also include Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino, New York Mets pitcher Sid Fernandez, University of Hawaii "Fab Five" basketball coach Red Rocha and Mountain Apple Records head Jon DeMello.

Those with Puerto Rican ties include former U.S. attorney and Circuit Judge Ed Kubo and former state agricultural Director John Farias, who is also part Portuguese, Hawaii historian Norma Carr said.

Carr said the Puerto Ricans blended into the population, becoming more multiethnic.

"You can't tell many of them from their surnames," Carr said.

Carr said the Puerto Ricans, recruited through labor brokers hired by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association, grew coffee in their native country and were unaccustomed to working in cane fields.

"They came, and they ended up getting cut on the blades of cane," she said. "They didn't know how to dress for it."

For Rocha, whose father had 11 children from two wives, Sunday was a special time for his children.

"My father insisted they come home for dinner," she recalled. "There were usually more than a dozen of us."

She said to add to the family's income, her mother sewed clothes and baked and decorated cakes.

Donations may be sent to the nonprofit Heritage Hall, 95 Mahalani St., Room 12, Wailuku, HI 96793; or by calling Rocha at 243-0065.

Reach Gary Kubota at gkubota@starbulletin.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Bulletin)

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NEWS FLASH - March 10, 2010 9 a.m.

Calm Now But High Wind Advisory Remains Through Tonight

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the WIND ADVISORY for MAUI COUNTY until 6 p.m. this evening.

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected.

2. EFFECTS: Trade winds will be sustained near 30 mph with frequent gusts to near 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 access NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The 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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 10, 2010 8:55 a.m.

High Surf Still Pounding East Shores

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for EAST FACING SHORES of MAUI and MOLOKAI in effect 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.

Expect surf heights of 5 to 8 feet.

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

2. EFFECTS: A high tide of approximately 1.1 feet is expected between 11:50 a.m. and 1:08 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of 2.2 feet is expected between 1:00 a.m. and 2:18 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 access NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The 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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 10, 2010 8:45 a.m.

Maui Leads Way as Hotel Occupancy Inches Back Up

Hawaii's hotels are seeing more evidence that a long drought in bookings may be over, with the average occupancy rate rising in January for the fourth time in five months.

But the amount hotels are able to charge per room continued to slide, falling in January for the 17th straight month, according to a report from Hospitality Advisers LLC, an industry consulting firm.

And the improvement in occupancy has been uneven across the state, with hotels on Maui and O'ahu recording higher occupancy rates in January, and Big Island and Kaua'i properties experiencing declines.

Statewide, hotels were 66.5 percent full in January, up 3.4 percentage points from January 2009, according to the Hospitality Advisers report. The average daily room rate fell to $176.88 from $197.41 a year earlier.

"We started 2010 in the right direction with a continued positive trend. And the preliminary results for February also look very positive, which bodes well for the first quater," said Joseph Toy, president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Advisors.

"Unfortunately, the gains in occupancy are being offset by the continued heavy discounting in room rates," Toy added.

Hotel occupancy had declined for most of 2008 and 2009 on a year-over-year basis before finally turning positive last September. It rose again in October before falling in November and climbing in December.

The January increase in hotel occupancy was in line with a 2 percent increase in January visitor arrivals reported earlier this month by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

While the first quarter is looking good in terms of occupancy, bookings are a bit soft for the second quarter, Toy said. However, with travelers waiting longer these days to book their trips, "we're hoping for some pickup," he added.

The biggest increase in occupancy was at Maui hotels, where the rate rose 7.7 percentage points to 67.5 percent. Occupancy at O'ahu hotels rose 3.9 percentage points to lead the state with a 72.1 percent rate.

Big Island hotels were 53.2 percent full, down 2 percentage points from a year earlier, while the occupancy rate at Kaua'i hotels fell 2.2 percentage points to 54.3 percent.

On a class basis, statewide budget properties fared the best, with a 5.8 percentage point increase in occupancy to 78.3 percent. Luxury properties had the smallest occupancy growth, increasing 1.7 percentage points to 66.8 percent.

Reach Alan Yonan Jr. at ayonan@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 10, 2010 7:15 a.m.

ML&P Posts Staggering $123M Loss for '09

Last year was not a year to remember for Maui Land & Pineapple Co., which posted a staggering net loss of $123.3 million and quit the business of pineapple growing on which the company was built.

The financial loss was a record for Maui Land, at least in recent history, and pushed its two-year combined loss to just over $200 million after including the $79.4 million loss in 2008.

Excluding the last two years, the company over the prior 20 years had not lost more than $11 million or earned more than $15 million in any year.

Trouble with a luxury timeshare and condominium project in Kapalua and with pineapple production during the recession are the primary reasons for Maui Land's major financial hardship over the last two years.

John Durkin, chief financial officer, said 2009 was a year of transition for the company.

"We think we've made some good improvements to our cost structure, and we plan more improvements," he said.

Leading the company toward improving its finances will be Ryan Churchill, a longtime Maui Land executive who was named president and CEO last month.

In the last quarter of 2009, Maui Land reported losing $30.4 million, which included a $20.9 million expense to exit pineapple production. For the full year, agriculture operations resulted in a $22.8 million loss.

Real estate development operations for Maui Land generated a fourth-quarter operating loss of $1.4 million, which was an improvement from a $61.5 million operating loss in the same quarter a year before.

But for all of 2009, real estate development activity produced a $62.6 million operating loss, compared with a $40 million operating loss for all of 2008.

Maui Land resort operations posted a $4.7 million operating loss in the fourth quarter, down from a $6.6 million loss in the same quarter the year before.

For the full year, resort operations resulted in a loss of $16.1 million, compared with a $19.7 million loss in 2008.

Revenue for all of Maui Land's business segments was $50.4 million, compared with $51.1 million in 2008.

Shares of Maui Land stock closed up 43 cents at $5.23 before the earnings announcement was made. Shares over the last 52 weeks have traded between a high of $10 in May and a low of $2.35 in late January.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 10, 2010 6:55 a.m.

Statewide Fireworks Ban Fizzles, Counties May Have Options

Lacking support for a statewide ban on fireworks, state lawmakers may give counties the option of deciding the issue.

The state House yesterday added the county option to a bill that would create an illegal-fireworks task force. A vote on the bill is expected tomorrow. House and Senate negotiators would then work on a final draft.

"It would be home rule, basically," said state Rep. Faye Hanohano, D-4th (Puna, Pahoa, Hawaiian Acres), chairwoman of the House Public Safety Committee.

A statewide ban on fireworks — with an opt-out provision for counties — failed to advance in the state Senate.

If Hanohano's proposal passes, state law would essentially revert back to the way it was before 1994, when lawmakers approved a statewide fireworks law to bring uniformity to various county regulations.

Some lawmakers who favor a statewide ban have cautioned about the potential for black-market sales and the interisland smuggling of fireworks if the law varies between counties. But others say county leaders, not the state, are in a better position to know whether people want a ban.

"The home-rule issues need to be respected," said state Sen. J. Kalani English, D-6th (E. Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i).

State law allows consumer fireworks on New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and the Fourth of July. Residents have complained of excessive smoke and noise from fireworks and that people light them outside the designated holidays.

Many residents also cite the widespread use of dangerous aerials and other illegal pyrotechnics, and argue that a lack of enforcement has led to excessive fireworks displays.

Honolulu police and fire authorities have called for a statewide ban.

"I applaud the House decision to allow the counties to decide for themselves on a fireworks ban," Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in an e-mail to The Advertiser. "This supports the concept of home rule, and each county should decide for itself how best to regulate fireworks."

Big Island Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira, in a letter Monday to the Senate, said he supports a statewide ban with exceptions for special events and professional fireworks displays. But he also backed home rule that "would allow each county to determine the potential hazards of fireworks and the benefit to their community and permit further restricting fireworks use based on each county's needs and resources."

Oliveira also supported tougher penalties on illegal fireworks use and gradually increasing random inspections of shipping containers to help control illegal imports.

State Rep. Barbara Marumoto, R-19th (Kaimuki, Wai'alae, Kahala), who wants a statewide ban, said giving the counties the option is better than just creating a task force.

"It's a little better, because, theoretically, all four counties can ban fireworks," she said. "Realistically, I don't see that happening."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 4:15 p.m.

Increased Humidity Cancels Red Flag Fire Warning

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CANCELLED the Red Flag Warning for LEEWARD sections of MAUI COUNTY.

2. EFFECTS: Relative humidity levels have increased and critical fire weather conditions are no longer occurring.

3. INFORMATION: This will be the last Maui County Civil Defense notification on this event.

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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 3:05 p.m.

DOT Accepting Bids, Statewide, On More Renewable Energy Projects

HONOLULU—The state Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that it is accepting bids for renewable energy generation systems at DOT, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and University of Hawai‘i (UH) facilities statewide. The proposals for renewable energy systems can include photovoltaic systems (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP) and wind power (WP).

The new renewable energy generation systems will reduce operating costs by obtaining a stable rate for electrical power that is independent of price fluctuations caused by changes in oil prices. This significant and long-term investment establishes Hawai‘i as a leader in the development of renewable energy sources and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.

DOT’s initial Photovoltaic Energy Systems Project has already installed photovoltaic systems at Kona International Airport, Hilo International Airport, Kahului Airport, Lihu‘e Airport, the Highways Division Baseyard in Lihu‘e and the Nawiliwili Harbor DOT Administration Building.

“This initiative advances the state’s continued leadership in reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels and moves us toward the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative goal of having 70 percent of Hawaii’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030,” said DOT Director Brennon Morioka. “The photovoltaic (PV) projects at our state airports have been a win-win situation for both the DOT and state taxpayers. Using renewable energy to power our airports and other state facilities is a smart investment that will pay off for years to come.”

The DOT Airports Division will review solicited bids and announce a contractor selection in summer 2010 with the intent to begin construction in fall 2010.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Transportation)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 3 p.m.

Governor Lingle Releases $7.2 M for New Dialysis Unit on Maui

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $7,610,000 to the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation for improvements to state hospital facilities on Maui and O‘ahu.

On Maui, $7,200,000 will be used to finance the construction and equipment for a new dialysis unit at Maui Memorial Medical Center. The project is expected to begin in October 2010 and be completed in May 2011.

On O‘ahu, $410,000 will go toward the design and construction to reroof the main building at Maluhia Hospital, a long-term care and skilled nursing center. The project is expected to begin this month and be completed in February 2011.

“Ensuring residents have access to affordable and quality health care continues to be a priority for my Administration,” said Governor Lingle. “These projects are part of our ongoing commitment to help improve the delivery of health care services, as well as ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 2:50 p.m.

DLNR Opens Property Transactions To Online Review

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Bureau of Conveyances has launched two new online services to improve the recording and research of real property transactions in Hawai‘i.

Effective immediately, businesses and individuals can file financing statements, a.k.a. Uniform Commercial Code form 1 (UCC-1) forms completely electronically at http://boc.ehawaii.gov.

The Bureau’s existing online document search has also been upgraded, enabling anyone performing ownership / licensing research to bypass the public access room and run their searches on the 9.6 million documents 24-hours a day, 7-days-a-week.

“This is the beginning of major modernization efforts at the Bureau which were made possible when electronic storage of documents became a legal option as a result of changes passed by the 2009 Legislature and approved by the Governor,” said DLNR Chairperson Laura H. Thielen. “We are moving quickly to enable the electronic submission of more Bureau documents this year.”

The Bureau examines, records, indexes, and microfilms 300,000 Regular System and Land Court documents and maps annually; issues Land Court certificates of title; certifies copies of matters of record; and researches UCC requests. Hawai‘i is the only state in the nation with a single statewide recording office.

Bureau of Conveyances Online Services provides:
Electronic Filing of UCC-1 Filings: Eliminates the need for mail or a physical visit
Search the Bureau’s 9.6 million documents online: No need to visit the Public Access Room; run searches any time/day
Pay for searches/ filings online: Pay for filings using a credit card or subscriber account with eHawaii.gov.

Hawai‘i’s official Internet portal, ehawaii.gov, is managed by the Hawai‘i Information Consortium, LLC (HIC). HIC works with state and county agencies to enable them to conduct government business online and improve public access to government information.

Users can access Bureau of Conveyances services at http://boc.ehawaii.gov and learn more about Hawai‘i online services at http://www.ehawaii.gov.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 2 p.m.

Imua Family Services Received $75,000 Early Childhood Grant

WAILUKU, Maui — The Oscar and Rosetta Fish Fund has awarded $75,000 to Imua Family Services to support its Early Childhood Development Program.

The program provides therapeutic services to children ages 3 to 6 who suffer from mild to moderate developmental delays, but who do not qualify for state Department of Education special education programs.

According to the nonprofit agency, its early-childhood program includes a broad spectrum of services to help children reach age-appropriate development goals. Those services include speech language, physical and occupational therapy, special instruction and care coordination.

Families, preschool teachers and caregivers for special-needs children also receive education and support from Imua Family Services.

"The Oscar and Rosetta Fish Fund makes speech-language therapy available to children on Maui, enabling Imua Family Services to continue this important program," said Tracy Kealoha, program director of Imua Family Services.

She called Imua's services essential to healthy development and preparation for learning.

The Hawai'i Community Foundation administers the Oscar and Rosetta Fish Fund. As for Imua, the one-of-a-kind agency in Maui County serves more than 2,500 Maui and Lana'i residents a year through a host of trust funds, foundations, private donors and government sources.

For more information about Imua Family Services, go to www.imuafamilyservices.org or call 244-7467.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 1:55 p.m.

UH Study Shows Quake Moved Concepcion, Chile 10 Feet Closer to Islands

WASHINGTON — The Earth really did move during the massive Chile quake: Researchers say cities and islands physically shifted west a bit.

Thanks to GPS, scientists at Ohio State University and the University of Hawaii found that the city of Concepcion moved at least 10 feet to the west. It is the nearest major city to last month's quake,

Chile's capital, Santiago, moved just shy of a foot, and even Buenos Aires, in Argentina, moved an inch. The Falkland Islands also went a tad west.

Researcher Ben Brooks said this happens with every quake, but usually it is too small to notice. This time with an 8.8 magnitude whopper, the scientists saw a great deal of shifting.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 1:40 p.m.

ILWU Endorses Hanneman for Governor

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union today endorsed Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the Democratic primary for governor.

Isaac Fiesta Jr., the union's president, described it as a difficult decision given that Hannemann's rival is former congressman Neil Abercrombie, a liberal with a history as a strong advocate for labor.

The ILWU has a rich tradition of involvement with Democratic politics in the Islands. While the union's political power may have slipped with the emergence of public-sector labor unions, the endorsement could carry significant weight among rank-and--file Democrats.

Hannemann, who has not officially declared his candidacy but has been actively raising money, said the endorsement brings him "a step closer" to a campaign.

Three Hawaii-based locals of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers labor union, meanwhile, announced that they are backing Abercrombie.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 10 a.m.

Wind Advisory Will Blow Through the Day

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the WIND ADVISORY for MAUI COUNTY in effect until 6 p.m. this evening.

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected.

2. EFFECTS: Strong northeast winds will be sustained near 30 mph with locally higher gusts.

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 access NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The 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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 9:20 a.m.

Strong Easterly Trades Will Keep Big Waves Coming

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for EAST FACING SHORES of MAUI and MOLOKAI in effect until 6:00 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: Strong trade winds producing a short period swell will increase surf heights along east facing shores of most islands.

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

A high tide of approximately 0.8 feet is expected between 10:42 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon) today. The next high tide of approximately 2.2 feet is expected between 12:35 a.m. and 1:53 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 access NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The 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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 7:20 a.m.

Real Honolulu Cops Auditioning for Roles in 'Hawaii Five-0'

Detective Paul Nagata Jr.'s father played a cop on the original "Hawaii Five-0."

Now Paul Jr. is anxiously awaiting word whether he'll be able to carry on from Paul Sr., a retired Honolulu police sergeant, by landing a part in a pilot of the upcoming CBS-TV remake of the iconic series.

Nagata is one of more than 100 Honolulu police officers and civilian Honolulu Police Department workers who answered a casting call Friday at HPD's main station for real police officers to play police officers mainly as extras.

HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu said the use of an HPD conference room for the casting call was decided on by the administration and had been done in the past for a previous TV show.

Casting director Margaret Doversola, who worked on the original "Five-0" series, says filming Thursday will require 30 extras at the funeral of a high-ranking police officer who was killed.

The show will also need more officers in the next two weeks for "two take-downs of bad guys and various people in offices," she said.

TV shows like to have the reality of real police, she said.

"It's easy to put people in uniform, but it doesn't look official. Plus, when you're doing these take-downs of these bad guys, they know the right protocol."

Acting skills are not necessary. "They're not asked to act; they're just asked to do what they really do," she said.

"There's several police who I've used over the years on different shows that I've done," she said. Many have been on "Magnum P.I.," "Jake and the Fatman," "Baywatch" and the pilot for a TV show called "Hawaii," Doversola said.

"Some people are just natural actors," she said.

Windward patrol Lt. Dave Eber, athletic at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, was an extra on "Jake and the Fatman."

He got bitten by the acting bug performing in high school plays. He also did a Japanese drink commercial when his Chaminade University water polo team was signed to play water polo with a watermelon, which led to a part as an extra in a Japanese movie.

Detective Gary Lahens, who played a Fijian cop in "Murder, She Wrote," said, "We're looking forward to being a part of the historic show. We want to bring to the screen what a real detective does."

Lahens believes he's got what it takes to be an actor — "confidence, poise, knowledge, a people person," he rattled off. "There's a certain flair about me. You got to be fun. You got to be a bon vivant — a lover of life — to be a good actor."

Detective Alex Garcia, a member of the Screen Actors Guild, said he's not interested in being an extra, which earns about $100 and means spending several hours on the set.

He had a regular part in the last "Hawaii Five-0" pilot with Gary Busey.

Garcia said he'll be auditioning for "Lost" this week, and hopes to land a speaking role, which could earn about $850.

Reach Leila Fujimori at lfujimori@starbulletin.com.

(Report Provided by the Honolulu Star Bulletin)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 7:10 a.m.

Abercrombie Earns Union Endorsements

HONOLULU — Three Hawaii-based locals of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers labor union are supporting former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie in his campaign for governor.

Locals 1186, 1260 and 1357 announced the endorsement on Monday. They represent more than 7,500 electricians, utility workers, power plant workers, technicians, telephone workers and television camera operators.

Abercrombie recently resigned his 1st Congressional District seat to focus on the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is expected to be his main rival.

The candidates for the Republican nod are expected to be Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and Honolulu lawyer John Carroll.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - March 9, 2010 6:40 a.m.

Maui Man Flees Jurisdiction to Avoid Prosecution

A Maui man wanted by federal authorities on charges of growing marijuana inside a rented Makawao house has fled the jurisdiction, according to court papers filed yesterday.

Eric Welander, 36, was arrested by Maui police last year and secretly indicted Feb. 25 by a federal grand jury for cultivating more than 1,000 marijuana plants.

The indictment was unsealed yesterday after Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Thomas notified the Honolulu federal court that "there is reliable information to believe that (Welander) has fled the jurisdiction to avoid prosecution."

Thomas asked that the federal indictment be unsealed so it can be "entered into various law enforcement databases that will assist the government in locating the whereabouts of the defendant."

Thomas declined to discuss details of the case.

Maui police discovered 1,197 marijuana plants growing inside a Makawao home rented by Welander and 35 plants in the backyard and on a deck. Also found on the property were fluorescent and high-pressure sodium "grow lights," fans and other equipment commonly used to cultivate marijuana plants, a loaded shotgun and ammunition, hashish, psilocybin mushrooms and $458 in cash, according to the Maui News.

State charges lodged against Welander last year included commercial promotion of marijuana and felony possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The status of the state case was not immediately available. Welander was released from custody last year after posting $145,000 bail.

Reach Jim Dooley at jdooley@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 9:20 p.m.

'Book 'em, Dano' - 2010 Style - Advances

CBS continues to give its remake of "Hawaii Five-0" a contemporary look, casting Jean Smart as Hawaii Gov. Pat Jameson.

Smart, who was nominated for two Emmys when she appeared on "24," will play a part held by Richard Denning during the crime drama's 12-year run.

Smart is the second woman cast for a role once held by a man. Grace Park was cast as Kono Kalakaua, a role once held by Zulu.

Filming for the show's pilot began today.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 9:10 p.m.

go! Mokulele Filling More Seats - But Carrying Fewer Passengers

Go! Mokulele said its airplanes were 70.1 percent full in February, up from 66.3 percent the same month a year earlier.
However, the number of passengers flown by the interisland carrier fell to 50,590, a 9.7 percent decline from February 2009.

"While capacity adjustments provided or improved passenger loads, the decline in Hawaii visitor numbers and the seasonally quiet demand for interisland travel resulted in fewer overall travelers compared to the same period last year," said Paul Skellon, the airline's vice president.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 8:50 p.m.

4.5 Magnitude Quake Jolts Big Island - No Tsunami Generated

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake shook Big Island residents at 6:30 p.m. Monday. It was felt by island residents, but no tsunami was generated.

Quince Mento, Hawai'i County civil defense administrator, said it was "one sharp jolt" but that there were no reports of damage or injuries.

The quake was centered about 16 miles due west of Honomu, under the eastern slopes of Mauna Kea, he said.

Mento said there were reports of the quake being felt in Hilo, Volcano and North Kohala.

The quake was at first reported as 4.4, but later revised by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to magnitude 4.5.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 8:20 p.m.

Maui's Roback To Be Honored as Ali'i Nui of Royal Order of Kamehameha

HONOLULU—The Hawaii State House and Senate will honor William Roback, Jr. for his recent selection as Ali`i Nui of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I. Roback was elected unanimously by members of the order and will serve as Ali`i Nui for a three-year term.

The back-to-back floor presentations on Tuesday, March 9, 2009 in the House and Senate are part of the celebration surrounding the 4th Annual Legislative Hawaiian Caucus Day. The Senate will start their floor presentation at 11:30 a.m. with the House following at noon.

Members of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus sponsored the certificates of appreciation. Legislative Hawaiian Caucus members include: Rep. Mele Carroll (Chair), Sen. J. Kalani English (Vice-Chair), Sen. Suzanne Chun-Oakland, Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, Sen. Clayton Hee, Sen. Michelle Kidani, Sen. Norman Sakamoto, Rep. Karen Awana, Rep. Della Au Belatti, Rep. Lyla Berg, Rep. Joe Bertram, Rep. Tom Brower, Rep. Pono Chong, Rep. Cindy Evans, Rep. Lynn Finnegan, Rep. Faye Hanohano, Rep. Sharon Har, Rep. Chris Lee, Rep. Sylvia Luke, Rep. Joey Manahan, Rep. Angus McKelvey, Rep. Hermina Morita, Rep. Scott Nishimoto, Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Rep. Roland Sagum III, Rep. Scott Saiki, Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, Rep. James Kunane Tokioka, Rep. Gene Ward, and Rep. Jessica Wooley,

Both chambers will recognize Roback's election and his numerous contributions to the island of Maui, the State of Hawaii and the preservation of the Hawaiian culture.

"On behalf of the Legislative Hawaiian Caucus, it is a great honor for me to recognize Ali`i Nui Roback's many contributions and to join together in wishing that he and the Royal Order of Kamehameha I continue to persevere in their mission," said Rep. Carroll(District13-Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana), Legislative Hawaiian Caucus Chair.

Roback served as a police officer on Maui until 1990 and previously represented the Island of Maui as Moku `o Kahekili in the Royal Order of Kamehameha I. One of Roback's priorities is to bring all of the brothers together to work and help the Hawaiian people realize their own destiny.

"Brothers, I pledge that I will work very hard alongside you for the good of our Most Noble Order of Kamehameha I, and I would like to see all of us continue to maintain the dignity as Hawaiian men ever moving forward," said Roback during his address to the Royal Order of Kamehameha I.

Lot Kapuawa Kamehameha V founded the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, a fraternal society, in 1865 with the mission of binding together men of Hawaiian descent and good moral character for the purpose of carrying out benevolent work and preserving the Hawaiian culture.

(Report Provided by the Office of Hawai'i Representative Mele Carroll)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 5:10 p.m.

Trades Bringing Large Waves to Eastern Shores

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for EAST FACING SHORES of MAUI and MOLOKAI in effect from 6:00 a.m. Tuesday to 6:00 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. EFFECT: Strong trade winds producing a short period swell will increase surf heights along east facing shores of most islands.

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 12:02 a.m. and 1:20 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 0.8 feet is expected between 10:42 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (noon) tomorrow.

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 access NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The 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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 4:50 p.m.

Strong Winds To Blow Throughout Evening

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has EXTENDED the WIND ADVISORY for MAUI COUNTY in effect until midnight tonight.

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected.

2. EFFECTS: Strong high pressure far to the north of the islands will combine with a trough to the northeast to bring strong and gusty northeast winds today. Winds will diminish slightly and turn toward the east on Tuesday over lower elevations. Winds over the summits are expected to remain strong through tonight.

Trade winds will be sustained near 30 mph with locally higher gusts.

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 access NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The 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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 3:10 p.m.

Governor Releases Funds for Kihei High School Land Acquisition

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $17,250,000 to the Department of Education for capital improvement projects (CIP) and new construction at public schools on Maui, Lana‘i, Hawai‘i and O‘ahu. The four projects are:

Kihei High School – $8 million will be used to acquire land for a new high school in Kihei, Maui. The new high school campus in Kihei will support the growing student population in the area. Currently, Kihei area students must commute to Maui High School in Kahului. The release of funds will enable the Department of Land and Natural Resources – Land Division to proceed with the appraisal of the lands to be purchased. In 2006, Governor Lingle released $700,000 in planning funds. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $145.5 million.

Lana‘i High and Elementary School – $8 million will go toward the construction of a new six-classroom building at Lana‘i High and Elementary School. The new building will include science, general education and special education classrooms. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $8,616,000.

Hilo High School – $1 million has been released for the design and construction of a new gymnasium at Hilo High School. The new gym will also serve the community as an emergency shelter. The Governor released $1,100,000 in 2007 for the design of the new gym. An additional $10.9 million was released in January 2008 for the construction and equipment. The current gym was built in 1937 and is undersized in comparison with standard high school gyms today. The total cost of the project is estimated at $13 million.

Webling Elementary School – $250,000 has been released for the construction of two portable classrooms at Webling Elementary School in ‘Aiea. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $872,000. The Governor previously released design and construction funds for this project in 2007 and 2009. This additional $250,000 is needed to complete the project.

“As part of our ongoing effort to stimulate the economy and create jobs, we remain focused on accelerating public construction projects, especially the repair and maintenance of our schools as well as new construction to meet the needs of growing communities throughout the state,” said Governor Lingle.

The Lana‘i High and Hilo High projects are among those targeted by the State as part of a plan launched in December 2008 to accelerate public infrastructure and construction to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Since the CIP plan was launched, the State has successfully opened bids for, awarded contracts for or started construction on 702 capital improvement projects, totaling $1,683,363,188.

(Report Provided by The Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 12:40 p.m.

High Winds Prompt 'Red Flag Warning'

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Red Flag Warning for Leeward sections of Maui County, 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.

Strong and gusty trade winds and lowering relative humidity will create critical fire weather conditions this afternoon.

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 the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 12:30 p.m.

Legislature to Honor 'Tribal Surfers'

HONOLULU - The Hawaii State House and Senate will honor outstanding Polynesian Tribal surfers, including surfing legends Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau and Rell Sunn who will be recognized posthumously. Other surfing greats to be honored are Clyde Aikau, Ben Aipa, Mitchell Alapa, Derek Ho and Richard “Buffalo” Kalolo‘okalani Keaulana. The back-to-back floor presentations in the House and Senate will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, which is also Native Hawaiian Caucus Day.

The Senate presentation starts at 11:30 a.m. and the House of Representatives will hold their presentation at 12 noon. Certificates of Appreciation are sponsored by State Representatives Roland D. Sagum III (House District 16-Ni‘ihau, Lehua, Koloa, Waimea), Mele Carroll (House District 13-Kaho‘olawe, Molokini, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana), Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (House District 45-Wai‘anae, Makaha, Makua) and Marcus R. Oshiro (House District 39-Wahiawa, Whitmore Village, Poamoho) and Senators Brickwood Galuteria (Senate District 12-Iwilei, Chinatown, Downtown, Kaka‘ako, Ala Moana, Waikiki) and Fred Hemmings (Senate District 25-Kailua, Lanikai, Waimanalo, Hawai‘i Kai).

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize some of our local Polynesians who have been tremendously successful in the sport of surfing, or papa he‘e nalu,” said Representative Roland Sagum, who is the primary sponsor on the House side. “It is also important for us to help educate the public about the historical and cultural significance of this sport which was once reserved for the Ali‘i.”

Tuesday’s honorees include world surfing champions, surfing instructors and coaches, surfboard shapers, an Olympic gold medalist, members of the Hokule‘a, and Surf Hall of Famers. Other current Polynesian Tribal surfing greats who are unable to attend Tuesday’s presentation will also be honored.

“Our honorees are all local Polynesians who have contributed greatly to the popularity of surfing,” added Senator Brickwood Galuteria, primary sponsor for the Senate. “It is only fitting that we honor current surfing greats, as well as those who are no longer with us, who have paved the way for this sport worldwide.”

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i Legislature)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 8 a.m.

High Winds To Buffet County Throughout Today

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a WIND ADVISORY for MAUI COUNTY in effect until 6:00 P.M. this evening.

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected.

2. EFFECTS: Srong high pressure far to the north of the islands will combine with a trough to the northeast to bring strong and gusty northeast winds today. Winds will diminish slightly and turn toward the east on Tuesday over lower elevations. Winds over the summits are expected to remain strong through tonight.

Trade winds will be sustained near 30 mph with locally higher gusts.

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 access NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

The NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The 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)

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NEWS FLASH - March 8, 2010 6:45 a.m.

Tax Breaks Fund Major Productions

State tax breaks helped finance a bank commercial, a Merrie Monarch Festival television special and music videos produced by a Honolulu Symphony Orchestra affiliate.

Twenty-two film and television projects are expected to get up to 20 percent credit on state taxes for the roughly $120 million they spent last year, according to information obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request.

The biggest is the ABC hit show "Lost," which spent $78 million last year.

The credits given to film and TV producers resulted in an estimated $16.2 million in forgone tax revenues for the state and the creation of more than 4,000 jobs.

Lawmakers boosted the production credit from 4 percent to 15 percent on O'ahu and 20 percent on the Neighbor Islands in 2006 to attract more film and television productions to Hawai'i and compete more effectively against states that offer similar incentives. Hawai'i also offers a separate 100-percent tax credit for film and TV investors.

At the same time, the state opened the credits up to TV commercials by lowering the minimum budget for qualifying productions to $200,000. Productions that sought tax credits last year include a Bank of Hawaii commercial and the TV?broadcast of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

Film and TV industry proponents contend the economic benefits from those productions more than offset the loss in tax revenue. The credits keep Hawai'i competitive with other communities that are vying for film and TV productions, said Georja Skinner, administrator of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's Creative Industries Division.

The credits also boost local production companies involved in making smaller-scale independent films, commercials and TV productions, she said.

"What you're seeing is that it's not only benefiting a production outside of Hawai'i but it's also benefiting independent productions here," Skinner said. "It's really helping us to strengthen our local independent community as well as attract this important business from offshore."

Critics contend the credits subsidize activity that would have occurred without credits. Local TV commercials and that shows such as the Merrie Monarch Festival would occur without the credits, said Lowell Kalapa, head of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii.

"That's stuff that would have been done anyway," he said. "Now, you're just subsidizing that cost."

'LOST' A BIG SPENDER

Just how many jobs were created and how much each production got in tax credits is being withheld by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, which administers the tax credit program.

However, productions seeking the credits hired 3,662 residents and 613 non-residents overall (figures based on production registration forms). The state does not track how many of those jobs were permanent, though many people in the industry are typically employed on a project-by-project basis.

ABC's "Lost" alone created 1,305 jobs last year, according to Erin Felentzer, an ABC spokeswoman.

About half — $8 million — of the projected production tax credit claims likely are attributable to the "Lost" TV show. That's because $8 million is the most that any one production company can receive in one year. That's also a figure that's below the show's $78 million budget in 2009. About $30 million of that went to salaries.

That's the first time "Lost" has disclosed details about the show's budget. Overall, the show spent more than $400 million in the Islands through its first five seasons, according to the state.

Another production that sought the state tax credits last year was the upcoming sci-fi feature film "Predators." The remaining productions consisted of 11 TV commercials, episodes for three reality TV shows, two independent films and a TV special.

That TV special was the Merrie Monarch Festival, which has been held in Hilo since the mid-1960s.

Ruben Carillo, a partner in 4 Miles LLC, which produced the TV special, said the festival attracted its largest audience ever in part because of the credits.

However, the Tax Foundation's Kalapa said the Merrie Monarch Festival likely would be aired on TV? even without a state subsidy.

"It's money that has been spent before and that's going to be spent again this year because it has an audience," he said.

'FIVE-O' FILMS

Tax credits also were sought in conjunction with the production of TV commercials for Bank of Hawaii and to produce music videos for a company launched by the Honolulu Symphony.

Bank of Hawaii spokes­man Stafford Kiguchi said the cost savings generated by production tax credits allowed the bank to shoot one more commercial than it would have without the credits. That commercial allowed nine full-time workers and three high school interns to expand their skills because it required added training to include the production's complex animation, Kiguchi added.

Overall, film and TV production spending last year totalled an estimated $135.5 million — a figure that includes productions that didn't seek or qualify for production tax credits, according to the state.

That figure is expected to climb to $180 million this year when five feature films and at least one TV show pilot are expected to be filmed locally.

Major motion pictures expected to film in Hawai'i this year are:

• "Hereafter," a supernatural thriller directed by Clint Eastwood.

• "The Descendants," starring George Clooney.

• "Heart of a Soul Surfer," based on a book by local surfer Bethany Hamilton.

• "Battleship," based on the Milton Bradley board game.

• "Pirates of the Car­ibbean: On Stranger Tides."

Additionally, CBS is shooting a pilot that could revive the "Hawaii Five-0" TV series and it's speculated that NBC and ABC could shoot pilots as well.

It's hoped that at least one potential pilot will evolve into an ongoing TV series that can help offset the loss of "Lost," which is in its final season.

"It is a big impact," said the state's Skinner. "That's why we're hoping 'Five-O' or one of the other series will go.

"There's no question that if you have a series it's a tremendous shot in the arm."

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 7, 2010 9:50 p.m.

Arson Suspected in West Side Fire

Maui firefighters worked all night Saturday to extinguish a house fire in Kapalua. No one was injured. Arson is suspected.

Crews from Lahaina, Napili, Kahului and Kihei battled the house fire at the Plantation Golf Estates in Kapalua.

First reported at 5:42 p,m, Saturday, the 2-story estate home on Keoawa Street was unoccupied. Fire crews worked through the night to control the fire before declaring it extinguished at 12:48 a.m. Sunday.

No other structures were damaged. Maui police said the fire appears suspicious and remains under investigation.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 7, 2010 8:42 p.m.

Crews Respond to West Side Fire

Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii - Fire crews from Lahaina, Napili, Kahului and Kihei were dispatched late yesterday afternoon to a house on fire at the Plantation Golf Estates in Kapalua. First reported at 5:42 pm, the large 2-story estate home on Keoawa Street was unoccupied.

Fire officials report that fire crews worked through the night to control the fire before calling it extinguished at 12:48 a.m. Sunday morning. No other structures were damaged and no neighboring properties were impacted. Maui police report that the fire appears suspicious in nature and remains under investigation. No injuries are reported.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Ofice of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - March 7, 2010 10:25 a.m.

Maui County Has 'Advantage' in Settlement Talks with MPL

WAILUKU, Maui - Saying Maui County has an "advantageous position" in its lawsuit against Molokai Properties Ltd., the county's lead civil attorney asked for and received permission on Friday from Maui County Council members to enter into settlement negotiations.

The company, which was formerly Molokai Ranch, is eager to end the Maui County suit as well as five other ongoing legal proceedings with the county and state, said the county's special counsel and former state Attorney General Margery Bronster.

And when a judge caught wind of it this week, he ordered the county to enter into settlement discussions with the company, Bronster said.

"We can't read too much into this, except we've received an overture," Deputy Corporation Counsel Jane Lovell said. "It's nice to see they suddenly want to make nice; and we are willing to consider reasonable solutions, if we hear any."

She said the county is not at liberty to discuss what an outcome may look like. The negotiation process is just in its infancy, anyway, Lovell said.

For almost two years now, Maui County has sought a court order that will require the MPL's three utilities to continue to provide water and wastewater services to residents in the central and west Molokai communities. The ranch had developed the towns years ago and wanted to force the county to take over the utilities soon after its bid to develop luxury homes on Laau Point stalled back in 2007.

On Friday, the council unanimously approved a resolution initiated by Bronster. She was hired by the county Department of the Corporation Counsel to handle the complicated Molokai case.

A trial is scheduled to begin June 14 before 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August in Wailuku. With that date looming - and a number of rulings going against the company so far - MPL attorneys reached out to Bronster to help forge a settlement, Bronster said.

"She noted that time is of the essence, as trial preparation will need to commence well before the trial date," according to the resolution presented by Lovell to council members.

Bronster said Molokai Properties Ltd.'s attorneys indicated that the company wants "a settlement of all pending matters." That would include lawsuits, appeals and price-hike applications with the state Health Department and Hawaii Public Utilities Commission.

The last time MPL appeared in court was Tuesday, when the judge ordered the company to produce numerous documents requested by Maui County - as well as MPL Chief Executive Officer Peter Nicholas for a deposition. August also ordered the sides to enter into nonbinding mediation.

"So we will be going forward and pursuing our rights," Bronster said. "If we can resolve it in a way that makes sense, we will do so. But if they don't make an offer that will work, we are ready to move to trial."

Back in October of 2008, August also declined a request by the company to dismiss the county's lawsuit. And in December 2009, he sided with the county and said that the state Department of Health does not have the authority, as Gov. Linda Lingle had indicated, to compel the county to take over the private utilities, Bronster said.

In addition to the county lawsuit, everyone involved is also waiting on a decision from the Public Utilities Commission regarding proposed rate hikes. On Friday, the commission set evidentiary hearings for the rate increase proposals for May 11 to 13 in Honolulu, Lovell said.

Molokai Public Utilities' attorney Michael Lau notified the PUC on Thursday that the company had initiated talks with the county to, hopefully, reach a settlement of all the pending actions.

The PUC has yet to make a ruling on requests by two of the three utilities, Molokai Public Utilities and Waiola O Molokai, to increase rates by 60 and 74 percent, respectively.

That's on top of temporary hikes already imposed by the PUC. The commission accepted testimony from upset residents on Molokai in September.

If the higher rates were approved, a typical Waiola O Molokai customer's monthly bill would jump from about $41 before the August 2008 temporary hike to $197 - for the foreseeable future.

MPL attorney Andrew Beaman has said the company would continue to provide utilities while it seeks the rate increases. The company also would continue to run the utilities until the county lawsuit ends, he said.

Efforts by The Maui News to reach Beaman and MPL General Manager Daniel Orodenker on Friday afternoon were unsuccessful.

In order to prepare for the trial, county officials and Bronster have said they would pursue case discovery, including an audit of the services and details on the relationship between MPL and the three utility companies. The third utility is Mosco, which operates a sewage treatment plant.

The county lawsuit began in May 2008 after MPL claimed it is not responsible for the operation of the water and wastewater companies that were set up to provide the utility service for the towns of Kualapuu and Maunaloa and the now-closed Kaluakoi Resort and Molokai Ranch.

However, Maui County said the original zoning agreements clearly spell out that the companies are obligated to provide utility services to the homes and businesses that the ranch developed as part of the land-use permitting processes done across three decades.

MPL shut down the ranch and related businesses in April 2008 after its proposal to develop a 600-acre, rural-residential subdivision overlooking Laau stalled before the state Land Use Commission.

In exchange for the development, the company had pledged to return almost one-third of the island it owns back to the public, as well as invest millions into providing new jobs and various town improvements.

Soon after the deal fell apart, though, Nicholas, told the PUC that the utilities would be shut down by the end of summer in 2008 if no other company could be found to take them over. The company said an adequate buyer never came forward.

Nicholas said the company had covered $1.2 million in losses in the utility operations. He said that MPL was not obligated to subsidize the utility operations.

Reach Chris Hamilton at chamilton@mauinews.com.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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NEWS FLASH - March 6, 2010 9:25 a.m.

Two State Web Sites Hacked

The state has temporarily taken down two procurement-related Web sites following a security breach that exposed the user names and passwords of hundreds of state and county employees.

State Comptroller Russ Saito said the Web sites were hacked earlier this week by someone in Romania. No financial information was compromised and it does not appear that any other personal information was obtained, but both sites will remain offline until at least next week, Saito said.

"It looks like a hacker infiltrated the site and copied some of the user files," he said. "We don't think they've had time or have been able to do anything with the IDs or passwords.

"Because of the concern for security, we decided to take the site offline."

Thousands of visitors use the two Web sites run by the state Procurement Office and the Department of Human Services. Both sites are used to post notices of contract awards. The sites will be running again following security software upgrades and the issuance of new user names and passwords, Saito said.

The latest hacking follows an incident last year when someone using a computer in Russia vandalized a state Web site, Saito said. Neither security breach resulted in the disclosure of personal financial information, Saito said.

State agencies are required to disclose security breaches that result in the release of personal information under under Act 135 of 2006.

The most recent disclosure was in January at the Department of Health when a filing cabinet was lost during an office move. It's believed that the cabinet contained personal details of two people.

Last year, the financial aid records of more than 15,000 Kapi'olani Community College students may have been compromised by a virus that affected a computer with access to financial aid records of students from Jan. 1, 2004, to April 15, 2009.

And in late 2008, the Department of Land and Natural Resources inadvertently posted on its Web site scholarship letters and Social Security numbers for eight people.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 6, 2010 6:55 a.m.

Allegiant Air Adding Flights from Mainland to Hawai'i

Budget carrier Allegiant Air said it plans to launch nonstop service to Hawai'i late this year with a fleet of six Boeing 757-200s in a move that will make the Islands more accessible to visitors from smaller cities in the western U.S.

Allegiant, a subsidiary of Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co., has been successful with its strategy of offering low fares for people in small cities to visit vacation destinations in Florida, California and the Southwest.

Allegiant has posted 28 straight quarters of profits at a time when many airlines have struggled with declining demand and high fuel prices.

Allegiant said it plans to purchase the 757s in phases and put them into service over a period stretching from the fourth quarter of this year through the first half of 2012.

"Hawai'i is the most prominent U.S. leisure destination currently unserved by Allegiant, and our small city customers have been requesting this service," said Maurice Gallagher, chairman and chief executive officer.

In addition to air travel, Allegiant also offers travel packages that include hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services.

Allegiant's announcement was welcomed by the local tourism industry, which has just recently begun to see signs of improvement after nearly two years of falling visitor arrivals and lower spending.

"The convenience of access that this new service brings is huge," said David Uchiyama, head of marketing for the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

"They'll be flying from places like Bellingham (Wash.), Eugene (Ore.) and Stockton and Monterey (Calif.) — places that are off the normal routing path," he said.

"A lot of these people want to go to Hawai'i but it's inconvenient because they have to get to a major city."

Other smaller cities served by Allegiant include Medford and Bend, Ore.; Santa Maria and Fresno, Calif.; Pasco, Wash.; and Mesa, Ariz. A company spokesman said specific Hawai'i routes will be announced at a later date.

Allegiant said it expects to spend $75 million to $95 million through 2012 acquiring and preparing the fleet for service. The purchase will be done with a mix of cash and borrowing, the company said.

The planes are being acquired from a European carrier, which purchased them from Boeing.

Allegiant must clear several regulatory hurdles, including obtaining certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly a new type of aircraft, said company spokesman Tyri Squyres.

Allegiant currently operates a fleet of 46 MD-80 aircraft, which are not certified to fly over such large expanses of water, she said.

Uchiyama said the new Allegiant flights will help with the continuing effort to replace the airlift that Hawai'i lost when Aloha and ATA airlines went out of business in the spring of 2008.

"Air seats have been a concern of ours since the loss of those two carriers two days apart. We're always looking for opportunities (to bring more flights)," Uchiyama said.

In the case of Allegiant, the airline's director of consumer marketing walked into Uchiyama's office two years ago and said the company was interested in entering the Hawai'i market.

"I got a picture of what he wanted. We jumped into my car and I drove him around Waikiki to give him a sense of the place," Uchiyama said. "It was the first time he had ever been to Hawai'i."

The marketing director, Christopher Stacey, is scheduled to reveal more about Allegiant's plans March 17 at the HTA's spring marketing update .

Reach Alan Yonan Jr. at ayonan@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - March 5, 2010 2 p.m.

6.5 Quake Jolts Sumatra

JAKARTA, Indonesia — An Indonesian official says a magnitude-6.5 quake has shaken the western shore of Sumatra island.

Indonesian Meteorology and Geophysics Agency official Gian Ginanjar says there are no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the undersea quake that struck late Friday 74 miles southeast of Pagai Selatan, an island off the western coast of Sumatra.

He says the quake has no potential to create a tsunami. It occurred 6 miles beneath the ocean floor.

Indonesia rests on a series of fault lines that make the sprawling archipelago nation one of the most earthquake-prone.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - March 5, 2010 11:55 a.m.

Police Continue Investigation into Vogel's Disappearance

WAILUKU - Police are continuing to investigate the disappearance of a 43-year-old woman whose van was found Feb. 22 near the Pauwela lighthouse.

While an official search for Laura Vogel was suspended last week, friends and family members have continued to search for her. On Wednesday night, a candlelight vigil for her was held near Pauwela lighthouse.

Another candlelight vigil was planned Thursday night in Rio Rancho, N.M., where Vogel had taught high school science.

Vogel, who had moved to Maui from New Mexico about six months ago, is a freelance tutor who had planned to camp alone in the remote area the night of Feb. 21. After she didn't show up for a tutoring session the next morning, friends found her van and called police to report her missing.

On Thursday, police Lt. John Jakubczak of the Criminal Investigation Division said detectives were continuing to investigate by recontacting people who were camped in the area where Vogel reportedly was camping. Police also were making additional checks of a cellular telephone that received calls from Vogel's cell phone the night of Feb. 21.

Vogel is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes.

Anyone who has seen Vogel or who has information on her whereabouts is asked to call the police Criminal Investigation Division at 244-6425 during regular business hours or 244-6400 during nonbusiness hours.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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NEWS FLASH - March 5, 2010 11:05 a.m.

Maui Lani Plaintiffs Get Extra Bill After Trial Loss

WAILUKU — Homeowners who weren't awarded damages in a lawsuit against the developer of a Maui Lani subdivision have been ordered to pay $87,830 in developer's costs associated with a trial last year.

Second Circuit Judge Joel August awarded the costs sought by developer VP & PK LLC during a hearing Thursday.

He also awarded $9,375 in costs to the eight owners of six homes on Palama Drive in Kahului who received awards totaling $232,700 in damages last September after a jury trial.

The residents sued the developer and general contractor Kila Kila Builders over the Fairways at Maui Lani project, claiming that construction from 2006 to 2008 caused noise and vibrations that damaged property.

About 8,000 tractor-trailer loads of dirt were trucked to the 13-acre site to raise the elevation of the property, obstructing views of the West Maui Mountains from some older homes on Palama Drive.

After the five-week trial last year, a jury awarded damages to owners of six nearby houses involved in the lawsuit but didn't award damages to the eight owners of five other houses. While finding the developer liable for the damages, the jury found Kila Kila and owner Duane Ting not responsible.

The developer's costs that were approved Thursday include amounts for travel within the state, copying documents, taking depositions of witnesses and some fees for expert witnesses, said Honolulu attorney Aaron Creps, representing VP & PK LLC. The costs do not include attorney fees.

"We're pleased to recover the costs that we're allowed to under the law," Creps said.

But attorney Lance Collins, who represented the homeowners, said the residents who didn't receive awards were "very disappointed."

"For the plaintiffs that were not awarded damages, the result is that, in addition to having to live with that 30-foot-high mountain of dirt with a road on top of it, they have to pay for speaking up," Collins said.

"The developer misbehaved, and the jury found some people were harmed by that and they found that others weren't. It seems in this sort of case, everybody should bear their own costs. The judge felt otherwise, and we respect the opinion."

Collins said a large portion of the developer's costs were for Honolulu engineer James Kwon, a defense witness who said that his tests showed vibrations at the construction site were below the damage threshold.

At a hearing in January, August awarded $30,504 in costs to Kila Kila.

Court records show that the jury awards to homeowners have been paid.

No homes have been built at the Fairways project.

In a separate case, August ordered the county not to issue building permits that conflict with the 1991 building height ordinance. That law limits residential building heights to 30 feet above the natural or finished grade, whichever is lower.

August ruled that former Mayor Alan Arakawa exceeded his authority when he exempted the Fairways and New Sand Hills developments from the height ordinance and allowed the projects to proceed under the old law that measured building height from the finished grade.

Reach Lila Fujimoto at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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NEWS FLASH - March 5, 2010 7:15 a.m.

Sales Up, Prices Down for Single Family Homes on Maui

Sales were up but median prices were down for homes sold on Maui last month.

The Realtors Association of Maui reported that single-family home sales rose 56 percent to 53 in February from 34 in the same month last year. The median price fell 7 percent to $507,200 from $545,000.

Condominium sales on the Valley Isle rose 12 percent to 94 from 84 in the comparable period. The median condo price was down 38 percent to $429,000 from $692,500.

Some of the rising demand is coming from buyers trying to cash in on federal tax credits for home purchases and on lower prices, according to brokers.

"The market seems to be getting its footing generally, as we grind out of the bottom end of the market," said Terry Tolman, chief executive of the trade association.

The median price of single-family homes on Maui has been falling for the past three years, and in 2009 was at roughly the same level it was in late 2003 — $500,000.

In Maui's condo market, median prices last year fell for the first time since Hawai'i's broad housing market downturn. The 2009 median declined 18 percent to $450,000 from $550,000 a year before.

The condo median price drop in February was particularly large partly because of weak prices and also partly because of the mix of units sold, association data shows.

Maui's largest condo market, Kihei, had more sales — 29 last month compared with 21 a year earlier — but the median fell 31 percent to $265,000 from $385,000.

In the second-largest condo market on Maui, Ka'anapali, there were 25 sales for a median $915,000 last month. That was up 6 percent from an $865,000 median a year earlier. But the number of sales was down by half from 50.

Even though the median was higher for Ka'anapali condos, the big falloff in sales translated to a smaller proportion of high-end condos in the islandwide total.

The median is a point at which half the sales are for a higher price and half are for a lower price, so a smaller proportion of luxury condos will drive the median lower.

The Realtors Association of Maui's methodology also tends to sway the median because it includes both previously owned and new homes in its data. New homes tend to be pricier, and can produce big gains in sales when multi-unit projects are completed.

Maui Wind Company Step Closer to O'ahu Wind Power Project

 

Honolulu, HI —March 5, 2010—First Wind, an independent U.S.-based wind energy company, today was offered a conditional commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a $117 million loan guarantee to finance the construction of its proposed 30 megawatt (MW) Kahuku Wind project. Located in Kahuku, Hawaii, the project will have the capacity to generate enough clean, wind energy to power about 7,700 Oahu homes each year. First Wind plans to include innovative technology in this project, including a battery energy storage system.

The Kahuku Wind project will support the ambitious Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of the state’s energy for electricity and ground transportation come from clean energy by 2030. The work on the Kahuku Wind project will create employment opportunities during design, engineering and construction including approximately 200 construction jobs.

The project is in final permitting stages. Construction will begin after the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approves the project and the DOE guaranteed funding is in place.

“This is a positive step toward a major addition to Oahu’s portfolio of renewable energy sources,” said Robbie Alm, executive vice president of the Hawaiian Electric Company. “First Wind brings demonstrated wind farm experience to this project and we welcome the opportunity to work with them to help meet our state’s critical clean energy goals.”

First Wind intends to incorporate innovative technology in its Kahuku Wind project: a 15 MVA, 10 MW/hour battery energy storage system to enhance electricity load stability. Developed by Xtreme Power, of Kyle, Texas, the patented battery system will enable the Kahuku Wind project to store energy and provide as much as 10 MW of power for at least an hour during periods of low wind speeds. The Kahuku Wind project will also include twelve 2.5 MW Clipper Liberty™ turbines. Manufactured in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Liberty turbines are the largest wind turbines manufactured in North America.

“We are very pleased to receive notification of this conditional commitment offer and we applaud the DOE and its Loan Programs Office for its leadership in advancing innovative renewable energy projects such as Kahuku Wind,” said Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind.

The DOE's Loan Programs Office manages the nation's green energy loan portfolio and is authorized to issue loan guarantees under Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 for eligible projects that (a) avoid, reduce, or sequester air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases and (b) employ new or significantly improved technologies as compared to technologies in service in the United States at the time the guarantee is issued. For more information on the DOE's Loan Programs Office, please visit www.lgprogram.energy.gov.

“Given today’s difficult financing environment for these types of projects, the loan guarantee will be an important part in securing the necessary financing to build this next-generation wind energy project, which will create jobs, generate clean power for the people of Oahu, and help Hawaii gain greater energy independence. In addition, we believe Kahuku Wind will demonstrate the tremendous potential for battery storage solutions to maximize the efficiency of utility-scale wind projects by smoothing output and providing some energy at off-peak times,” Mr. Gaynor added.

First Wind successfully built and currently operates Hawaii’s largest wind energy facility, the 30 MW Kaheawa Wind project in Maui. Kaheawa Wind serves nearly 9 percent of Maui’s annual electricity needs with clean, renewable energy – enough to supply nearly 11,000 households annually. As part of the Kaheawa project, First Wind also implemented what it believes is the nation’s first Habitat Conservation Plan for a working wind energy project.

The Kahuku project will also feature a Habitat Conservation Plan so that endangered species can be protected near the project.

About First Wind
First Wind is an independent wind energy company exclusively focused on the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of utility-scale wind projects in the United States. Based in Boston, First Wind has wind projects in the Northeast, the West and in Hawaii, with a combined capacity to generate up to 478 megawatts of power. For more information on First Wind, please visit www.firstwind.com or follow us on Twitter @FirstWind.

First Wind has a partnership in Hawaii with Makani Nui Associates, a Hawai‘i-based company. The partnership developed, constructed, financed, owns and operates Kaheawa Wind Power I. Makani Nui is also a partner in the Kahuku Wind project.

(Report Provided by First Wind)

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NEWS FLASH - March 4, 2010 5:20 p.m.

President Signs 'Travel Promotion Act' to Create New Jobs, Business

HONOLULU - The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, welcomed news today that President Obama has signed the Travel Promotion Act into law. The new legislation will create economic growth and thousands of new American jobs by welcoming millions more international travelers to the United States.

“The Travel Promotion Act is a victorious development for the state of Hawai‘i. International visitors are a significant part of Hawai‘i’s visitor industry, accounting for almost 33 percent of Hawai‘i’s visitor arrivals and contributing $3.7 billion in expenditures. This new legislation will contribute to our efforts to attract more international visitors to the islands,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of HTA. “We appreciate the efforts of Hawai‘i’s Congressional Delegation for their hard work to get this bill passed,” he added.

The Travel Promotion Act is consistent with the direction of HTA’s strategic plan, which focuses on improving Hawai‘i’s tourism economy, generating more taxes, and most importantly, more jobs. Currently, tourism accounts for nearly 17 percent of the state’s economy and for more than 151,000 Hawai‘i jobs.

The Travel Promotion Act establishes a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier international travel destination and communicate U.S. security and entry policies. According to analysis by Oxford Economics, the bill is estimated to drive $4 billion in new consumer spending annually, provide $321 million in new federal tax revenue each year and create 40,000 U.S. jobs nationwide. Further, it is expected to reduce the federal budget deficit by $425 million over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Overseas visitors spend an average of more than $4,000 when they visit the United States.

The Travel Promotion Act is modeled after successful state-level initiatives and is funded through a matching program featuring up to $100 million in private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. The fee is collected once every two years in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization. No money is provided by U.S. taxpayers.

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority was created in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. For more information on the HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.

For more information on the Travel Promotion Act, visit http://www.ustravel.org./news/press-releases/president-obama-signs-first-ever-travel-promotion-program.

(Report Provided by The Hawai'i Tourism Authority)

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