Accident Closes Honoapi'ilani Highway for Several Hours in Wailuku

Maui Police report that an accident on Honoapi'ilani Highway this morning shortly after 2 a.m. closed the highway between Kuikahi and Waiko Roads in Wailuku/Waikapu.

The road was reopened to traffic shortly after 8 a.m. No other details on the accident have been released yet.

(Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department)

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DOT Hosting Neighbor Island Conferences for Small Business Bidders

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle announced today that she granted pardons to 11 individuals in the first six months of this year, in accordance with the power vested in her by the Hawai‘i State Constitution (Article V, Section 5).

“I have carefully reviewed each individual’s pardon request, which was also thoroughly reviewed by the Department of Public Safety, the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority and the Attorney General’s Office,” said Governor Lingle. “The individuals broke the law, but they have served their sentences, kept their records clean and have proven that they are now leading law-abiding lives in the community.”

The 11 individuals pardoned by the Governor are:

Godfrey K. S. L. Akaka, Jr.
Godfrey K. S. L. Akaka, Jr., 40, of Ho‘olehua, Moloka‘i, was convicted of being in possession of a loaded firearm (a felony) and hunting at night on private property without a permit (a misdemeanor) on September 8, 1999. He was 28 at the time of his arrest. Akaka pled guilty and was sentenced to 250 hours of community service, a $250 fine and five years probation. He completed all conditions of his probation and was discharged from probation on September 7, 2004. Akaka also had a 1988 arrest for a liquor violation as a minor that was dismissed. Akaka was pardoned with express authorization to bear firearms on April 30, 2010.

Lovelyn K. Apilando
Lovelyn Ku‘ualoha Apilando, 49, of Kane‘ohe was arrested in 1993 for selling a quarter ounce of cocaine. She was 32 at the time of her arrest. Apilando was found guilty of three counts of promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree (felony class A), one count of attempted promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree (felony class A), one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree (felony class B), and one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree (felony class C). She was sentenced to 10 years confinement for the class A and B felonies and five years for the class C felony. In addition, she was ordered to pay $650, $550 and $275, respectively, in restitution. In February 1996, she was released on parole and was discharged from parole on December 21, 1999. In addition to the six convictions relating to the promotion of dangerous drugs, Apilando previously was found guilty of five misdemeanor convictions and two petty misdemeanors. In total she has been arrested 21 times. There have been no arrests since 1995.

In May 2003, Apilando turned her residence into a residential living facility for recovering women alcoholics and drug addicts. She is also a coordinator for Poailani substance abuse treatment for dual-diagnosis center. Apilando sought the pardon in order to be able to volunteer at the women’s correctional center and bring Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings to the prison. Apilando was pardoned on April 30, 2010.

Bernard D. Asuncion
Bernard Darryl Asuncion, 45, of Honolulu was arrested at the age of 21 for theft in the third degree in December 1986. He pled no contest on a deferred acceptance of plea. The case was dismissed as a result of the conditions having been met. In May 1992, he was arrested for criminal contempt of court, a misdemeanor, and was fined $50. In September 1995, he was arrested for promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree. The incident involved smoking a marijuana cigarette at a Waikiki hotel. He was given another deferred acceptance of no contest plea until July 1996, at which time the case was dismissed. Asuncion has had no other arrests or convictions since these cases. Asuncion was pardoned on May 17, 2010.

James M. Bicket
James Marion Bicket, 73, who is retired and lives in Tampa, Florida, was convicted in 1971 of fraudulently obtaining drugs when he wrote his own prescription using a form from a doctor. He was 33 when he was arrested. He was sentenced to one year probation and a fine of $250. He has had no other arrests or convictions. In 1973, Bicket was granted a full and free pardon by then Acting Governor George Ariyoshi; however, the pardon did not expressly authorize Bicket to bear firearms. Bicket was pardoned with express authority to bear firearms on May 11, 2010.

Steven A. Carman
Steven Anthony Carman, 39, who currently lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was arrested in 1993 for selling anabolic steroids to an undercover officer. He was 22 at the time of his arrest. Carman was convicted in 1996 of two counts of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree, one count of promoting a harmful drug in the fourth degree and one count of prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia. Carman was sentenced to five years probation and fined a total of $1,750. He has been arrest-free since 1993. Carman was pardoned on April 19, 2010.

Elizabeth B. Martin
On November 11, 1997, Elizabeth Brown Martin, 43, of Kane‘ohe was arrested for promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree and prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia, both class C felonies. She was found guilty and sentenced to five years probation with 60 days confinement. In April 1999, Martin was arrested on new charges for promoting a dangerous drug and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. She entered into the Hawai‘i Drug Court program on August 12, 1999 and graduated on July 6, 2001. The April 1999 charges were dismissed following Marin’s graduation from the program and she was discharged from probation. Martin’s Hawai‘i criminal record also includes one conviction for prostitution and one criminal contempt of court. She was also arrested for prostitution in Oregon (three offenses) and in California (two offenses) between 1982 and 1993. Martin has had no further arrests since 2001. Martin was pardoned for her November 1997 drug-related offenses on June 30, 2010.

Joseph F. Medina
Joseph Francisco Medina, 59 of Kea‘au, was arrested on February 15, 1996 for commercial promotion of marijuana in the second degree, possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and promoting a detrimental drug in the second degree. These charges stemmed from Medina’s alleged possession and cultivation of marijuana plants in his home in Kapa‘a at the time of his arrest. Medina, who was 45 when he was arrested, was convicted for promoting a detrimental drug in the first degree, a class C felony, and was sentenced to one year confinement and five years probation. He received his certificate of discharge from probation on November 26, 2001. Medina’s criminal record shows a prior arrest in 1988 for abuse of a family member. He has had no further arrests since 1996. Medina was pardoned on June 30, 2010.

Victor D. K. Nahinu
Victor Dana Kalani Nahinu, 45, of ‘Ewa Beach was involved in a fight in a parking lot of a Waikiki hotel in December 1984 in which a bystander who attempted to break up the fight was punched in the mouth by Nahinu. Nahinu was charged with and pled guilty to disorderly conduct (a violation) and assault in the third degree (a misdemeanor). He was sentenced to pay fines of $50 for each offense. Nahinu, who was 18 years old at the time of the incident, has had no other arrests or convictions. Nahinu was pardoned on May 10, 2010.

Norman M. W. Pang
Norman Mung Wong Pang, 65, of Wai‘anae was charged with disorderly conduct in 1972 following an argument with a hotel shopkeeper in Waikiki in which he became belligerent and tried to punch a hotel security guard and tried to attack police officers who had arrived on the scene. Pang, who was 27 when the incident occurred, said he had too much too drink that evening, pled guilty and was sentenced to pay a $65 fine, $25 of which was suspended on condition that he remain arrest- and conviction-free for six months. Pang said he was also arrested for driving while under the influence subsequent to this incident, but the charge was dismissed.

Pang recently has been accused by the Humane Society for lack of appropriate care for animals on his property following the death of his wife, whose nonprofit corporation took in and cared for stray animals and those in differing conditions. The Prosecutor’s Office declined prosecution.

Other than this recent matter involving the animals on his property for which prosecution was declined, Pang’s record has been clean since his arrest and conviction 38 years ago. Pang was pardoned with authority to bear firearms on May 17, 2010.

Deanne P. Rezentes
On August 3, 2006, Deanne Pualani Rezentes, 36, of Honolulu was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Rezentes was found to have a blood alcohol level of .093 percent. She was found guilty of a petty misdemeanor and ordered to pay a $200 fine and a $30 criminal injury compensation fee, had her driver’s license suspended for 90 days, and ordered to have 14 hours of assessment and treatment in the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program. Rezentes completed her sentence. She has no other criminal record. Rezentes was pardoned on June 28, 2010.

Lloyd M. Yamada
Lloyd Masao Yamada, 64, of Wahiawa, was convicted in July 1965 for sexual intercourse with a female under 16, and was sentenced to six months confinement on weekends and five years probation. While the girl initially reported that the sexual contact was not consensual, she changed her story and admitted to medical professionals and the police that the intercourse was consensual. Yamada was 19 at the time of the incident and he and the victim, his 15-year-old neighbor, were then in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. Yamada’s criminal record also includes an arrest and conviction for burglary in the first degree in September 1965; an arrest for reckless driving in 1980 and a conviction for reckless driving in 1984. He has led an arrest-free life ever since. Yamada was pardoned on June 30, 2010.

Governor Lingle has pardoned a total of 88 individuals since taking office.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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NEWS FLASH - July 3, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST

DOT Hosting Neighbor Island Conferences for Small Business Bidders

HONOLULU - The state Department of Transportation (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program invites small business owners to One-on-One Match-Making Workshops to meet with general contractors and procurement officials for the purpose of fostering partnerships and creating opportunities to work on DOT projects.

The purpose of the workshops is to match up small businesses with larger general contractors that bid on DOT federal-aid projects. Brief 15-minute meetings will provide small businesses an opportunity to market themselves and their services to the contractors.

“Small businesses are the life-blood of our local economy and we want to provide every opportunity for them to participate in DOT projects at our airports, harbors and on our highways,” said Brennon Morioka, DOT Director. “These workshops will help small businesses to make important networking connections with our state’s largest general contractors.”

The workshop on MAUI has been scheduled as follows:
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
70 Kaahumanu Ave.
Maui Business Resource Center (Unit B-9)
Kahului, 96732

The workshop on KAUAI has been scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
1720 Haleukana St.
Kauai District Office
Lihue, 96766

The workshops on HAWAII have been scheduled as follows:
HILO
Friday, July 9, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1990 Kinoole St.
Hilo, 96720

KONA
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kealakehe Intermediate School
74-5062 Onipaa St.
Kailua-Kona, 96740

Registration forms are available on the DOT website at Hawaii.gov/dot/notices. Please e-mail the online registration form at least five days in advance of the event to don.fukuhara@hawaii.gov or fax it to 808-587-2025. For more information, please contact Don Fukuhara at 808-587-6333. Registration is required to participate in the
networking session. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Special accommodations are available upon request. For more information, please contact Benjamin Gorospe at 808-587-7584 (587-2210 TTY) or via e-mail at benjamin.gorospe@hawaii.gov with your request at least ten days prior to the event.

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

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NEWS FLASH - July 2, 2010 10:20 p.m. HST

House Not Calling for Special Session to Override Vetoes

Honolulu, Hawaii. Speaker Calvin Say today announced that he would not call the House of Representatives into special session on July 6, 2010 to override Governor Linda Lingle's vetoes. The state constitution authorizes the Legislature to convene a special session by noon 45 days following the end of regular session – the final day that the Governor has to veto any previously passed bills.

Speaker Say, in concurrence with members of House Leadership, cited four considerations for deciding why the bills on the governor’s veto list did not warrant an override, including:

• The bill does not appear to have the requisite two-thirds vote in both chambers necessary to override a veto;

• The bill does not rise to a sufficient level of statewide concern to warrant the extraordinary action of a legislative override;

• The Governor's preliminary objections to the bill have sufficient merit deserving of further evaluation;

• Although the bill was intended to enhance state revenue to balance the budget when passed during the session, it is now no longer necessary because of the Council on Revenue's improved revenue projection.

"It's my personal belief that simply because we have the legislative super-majority to override is not justification for us to do so. Partisan politics should not be a consideration or basis for any policy decision. The House should be proud of the work accomplished during the regular session – including balancing the state's budget without increasing the general excise tax, without increasing income taxes on low- and moderate-income families, and without scooping the counties’ hotel tax share," said Speaker Calvin Say.

On June 21, 2010 the Governor released to the Legislature her list of 39 bills that were intended for veto. The list included bills on public safety, civil union, homelessness, education and more.

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

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NEWS FLASH - July 2, 2010 11:50 a.m. HST

Saint Anthony's Names New Principal

WAILUKU - Following the retirement of the Rev. Jim Orsini, St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School has promoted Patricia Rickard to serve as principal for school year 2010-11.

Rickard had been the school's academic dean.

Orsini's retirement was announced in May during graduation ceremonies. He has agreed to stay on as principal emeritus and assist with fundraising for the campus.

Rickard began her career at St. Anthony in 1989 and has served as vice principal/academic dean for the last 10 years. Prior to that, she taught for 20 years at St. Anthony Kailua on Oahu and St. Joseph's in Hilo.

St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School, the only Catholic high school on Maui, is governed by the Diocese of Honolulu and sponsored by the United States Province of the Society of Mary (the Marianists). The school was recently notified that it was granted "Triple Crown Accreditation" by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and the Western Catholic Educational Association.

Applications for the next school year are still being accepted. For more information, contact Admissions Director Melony Nesmith at 244-4190, ext. 232, or send e-mail to mnesmith@sasmaui.org.

The school's website is at www.sasmaui.org.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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NEWS FLASH - July 2, 2010 10:30 a.m. HST

Governor Releases $3M for State Hospital Improvements

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $3,705,355 to the Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation for repairs and improvements to public hospitals statewide.

“We have a responsibility to ensure our public hospitals are well maintained for the safety and comfort of patients, hospital staff and visitors,” said Governor Lingle. “These funds will finance needed repairs and improvements to our public hospitals.”

The funds released include:

• Maui Memorial Medical Center – $670,000 to finance the design, construction and equipment to construct an emergency generator building. The project is scheduled to be completed in July 2011.
• Maui Memorial Medical Center – $425,000 for the construction and equipment to replace the laundry exhaust system. The project is expected to be completed in December 2010.
• Maui Memorial Medical Center – $149,849 to finance construction of a heliport. The project expected to be completed in November 2010.
• Lana‘i Community Hospital – $654,100 to complete the conversion of the existing emergency room space into a new lab area, renovate the x-ray room and convert the existing lab space to a waiting area and accessible restrooms. The project is scheduled to be completed in June 2010.
• Kona Community Hospital – $790,000 to upgrade the fire alarm system. Work is expected to be completed in January 2011.
• Hilo Medical Center – $345,254 for construction and equipment costs to replace a chiller. The replacement is expected to be completed in May 2011.
• Hilo Medical Center – $91,000 for the design, construction and equipment for renovations to the helipad. The project is scheduled to be completed in July 2011.
• Ka‘u Hospital – $60,000 to finance the demolition of the incinerator and enclosure. The project is expected to be completed by December 2010.
• Leahi Hospital – $240,000 for design and construction for the repair and repainting of the exterior of the buildings, including repairing concrete spalling. Work is scheduled to be completed in December 2010.
• Leahi Hospital – $60,000 to install a venting system for the elevator shaft. The project is expected to be completed in December 2010.
• Leahi Hospital – $60,000 to construct an accessible wheelchair ramp in the parking lot. Construction is expected to be completed in December 2010.
• Leahi Hospital – $10,303 to repair wall surfaces in the patient corridors.
• Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital – $149,849 for electrical upgrades. Work is expected to be completed in November 2010.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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NEWS FLASH - July 2, 2010 10:10 a.m. HST

Maui Police Define Rules on Cell Phone Ban

The Maui Police Department announces today that on July 6, 2010 Mayor Tavares is to sign into law Bill no. 40; which is called the Mobile Electronic Device ordinance under section 10.52.260 of the Maui County Ordinances.

The Maui Police Department would like the general public to know that this bill prohibits the use of an electronic hand held devices, which is described as being “capable of providing wireless or data communication between two or more persons or of providing amusement, including a cellular phone, text messaging device, paging device, personal digital assistance device, laptop computer, video game, or digital photographic device, ……”.

The general public will be able to utilize “hands free” devices or what is called “blue tooth” devices to receive telephone calls while operating their vehicles, except that anyone holding a provisional license under 286-102.6 HRS or instructional permit under 286-110 HRS will not be able to use these devises while operating a motor vehicle on the roadway.

Police officers throughout the County of Maui will stop and issue citations as appropriate, should the need arise for violations of this new ordinance.

Any one interested in seeing the text of the new ordinance can download it from the County of Maui website (http://www.co.maui.hi.us/). Or contact the Maui Police Department’s Community Relations Section (244-6380) or Traffic Section (270-6537) regarding any questions pertaining to this new ordinance.

(Report Provded by The Maui County Police Department)

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NEWS FLASH - July 2, 2010 8:05 a.m. HST

State Received $601,873 Grant for 'Dislocated' Workers

Honolulu – The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) announced today that the State has been awarded $601,873 of National Emergency Grant (NEG) funds to provide on-the-job training and other employment-related services to dislocated workers.

The department’s Workforce Development Division applied for the NEG funds which were made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis informed Governor Linda Lingle last week that the State’s application for NEG funds had been approved.

The NEG represents the ninth ARRA grant, and sixth NEG grant the DLIR has been awarded over the past eight years, bringing the NEG total amount to $5,376,742.

“We look forward to providing greater training and assistance to Hawai’i’s dislocated workers,” said DLIR Acting Director Dr. Pearl Imada Iboshi. “These funds will help us get our local residents back to work,” Dr. Iboshi added.

In anticipation of the increase in competitive grants under ARRA, the DLIR formed a grant writing team in early 2009. The grant writing team is comprised of DLIR staff from the Workforce Development Division, Workforce Development Council, and the Research and Statistics Office.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations)

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NEWS FLASH - July 2, 2010 7:25 a.m. HST

Accused Maui Spy Begins Defense

Testimony from the man accused of selling U.S. defense secrets to China offered a brief glimpse into his defense strategy yesterday.

Maui resident Noshir Gowadia left the witness stand early, however, when he said he felt disoriented, citing a lifelong blood ailment. He is expected to testify again today.

Gowadia argued that he did not release top-secret information, but was merely offering his past expertise, his "intellectual property."

"I cannot give the B-2 designs to anyone," Gowadia said. "But the basic know-how belongs to me. The product belongs to the government."

And data he showed to foreigners was phony, designed to make himself more marketable, he said.

Gowadia, 66, is accused of helping the Chinese develop a cruise missile capable of evading heat-seeking, air-to-air missiles. He is also facing charges that he sent classified information to the Swiss government and businesses in Israel and Germany. Other charges include money laundering and tax evasion.

Much of yesterday morning was spent on explaining Gowadia's background and expertise, including his 18-year career with defense contractor Northrop Corp., now Northrop Grumman, where he helped develop the B-2 stealth bomber's unique propulsion system. Gowadia's attorney, David Klein, was the only one who asked questions yesterday.

Gowadia talked about how a 1992 defense program was expanded without his involvement. He was initially contracted by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, to find ways to reduce the visibility of water vapor trails left by jet engines.

"I was upset because this was going to be $2 million in income for me," he said.

After being rejected for the program, Gowadia went to an air show in Singapore to seek work elsewhere.

Klein went through several documents taken from Gowadia's home, asking about his communication with other nations. Klein highlighted an October 2002 letter to the Swiss Ministry of Defense proposing an advanced infrared suppresser system for transport helicopters.

In the letter, Gowadia said he created the B-2 bomber and offered statistics on the bomber's performance. Those numbers, redacted for public viewing yesterday, were bogus, Gowadia said.

"These are just marketing statements to sell our capability," he said. Klein has argued that Gowadia did not offer classified military data to other nations.

"Any statistics on the capabilities, only the military would have," Gowadia said. "We never measured anything on the B-2."

Throughout yesterday morning Gowadia had several coughing fits. Shortly after noon he asked U.S. District Judge Susan Mollway for a recess, saying that he was feeling disoriented.

Defense attorneys said Gowadia suffers from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD, a hereditary disease that weakens the red blood cells. Gowadia said in prior court dates, lunch breaks that lasted longer than an hour gave him some time to sleep.

Because of the court schedule, the lunch break was replaced yesterday with several 20-minute breaks. Klein said this tired out his client.

Mollway agreed to rework the schedule to allow for longer breaks as long as Gowadia is able to continue his testimony.

Gowadia began his testimony Wednesday afternoon, saying that he came up with the conceptual design for the B-2 in 1981 after his employer, defense contractor Northrop Corp., obtained the contract for the project.

Holding up a model of the aircraft in front of the jury, he said he was asked to design the B-2's propulsion system, from the leading edge of the aircraft to the trailing edge.

"This entire geometry came from me," he said.

Gowadia said the government originally awarded the contract to Lockheed, but the company had trouble with the propulsion system. He said the B-2 was the second-most secret project in U.S. history after the atomic bomb.

While working on the B-2, Gowadia said he had a code name, Blueberry Milkshake, so outsiders would not be able to link him and Northrop to the project.

He said the objective of the project was to end the Cold War with the Soviet Union. He said the government purposely leaked details about the B-2 to the Soviets to convince them that they had no defense for it.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - July 2, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST

Akaka Advised to Act Quickly If He Wants Bill Passed This Year

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has been advised he must act quickly on a native Hawaiian federal recognition bill or lose the chance to bring it to a vote before the November elections change the political composition of the Senate.

Akaka, the bill's main sponsor, also has been told privately by allies that he should consider amendments to win back the support of Gov. Linda Lingle and help attract moderate Senate Republicans. But sources familiar with the negotiations question whether the Republican governor could deliver any additional GOP votes.

The bill, pending in Congress for the past decade, would grant native Hawaiians sovereign authority similar to American Indians and Alaska natives and establish a process for Hawaiians to form their own government. Akaka needs 60 votes in the Senate to break procedural roadblocks from conservative Senate Republicans who oppose the bill as race-based discrimination.

Lingle, who has supported previous versions of the bill, opposes the current version because it would give Hawaiians sovereign authority prior to, instead of after, negotiations with the federal and state governments on land use and cultural issues. Akaka agreed to the current version after consultation with the Obama administration, which wants to treat Hawaiians similarly to American Indians and Alaska natives from the start.

U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd's death and an unexpectedly competitive Senate primary in Alaska have also created new challenges for Akaka.

Akaka, D-Hawaii, had been counting on all Democrats and two independents who typically vote with Democrats to get to 59 votes. He lost a vote when Byrd, a Democrat from West Virginia, died on Monday. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, will appoint Byrd's replacement but has said he will likely not make a decision until at least next week.

Akaka is also relying on a Republican, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who has carried on the traditional alliance between Hawaii and Alaska on home-state issues. But Murkowski is facing an Aug. 24 primary against Joe Miller, a conservative Fairbanks lawyer who has been endorsed by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and the Tea Party Express.

While native Hawaiian recognition has not come up in the primary, Miller has criticized Murkowski as a moderate who too often votes with Democrats.

"I am confident that the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act will pass and be signed into law," Akaka said in a statement yesterday. "The Senate has many bills pending, but I am working to bring the bill to the floor when time is available. I look forward to the opportunity to have an up-or-down vote on the bill. It is time for the United States to finally extend federal recognition to native Hawaiians similar to the more than 500 other indigenous groups already recognized by the United States."

Akaka would like commitments from more than 60 senators as insurance against any absences on the Senate floor. Possible allies include two moderate Republicans—U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine—and other Republicans who might agree to help break procedural roadblocks even though they might vote against the bill.

But Akaka might have difficulty as long as Lingle remains opposed. The senator also has to contend with the Senate's calendar. The Senate will be in recess for much of August and has a full plate of spending bills and other matters in September. The Senate is likely to break in October as many senators return home to campaign in the November elections. Majority Democrats could lose seats in the Senate after the elections, which would make it even harder for Akaka to advance the bill.

Jennifer Goto Sabas, the chief of staff in Honolulu to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, said Akaka's staff has been told that waiting until September could be too late. The best chance, she said, is to try to bring the bill to the Senate floor this month.

Two attorneys close to Inouye, Akaka and the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs have discussed potential amendments with state Attorney General Mark Bennett in the hopes Lingle will again support the bill. The draft language has been provided to Akaka's staff.

"What we expressed was that if the language that we discussed were put in the bill, then we would continue to support native Hawaiian sovereignty and the bill," Bennett said.

But sources familiar with the discussions said Lingle's previous support was not enough to overcome Senate Republican and Bush administration opposition. If the Senate adopts an amended version, the bill would also have to be reconciled with the version that passed the House in February.

Several conservative Senate Republicans who oppose the bill wrote a June 14 letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., warning that it "poses an exceptionally dangerous threat to our nation's core values." The letter also noted Lingle's opposition.

"Presumptive color-blindness and race-neutrality is now at the core of our legal system and cultural environment, and represents one of the most important American achievements of the 20th century," the Republicans wrote. "It would be remarkable if Congress cheapened this achievement by enacting explicitly race-based legislation that would undoubtedly pit native Hawaiians against other Hawaiian residents."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - July 1, 2010 3:15 p.m. HST

Lingle Vetoes Two Tax Bills

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today vetoed two tax bills. One would have undermined the State’s efforts to expand the economy and create new jobs, while the other would discourage charitable contributions.

The Governor vetoed SB 2001, a bill that would have retroactively eliminated previously promised investment tax credits that incentivize firms to create new technology-based jobs that help diversify Hawai‘i’s economy. The bill would have forced the State to pick winners and losers by extending support to specific kinds of companies in the technology sector at the expense of other types of technology companies.

“The bill sends the wrong signal to entrepreneurs, business managers and investors that Hawai‘i State officials cannot be trusted to maintain promised investment incentives,” Governor Lingle stated. “It would prove Hawai‘i’s word is no good and that we are willing to change the rules in the middle of the game when it suits us. This would raise doubts in the future as to whether Hawai‘i is serious and reliable in its quest to diversify its economy and attract both new talent and new investments into the state.”

SB 2001 would have repealed the High Technology Business Investment tax credit and the Technology Infrastructure Renovation tax credit retroactively to May 1, 2010, six months earlier than the December 21, 2010 deadline stated in the current law.

Numerous individuals involved in innovative enterprises have spoken out about the adverse impacts this bill is having on their ability to raise money and add employees.

“I am vetoing this bill to send the message that Hawai‘i remains open for business and that we will live up to our commitments and keep the promises we have made,” the Governor added.

The bill also would have extended the Tax Credit for Research Activities by one year, from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011. Although extension of research and development tax credits is a beneficial feature of this bill, its value does not outweigh the long-term negative economic impact Hawai‘i would suffer as a result of reneging on our previous promises.

On June 9, Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., as acting Governor, vetoed another technology-related bill that would have suspended the Act 221 high tech investment and infrastructure renovation tax credits for three years. SB 2401 also would have damaged Hawai‘i’s reputation as a reliable place to do business and discouraged investments.

Governor Lingle also vetoed HB 1907, a measure that would result in tax increases totaling more than $140 million over the next five years. The bill would have capped itemized deductions for higher income individuals including deductions for medical expenses, mortgage interest and charitable contributions.

The non-profit community expressed concerns that this measure would discourage donations and contributions from individuals and small businesses since they would no longer be able to deduct these contributions on their State income tax returns. Many social service organizations and other charitable groups depend heavily on individual donations to support their humanitarian efforts.

“Our community is still feeling the impacts of the recession and this is the time when we want to encourage donations to charitable organizations, not enact laws that hinder them,” said Governor Lingle.

The bill would also place obstacles in the way of businesses that want to purchase equipment and machinery to expand or improve their operations by changing the basis for the general excise tax refund on these purchases and delaying the ability of firms to obtain the credit until 2015.

“This tax increase will adversely hurt the State at the very time that we should be encouraging investment and spending to recharge our economy,” Governor Lingle stated. “This bill discourages charitable giving, especially hurts homeowners, and discourages investments that result in job growth.”

Eleven Senators voted against SB 2001 and nine Senators voted against HB 1907, sufficient to sustain the Governor’s veto.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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NEWS FLASH - July 1, 2010 1:55 p.m. HST

Hirono Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits for 6,000 in Hawai'i

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today voted in support of legislation that will provide a critical extension on expanded unemployment benefits to laid-off workers through the end of November. The original legislation expired on May 31, 2010. As a result, an estimated 6,000 laid-off workers in Hawaii will lose their unemployment benefits by July 3. The Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act, H.R. 5618, will restore those benefits retroactive to June 2, 2010. The U.S. House passed the bill by a vote of 270 yeas to 153 nays and awaits Senate action.

“We need to provide Hawaii’s laid-off workers with financial help now,” said Congresswoman Hirono. “This week, I got a phone call from a Hilo man who works in construction, but who can’t find a job. He has owned his home for more than a decade and never missed a payment. But, he sees what’s around the corner if he doesn’t receive help. We’re not going to turn our backs on these hard-working people.”

This bill extends, through November 30, 2010, eligibility for unemployment insurance for laid-off workers. A projected 1.7 million Americans are in the process of losing their unemployment benefits with the lapse of the original law.
The extension of unemployment benefits had been included in an earlier jobs bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 28, 2010. The Senate was unable to get the 60 votes needed to bring that bill to a vote.
“I hope the Senate will be able to muster the necessary votes this time to help people who want to work but cannot find jobs during this difficult period,” said Hirono.

(Report Provided by the Office of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono)

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NEWS FLASH - July 1, 2010 1:35 p.m. HST

Kaho'ohalahala's Council Seat in Jeopardy in Lawsuit

WAILUKU - A lawsuit seeking to remove Maui County Councilman Sol Kahoohalahala from office is scheduled to go to trial next month.

The suit filed by 17 Lanai residents contends that Kahoohalahala can't represent Lanai on the county council because he lives in Lahaina.

Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza said yesterday both sides deserved to go to trial so that all the facts could be presented and weighed. A trial has been scheduled for the week of Aug. 9.

Cardoza rejected a motion by the Lanai residents seeking summary judgment, or an immediate action to remove Kahoohalahala from his seat.

The group says Kahoohalahala doesn't meet the County Charter requirement that he be a resident of the district he represents on the council.

(Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - July 1, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST

Maui Man Named Nation's Poet Laureate

WASHINGTON (AP) — A writer who stopped using punctuation in the 1960s and spent much of the last 30 years secluded in Hawaii will become the nation's next chief poet.

The Library of Congress is announcing Thursday that William S. Merwin will become the 17th U.S. poet laureate this fall. He succeeds Kay Ryan, who has held the post since 2008.

The 82-year-old Merwin is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. He won in 2009 for "The Shadow of Sirius" and in 1971. He studied poetry at Princeton University and has written more than 30 books.

The one-year appointment as poet laureate is meant to raise national appreciation of poetry. It comes with a $35,000 stipend and a $5,000 travel allowance.

Most of the work will be conducted from Merwin's home on Maui.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - June 30, 2010 6:40 p.m. HST

New Law Cites Contractors Who Hire Illegals

Honolulu, Hawaii. Governor Lingle today signed into law HB2897 which expands licensing violations to all contractors who hire illegal workers. The measure, now Act 185, subjects a contractor to the revocation, suspension, or nonrenewal of its license for knowingly or intentionally employing a person on any project or operation who is not eligible to work in the United States under federal law.

A previous law, Act 145, Session Laws of Hawaii of 2009, subjected only contractors working on public work construction projects affiliated with a government agency to licensing penalties for hiring employees ineligible to work in the United States.

“The new law provides a fair and level playing field for contractors hiring legally-employable workers,” said Vice Speaker Michael Magaoay, a co-introducer of the bill. “When dishonest contractors exploit illegal labor for their personal gain, they are hurting our local construction workers.” Magaoay represents House District 46 - Kaena Point, Schofield, Mokuleia, Waialua, Haleiwa, Waimea, Pupukea, Sunset, Kahuku, Kunia Camp, Poamoho, Wheeler, and Laie.

“I’m pleased the governor decided to sign this important bill,” said Rep. Henry Aquino, a member of the House Labor and Public Employment Committee and co-introducer of the bill. “It makes unscrupulous contractors accountable for their actions and ensures our local workers have job opportunities, especially during a weak economy.” Aquino represents House District 35 - Pearl City, and Waipahu.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Legislative Branch)

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NEWS FLASH - June 30, 2010 5 p.m. HST

Rate Increases for Water and Sewer Take Effect Tomorrow

The Department of Water Supply (DWS) would like to remind its customers that water rates will increase by an average of 7.0% effective July 1, 2010. At the same time, sewer rates charged by the Department of Environmental Management will be increasing by an average of 5% for all customer classes and is necessary to keep the wastewater utility self-supporting (no subsidy by the County’s General Fund). The maximum sewer charge for a single family dwelling will increase by $2.53 every month. Both utilities are mandated by the county charter to be self-supporting.

The rate increase for water should generate approximately $3.1 million in additional revenues for the DWS, which will be used to offset increases in electrical expenses, debt service, and operations and maintenance expenditures. In addition, the balance of additional revenues will be used to fund capital replacement projects. The County Council approved the rates during the fiscal year 2011 budget approval period.

Water rates for the lowest usage category and for agriculture/non-potable only went up by $0.05 per thousand gallons.
This should continue to help our lifeline customers who use less water, and the farming community. The rates for higher usage went up by $0.10 and $0.20, and this is in line with the conservation goals of the Department.

For more information on water rates, please contact DWS Customer Service at 270-7730. For sewer rates, please call the Department of Environmental Management at 270-7420.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Department of Water Supply)

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NEWS FLASH - June 30, 2010 4:40 p.m. HST

President Oders Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Late Senator Byrd

Please be advised that President Barack Obama today issued a proclamation ordering the United States flag to fly at half-staff in honor of the late U.S. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia from today until the day of the Senator’s interment, except for Independence Day, July 4.

Senator Byrd is scheduled to be buried on July 6, and the President’s proclamation said the U.S. flag should fly at half-staff until sunset on that day. The President’s proclamation also calls for the U.S. flag to fly at full-staff on July 4.

In accordance with flag protocol, the Hawai‘i state flag also should be flown at half-staff until sunset on July 6, except for July 4.

The President's proclamation follows:

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2010

Presidential Proclamation--Passing of Robert Byrd:

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Senator Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of the Senate, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
I also direct, that in honor and tribute to this great patriot, that the flag of the United States shall be displayed at full-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and Naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions on Independence Day, July 4, 2010. I further direct that on that same date, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at full-staff at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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NEWS FLASH - June 30, 2010 2:30 p.m. HST

UH Maui College Has Summer Job Openings for Youth

University of Hawai`i Maui College is accepting applications from students for a Summer Youth Employment Program provided through the Hawaii National Guard for youth 14 to 23 qualified under a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant.

Jobs at UH Maui College will include groundskeeping, maintenance and clerical, as well as positions working directly with UHMC faculty and staff in educational programs providing for career exploration.

Acceptance is based on household income. For an individual from a family of four, household income cannot be more than $152,208 – 600 percent of the federal poverty level for gross annual income. More details are available on the UHMC website.

The Department of Defense Summer Jobs Program was created out of a $3.4 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act aimed at creating job opportunities for students and young adults. Employers must be governmental agencies or nonprofit agencies.

At UHMC, there will be an effort to provide employment that introduces a student to educational opportunities and potential career choices as part of the work. The Summer Youth Employment Program is overseen by Business Technology Professor David Grooms, who is a leader of the team for the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Applied Business and Information Technology.

For information on the jobs program at UHMC, go to the “latest news” section of the college home page, www.maui.hawaii.edu, or contact Professor Grooms at grooms@hawaii.edu or at 984-3348.

(Report Provided by the University of Hawai'i Maui College)

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NEWS FLASH - June 30, 2010 2 p.m. HST

County Offices to Close Monday for Independence Day Holiday

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii— All County of Maui offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, 2010 for the Independence Day holiday. The Olowalu Recycling and Refuse Center and County landfills in Hana, on Molokai and on Lanai will be closed; Central Maui Landfill will be open 7 a.m. – noon.

All County pools will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday due to budget constraints. Pools will be open on Saturday and Sunday.

The public is advised to call 270-8208 for daily recorded pool schedule information, which is updated by 9 a.m. seven days a week.

The Waiehu Golf Course will be open; trash collection will follow a normal schedule.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - June 30, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST

12 Percent of Homes in Hawai'i Sold Through Foreclosure

About one out of eight, or 12 percent, of homes sold in Hawaii in the first quarter were foreclosures, according to a new report.

Real estate research firm RealtyTrac said 424 homes statewide that sold in the first three months of the year were either sold by homeowners threatened by foreclosure, sold at auction to third parties or sold by mortgage lenders after they repossessed homes.

The count was nearly double the 219 foreclosure property sales in the first quarter of 2009.

Though sharply higher than a year ago, the share of foreclosure sales in Hawaii was relatively low when compared with other states in RealtyTrac's report. The report said Hawaii's 12 percent rate was fifth lowest among 41 states and the District of Columbia. RealtyTrac said it didn't have sufficient data for nine states.

The report showed that most Hawaii homes are being sold before lender repossession. Of the 424 sales, 245 were sold without lenders taking possession. Lenders sold 179 homes.

RealtyTrac said the average price for all Hawaii home foreclosure sales was $426,911, or 15 percent less than the average price for nonforeclosure home sales in Hawaii during the first quarter. Homes sold by lenders traded for an average $354,895, or 30 percent below the average for nonforeclosure sales, while the average for pre-repossession foreclosure sales was $480,210, or 5 percent less than the average for nonforeclosure sales.

However, it's hard to measure the true effect of foreclosures on property values because average sale prices are influenced by the mix of homes sold.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 8:20 p.m. HST

Maui County Cell Phone Ban Takes Effect Next Tuesday

WAILUKU - Mayor Charmaine Tavares will sign into law Bill 40 – pertaining to the use of mobile electronic devices while driving – on Tuesday, July 6, 2010.

Bill 40 was passed by the County Council on June 18 and specifies that the ordinance becomes law upon the approval signature of the Mayor.

Mayor Tavares will sign Bill 40 on July 6 in order to provide the public with as much time as possible to prepare and learn more about the new law.

“As our county’s population of drivers increase and technology finds its way into everyday activities, it’s become necessary to consider additional ways to help keep motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists safe,” said Mayor Tavares.

“The community we help to keep safe includes all of our families and friends so although the new law may inconvenience some drivers, it’s an important one. I encourage drivers to take steps now to prepare for this new law and learn more about it.”

The County Charter allows ten business days for Mayor Tavares to approve by signature, veto the Bill or allow it to become law without her signature. Bill 40 was transmitted to the Mayor on June 21 - making July 6, 2010 the 10th business day following receipt from the Council.

Read the text of the new law here.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 6:50 p.m. HST

County of Maui Changes to Take Effect in New Fiscal Year

WAILUKU - The public is reminded that the new fiscal year (FY 2011) begins July 1, 2010. Many changes to fees and services are included in the FY 2011 Budget, which was approved by the County Council in May. The changes that will take effect July 1, 2010 include bus fare changes, tax rate changes, increases in fees for services and programs across a wide variety of County agencies.

The list is extensive and can be printed for your convenience. Download and print the FY 2011 change schedules and rates here.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 3 p.m. HST

Mike White Throws Hat into Political Ring for Upcountry Seat

KAHULUI - Mike White today announced his candidacy for Maui County Council (Makawao, Haiku and Paia). A sixth-generation kamaaina, White represented the seventh district in the State House of Representatives from 1993 to 1998. In the Legislature, White served on the Tourism, Economic Development and Finance Committees.

White’s primary political goals are …

• Bring accountability back to the fiscal decision making for Maui County
• Protect the true character of Maui County while providing future employment opportunities for our children
• Promote responsible, effective policy decisions in government

The International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 142 supports White. Willie Kennison of the ILWU states “We have great respect for Mike who we have worked with for over 20 years, as both a state representative and as a general manager. We have found Mike to be very knowledgeable, compassionate, and willing to take the time to find real solutions.”

White has been the general manager of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel since 1985. He has led the visitor industry in preserving and supporting the Hawaiian culture for over 25 years in that position, implementing “Project Pookela,” an educational program designed to enhance employees’ understanding of the Hawaiian culture and values, which they apply at work, at home and in the community. The Pookela process has resulted in Kaanapali Beach Hotel being recognized as Hawaii’s “Most Hawaiian Hotel.”

White received his degree from the University of Hawaii School of Travel Industry Management. He has held various managerial positions at the Hawaiian Regent (1971-73), Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (1973-1982) and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel (1982-85). During his professional career he has served as chairman or member of more than 30 professional and community organizations. Under White’s leadership, Kaanapali Beach Hotel has been honored with numerous state and national awards and recognitions for focus on the Hawaiian culture, community service and creating a model for sustainability in the visitor industry.

White resides in Makawao with wife Whitney and has five grown children.

(Report Provided By Gilbert and Associates)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 12:50 p.m. HST

Maui County Announces Additional Pool Closure Days Due to Budget Impacts

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced today that beginning July 1, 2010, all County swimming pools will close one day per week in efforts to meet a loss in funding and personnel for Fiscal Year 2011, which runs July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.

Additionally, except for pre-scheduled County pool programs, Kahului Pool (Old Salvation Army) and Old Wailuku Pool will be closed daily.

The weekly pool closures, along with the previously announced closures on all County-observe holidays, are being implemented to uphold public safety while generating cost savings through janitorial services, repairs and maintenance at pool facilities.

County pools will close one day per week as follows, except during weeks containing a holiday, when they will close on the holiday instead.

CENTRAL MAUI
Sakamoto Pool: Monday
New Wailuku Pool: Thursday
Kokua Pool: Tuesday

UPCOUNTRY
Upcountry Pool Complex: Tuesday

KIHEI
Kihei Aquatic Center: Wednesday

LAHAINA
Lahaina Aquatic Center: Thursday

The public is advised to call the Maui County Pools information line at 270-8208; the recorded message is updated by 9 a.m. daily.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 12:10 p.m. HST

Mandatory County Fair Committee Meeting Set for July 7

WAILUKU - A mandatory meeting for all current committee chairpersons is scheduled for Wednesday July 7, 2010, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in the Alexa Higashi Meeting Room. Refreshments/finger food at 5 pm will be followed by a 5:30 pm meeting. Please RSVP your attendance to Managing Director Sherri Grimes at 280-6889 or Sherri@MauiCountyFair.com and pass along this message to other chairpersons who may not have been previously notified by e-mail.

Come primped and prompt as we'll have our individual photos taken by Nagamine Photography.

The 88th Maui County Fair will be "Celebrating Community" and held Thursday, September 30 through Sunday, October 3. The highly anticipated annual event brings the entire community together to enjoy an alcohol-free, smoke-free and drug-free family-oriented educational event with plenty of entertainment, delicious local food, and fun! This year especially, it provides the people of Maui with a well-deserved break from the current economic times and priceless quality time for family and friends. The Maui County Fair is the primary source of funding for many of Maui's nonprofit and community organizations. It relies entirely on corporate or local business sponsorships, local donations, and volunteers for support.

For information about the Maui County Fair contact Managing Director Sherri Grimes at 280-6889 or visit mauicountyfair.com or twitter.com/mauicountyfair on the web.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Fair)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 9:20 a.m. HST

3.6 Magnitude Quake Rumbles Under Big Island

A 3.6 magnitude earthquake today in a remote area of the Big Island did not result in any damages

Ed Teixeira, vice director of State Civili Defense, said the earthquake occurred at 8:55 am in Volcano National Park approximately eight miles South of Volcano Village at a depth of 21.4 miles. No damage has been reported at this time.

Teixeira described the quake as "pretty small." It occurred along the Chain of Craters road area which winds along east rift slope of Kilauea volcano and coastal area of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

(Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 7:20 a.m. HST

OHA Offers Community Grant Opportunities for 2011

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Community Grants program commences on July 1, 2010 for the 2011 fiscal year. “In the midst of tough economic times, OHA is pleased that it is still able to continue to financially support the community through its grants program. OHA’s 2010-2016 Strategic Plan will help us focus our efforts to get the maximum impact from the monies we expend in our quest to serve Native Hawaiians,” expressed OHA’s Chief Executive Officer Clyde Nämu‘o.

For the past decade, OHA has provided the community with millions of dollars through its various grant programs. These programs have been a part of OHA’s unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of Native Hawaiians.

“We look forward to another year of supporting community organizations statewide that are committed to making a difference in the lives of Native Hawaiians,” said OHA Chairperson S. Haunani Apoliona. “Collaborations and partnerships with the various non-profit service providers throughout the state are vital to our mission of building a thriving Hawaiian community.”

Programs that will address immediate community needs and lay foundations for long-term capacity building of organizations are encouraged to apply for funding. OHA’s 2010-2016 Strategic Plan will be the guide for applicants to develop activities, events, projects, and programs that are directly linked to strategic priorities and results.

Information and training sessions will be conducted statewide to assist applicants on how to apply for funding. For more information on workshops or to obtain an application, please visit www.oha.org or call 594-1961.

(Report Provided by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs)

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NEWS FLASH - June 29, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST

No Furlough School Days - But Lean Times Loom

Public school students will not see teacher furlough days in the coming school year, but they will feel the pinch of budget cuts in other ways, Board of Education members warned.

The board approved an operating budget yesterday for the 2010-11 school year that includes $1.25 billion from the state's general fund and the elimination of about 400 mostly vacant positions. The bulk of the positions - about 230 - are in special education.

Eliminating the positions will save the department about $15 million and could include some layoffs.

DOE officials could not say how many people would be laid off, however, because some could be shifted to other programs.

Eliminating the vacant positions saves money because the department has to budget for them, though they cannot fill them because of a hiring freeze.

Advocates and parents worry the positions will not be restored once the budget picture improves.

Marialena Kalamau, a parent of a special-needs child, urged the department yesterday to use caution in its cuts to special education and asked officials to find other ways to save money.

"I'm here on behalf of all families with children who have disabilities," she said at the special board meeting. The cuts are "detrimental to our children."

Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said the department is "trying to minimize the impact" of cuts to special-education programs.

The $15 million in cuts was originally going to be directed only at special-education programs, mostly by eliminating positions. Officials decided to spread the cuts to other departments, however - a move applauded by the board.

Still, board members said the cuts are the latest hit for a department scrambling to meet federal and state mandates in tough fiscal times. Some worried about what the cumulative effects of the cuts will be on schools, and urged the department to closely monitor student progress, especially in special-education classrooms.

"The budget cuts are getting so deep that there is a direct or indirect impact on schools," board member Breene Harimoto said yesterday at the meeting. "The fact of the matter is that everyone's hurting."

Board member Margaret Cox added, "None of us want to cut anywhere, but we're at the point where we don't have a choice."

The department says it has been hit with $141 million in general fund reductions to its operating budget for the upcoming school year.

In all, the department estimates its state funding has been slashed by about $503 million over the 2009-2011 biennium - through cuts, budget restrictions, a hiring freeze, reductions in nonlabor costs and other cost-saving measures.

The dire budget situation last school year was most notable for setting in motion 17 teacher furlough days, which left Hawaii public school students with the shortest school year in the nation and spurred widespread criticism, including from U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

The furloughs ended in May, thanks to a deal that included $57 million from the hurricane relief fund and a $10 million, interest-free line of credit from local banks.

Garrett Toguchi, board chairman, said he worries that all the cuts made in bad times will not be undone when things get better. "As you can see, people are starting to get used to the cuts," he said.

To help offset the hit to schools, legislators in the last session put an extra $22 million into the weighted student formula (even as big cuts were being made elsewhere to the department's budget).

Schools can use that money at their discretion, diverting it to their biggest needs, and officials hope it will help alleviate some of the pain from budget cuts.

"It means they have to prioritize," said state Sen. Norman Sakamoto, chairman of the education and housing committee.

James Brese, Department of Education chief financial officer, pointed out the budget cuts have largely been directed at administrative and complex-area offices, not at the school level.

The funding to complex area offices has declined 20 percent from 2007, while administrative-level funding declined 30 percent. Funding to schools makes up about 72 percent of the department's budget and has declined 3 percent from 2007.

But Brese said all the cuts, mainly to support staff and offices, will no doubt be felt at the school level. "We believe it will have an impact," he said. "We just don't know to what extent."

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - June 28, 2010 2:05 p.m. HST

DLNR Plans Public Meeting on 'Iao Park Fee Proposal

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public information meeting on Thursday July 1, 2010 on Maui to explain plans by the Division of State Parks to begin charging entry fees for non-residents and commercial tour vehicles going to ‘Iao Valley State Monument.

The meeting will occur from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Maui Waena Intermediate School, 795 ‘Onehe‘e Street, in Kahului.

“Funding for operation and maintenance of state recreational facilities such as parks, small boat harbors and forest trails has been drastically reduced in the current biennium budget. To ensure that these areas can be cared for and remain open, the Department is moving forward with its Recreational Renaissance plan, which will generate new revenues to offset the cost of managing them,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

“Through implementation of small entry or parking fees for non-resident visitors to high traffic parks, we can apply revenues to repairs and maintenance to help the park system become more self-sufficient,” Thielen said.

At the Maui meeting, State Parks staff will explain that DLNR is only charging out-of-state visitors and commercial tour companies, and how the fees will be structured. In April, the Parks division received a proposal for parking management of ‘Iao Valley State Monument on Maui. Staff is currently reviewing the proposal. Implementing fees for non-residents at ‘Iao Valley will begin once a revocable permit is finalized for a private sector parking company to manage the fee collection.

The State Office of Tourism Liaison will also coordinate a meeting with State Parks staff and the commercial ground transportation tour companies on Maui.

Background:
In fall 2009, the Hawai‘i Business Roundtable asked residents their opinion on specific measures to either raise taxes or reduce services at state facilities. The only proposal that residents favored is user-based. Charging entrance or parking fees to State Parks but exempting residents is the most popular option, favored by a majority of 58%.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources authorized the Division of State Parks to set either parking fees or entry fees (but not both at the same location) at specific state park locations across the state. The Parks division identified parks with high volume non-resident traffic to implement either parking or entry fees.

Currently, an entry fee is charged at Diamond Head State Monument and in March, a new parking fee for non-Hawaii residents began at Nu‘uanu Pali State Wayside.

Other parks identified for future implementation of a non-resident entry or parking fee include, Akaka Falls and Hapuna on Hawai‘i Island; Ha‘ena and Kokee/Waimea on Kaua‘i; and Makena on Maui. Prior to implementation of a non-resident fee collection process, the Division of State Parks will host a community meeting in each area with the public and the commercial tour industry.

For more information call the Division of State Parks at (808) 587-0300.

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

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