NEWS FLASH - BREAKING NEWS FROM MAUI COUNTY

---

---

Aloha! it's ~

---

	August 3 - September 4, 2010	July 7 - August 3, 2010
July 4 - 7, 2010	June 29 - July 4, 2010	June 22 - 29, 2010
May 31 - June 22, 2010	May 5 - 31, 2010	April 16 - May 5, 2010
March 30 - April 16, 2010	March 19 - 30, 2010	March 11 - 19, 2010
March 4 - 11, 2010	February 25 - March 4, 2010	February 9 - 25, 2010
February 1-8, 2010	January 2010	December, 2009 (partial)

July 7 - August 3, 2010
(Back to Today's Breaking News)

Critical Fire Danger Keeps Red Flag Flying

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the Red Flag Warning for LEEWARD SECTIONS of ALL ISLANDS, in effect until 6:00 P.M. this evening.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures will create rapid fire growth potential. A Red Flag Warning does not predict new fire starts.

2. EFFECTS: Favorable weather conditions for rapid fire growth in the Leeward areas will persist through this afternoon.

3. 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)

(Back to Top)

---

Very Different Races Ahead for Inouye, Djou

Facing only token opposition, U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye appears to have an easy ride to a ninth six-year term.

The 85-year-old Inouye last month was one of two Democrats to file candidacy papers for the seat he has held since 1963. The other is 39-year-old Andrew Woerner of the Big Island.

Also in the race are Republicans Cam Cavasso, 59, and John Roco, 44; Libertarian Lloyd Jeffrey Mallan, 66; and independent Jeff Jarrett.

Meanwhile, the leading candidates in Hawaii's 1st District congressional election have indirectly accused the other of catering to mainland interests.

In an e-mail, Republican U.S. Rep. Charles Djou lit into Democratic state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, without naming her, for being "feted in Washington, D.C., by the insider establishment."

For his part, Djou has raised more than $309,000 from political action committees—much of it from influential Washington-based interest groups and GOP members of Congress.

"It's pretty clear that after just a couple months, Djou's already gone Washington and forgotten about who he was elected to represent," Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman Andy Stone said in an e-mail.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 31, 2010 4:35 p.m. HST

(Back to Top)

NEWS FLASH - July 30, 2010 4 p.m. HST

(Back to Top)

 

NEWS FLASH - July 26, 2010 4:55 p.m. HST Police Capture Fugitive Near Kaupo
Shortly before 6 a.m. today, members of the Maui Police Department’s Special Response Team, arrested Robert J. CHIARIZIA for Murder in the Second Degree on the strength of a Grand Jury Indictment issued by the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit in Wailuku. CHIARIZIA was arrested without incident at a camp site in the remote area of Kaupo. CHIARIZIA had been eluding police over several months. The Grand Jury Indictment was the result of an incident which occurred in Kaupo on October 18, 2009, where an adult male, identified as Alan Vegas, was a victim of a gunshot wound. Vegas was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. CHIARIZIA was identified as the suspect in the case and had been eluding police until his capture at 5:49 a.m. today.	CAPTURED - Robert Chiarizia was captured by Maui Police this morning. He has with second degree murder in a shooting last October in Kaupo. (MPD Photo)
(Report Provided by Maui Police Department) (Back to Top)

NEWS FLASH - July 26, 2010 10:40 a.m. HST

Early Sunday Fire Guts Vacant Happy Valley Home

WAILUKU - An early Sunday morning fire gutted a home in Happy Valley, causing an estimated $30,000 in damage, fire officials said.

The house at 1835 Piihana Road had no contents and was unoccupied, fire officials said. No one was hurt in the blaze that fire crews responded to at 12:09 a.m.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation Sunday.

Fire officials said the small two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, which was about 70 years old, was valued at about $30,600, according to county records.

The Wailuku engine crew was first on the scene at 12:14 a.m. The fire was under control at 12:38 a.m. and extinguished at 3:17 a.m.

Two battalion chiefs and the Kahului engine and rescue and hazardous materials crews also responded to the fire.

A fire investigator and the police criminal investigation division also responded, fire officials said.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 26, 2010 10:10 a.m. HST

BankOh Profits Exceed Expectations

Bank of Hawaii Corp. is reporting its second-quarter profit jumped 50 percent.

That beat Wall Street expectations.

Gradual improvement in Hawaii's economy helped the bank trim its provision for credit losses.

Bank of Hawaii on Monday reported net income for the three months ended June 30 of $46.6 million, or 96 cents per share. That's up from a profit of $31 million, or 65 cents per share, in last year's first quarter.

Meanwhile, Bank of Hawaii announced its president and chief banking officer, Peter Ho, will be promoted to chairman, CEO and president.

The 45-year-old Ho will replace 62-year-old Allan Landon, who in April announced his plans to retire this year. Landon's retirement will become effective Wednesday.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 26, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST

Abercrombie Reiterates Support for Civil Unions

Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie is sending the message to gay activists that they could have to wait four years or longer for civil unions if he is not elected governor.

Abercrombie supports a civil unions bill vetoed by Gov. Linda Lingle that would have given same-sex and heterosexual couples the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as marriage under state law. Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, his opponent in the September primary, opposes civil unions. Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the leading Republican candidate, is also against civil unions.

"It's quite clear that the other two candidates have no intention of moving forward on civil unions legislation," Abercrombie said last week.

All three leading candidates for governor have minimized the potential impact of the civil unions debate on the elections, believing instead that issues such as economic recovery, education and sustainability will dominate for voters. But civil unions brought more people to the state Legislature this year than any other issue, including teacher furloughs, and are a priority for many politically active progressives and religious conservatives who are organizing for the elections.

Abercrombie has won the endorsements of the Democratic Party of Hawaii's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered caucus and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights group.

Jo-Ann Adams, chairwoman of the party's gay caucus, said she believes civil unions will be a significant political issue, particularly in the November general election. She said many gay activists will back Abercrombie in the primary and, if he were to lose to Hannemann, would shift focus in November to electing a veto-proof majority for civil unions in the state House and Senate.

"If Neil is elected, it's much easier for us because all we have to have is a majority, because he will sign," Adams said. "If not, then we really have to focus on getting overrides in both houses and, frankly, a change in leadership in the House. We'd have to have more ducks in a row.

"It's much easier if Neil gets elected. Plus, he'll set the tone. He'll set the no-nonsense tone that this is a civil rights issue."

Gay activists were disappointed that House leaders indefinitely postponed action on civil unions until the last day of session and then declined to come back for an override session after Lingle vetoed the bill this month. House leaders said they did not have the two-thirds' vote necessary for an override.

Francis Oda, chairman of the Hawaii Family Forum, which opposes civil unions, also thinks voters will make civil unions an important issue. "It will make a difference, I think," he said. "Many people participated in the entire process -- I'm talking about people on both sides of the issue -- and they are not going to all of sudden just not consider it significant at the polls.

"I think pretty much everyone, on all sides, will reflect this whole process at the polls."

Abercrombie said Hannemann and Aiona have wrongly linked civil unions to marriage. "It clearly is not. The legislation doesn't do that. Just because you say it does, doesn't make it so," he said. "And from a court perspective, from a legal perspective, it doesn't make it so."

Civil unions in Hawaii would not have been recognized under federal law and would not have had the same social, cultural or religious significance as marriage.

Abercrombie said the bill would have offered rights to both gay and heterosexual couples. Heterosexual women, in particular, he said, may be interested in civil unions to help avoid palimony issues involving financial and property assets.

"This is not a marriage issue, despite the best efforts of the other two candidates to characterize it that way," he said.

Hannemann and Aiona, like Lingle, have described civil unions as written in the bill as equivalent to marriage under state law. Hannemann and Aiona have said they would consider providing gay couples additional benefits through the state's reciprocal beneficiaries law. They also support the state Legislature putting the question before voters in a constitutional amendment.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddpledge@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 25, 2010 6:10 p.m. HST

Waiehu Man Charged With Attempted Murder

On July 24, 2010, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Maui police officers responded to the 800 block of Olena Street in Waiehu regarding multiple reports of “shots being fired”. While en route to the area, information was received that a vehicle, described as a silver colored “Honda”, was seen fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. Responding police units observed the vehicle and, subsequently a vehicle pursuit ensued.

While the vehicle pursuit was on-going, other police officers were directed to a residence on Aukai Street in Waiehu, where it was reported that a victim of a gunshot wound was located. Upon arrival, police identified a 30 year-old Polynesian male with a single gunshot wound to his left thigh. The victim was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center’s Emergency Room for treatment. The victim was eventually admitted to the hospital in good condition.

The vehicle pursuit concluded at approximately 12:30 a.m., when the silver “Honda” was eventually stopped on Kahekili Highway, near Kahakuloa Village. The operator of the vehicle, a 21 year-old local male from Waiehu, was subsequently arrested for Attempted Murder in the First Degree and transported to the Wailuku Police Station.

According to witnesses, a confrontation on Olena Street involving several people preceded the report of shots being fired.

The incident remains under investigation.

(Report Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 25, 2010 10:15 a.m. HST

10 of 11 Mayoral Candidates to Take Part in Live, Televised Debate

WAILUKU - Voters will get a chance to check out 10 of the county's candidates for mayor at a special forum to be broadcast Thursday on Akaku: Maui Community Television.

The two-hour forum will show live beginning at 7 p.m. on all three of Akaku's stations, cable Channels 52, 53 and 54. The Kula Community Association, Akaku and The Maui News are co-sponsoring the event.

Ten of the 11 candidates for mayor have accepted invitations to speak and answer questions at the forum, which will include opportunities for the candidates to reply and debate one another.

Kula Community Association Vice President Doreen Pua Gomes, The Maui News staff writer Ilima Loomis and retired Maui Community College professor Dick Mayer will be the moderators, and there will be an opportunity for audience members to submit questions.

While the forum will be filmed inside a closed studio, the public can watch the debate on screens that will be set up outside Akaku's offices at 333 Dairy Road.

The candidates appearing at the forum will be Mayor Charmaine Tavares, former Mayor Alan Arakawa, Maui County Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala, former Planning Director Chris Hart, former Land Use Commissioner Randy Piltz, former Maui police officer Marc Hodges, as well as Ori Kopelman, Peter Milbourn, Harold "Hap" Miller and Jonathon Olson. Sally Chow Hammond will be unable to attend because of commitments on Molokai.

KCA President Gina Flammer said the event would be a good opportunity to see what the candidates stand for.

"There will be candidates who criticize the way things have been done, while others will try to make suggestions on how to improve county government," she said. "It certainly will not be dull television."

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 25, 2010 9:10 a.m. HST

Tonga, Samoa Jolted by Quake - No Tsunami

CANBERRA, Australia — The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6 has struck the South Pacific off the coasts of Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa.

There have been no reports of damage and no tsunami was triggered.

The quake struck Sunday afternoon and was centered at sea 147 miles (237 kilometers) southwest of Apia in Samoa and 252 miles (405 kilometers) north of Neiafu in Tonga. It was at a depth of 25 miles (41 kilometers).

Residents of Apia and Neiafu told The Associated Press that they didn't notice it.

A magnitude 8 earthquake close to Samoa on Sept. 29 killed 34 people in American Samoa, 183 in Samoa and nine in Tonga, when tsunami waves up to 46 feet (14 meters) high crashed ashore.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 25, 2010 7:05 a.m. HST

Hokule'a On Statewide Voyage to Honor Piailug

Hokule'a came to life yesterday as crew members lashed ropes, stowed food away and raised the sail before setting off on a voyage around the state in honor of the late master navigator Mau Piailug.

Under a noon sun, the crew of 18 departed from Sand Island, launching the first interisland voyage by Hokule'a since Piailug died July 12. It is a training run for an eight-year, worldwide voyage beginning next year.

Crew members said the training voyage is a way to honor Piailug, who taught Micronesian seafaring to outsiders in the hopes of perpetuating the knowledge. Piailug in 1976 navigated Hokule'a on its maiden voyage 3,000 miles to Tahiti without modern navigation instruments.

For Dennis Chun, the Kauai navigator who will serve as captain on the Hokule'a's first leg to Nawiliwili Harbor, the trip is a reminder of the effect Piailug has had on generations of Hawaiian sailors.

"We're trying to perpetuate what Mau has taught us over the years," Chun said. "I look at these (younger) guys and I realize that's how I was when I started sailing."

Chun teaches Hawaiian studies and voyaging at Kauai Community College, and said half of the young sailors on his current crew are his former students. In addition to helping native Hawaiian students reconnect with their culture, he said sailing on the Hokule'a also provides students hands-on lessons in math, science and geography.

To honor Piailug's legacy of sharing navigation skills internationally, Chun said his crew includes four sailors from Japan, which the Hokule'a visited in 2007.

Also on the crew is John Kruse, who helped build Hokule'a and sailed with Piailug to Tahiti on the first voyage.

He said only five people from Hawaii have been honored as master navigators on Piailug's home island of Satawal, in the western Pacific, in about 35 years.

The vessel is expected to reach Kauai about 9 a.m. today and do day trips off Kauai for the next week before sailing to Molokai, the Big Island and Maui.

Excited by his first voyage in about a year, Warren Kawai was also absorbing the lessons of Piailug, now as an apprentice navigator.

"Papa Mau believed we're one people and the oceans connect all the people together," Kawai said. "What Papa Mau taught us, the canoe is like our mother, and it connects all the people of the world."

The crew members on this leg are part of the canoe-building organization Na Kalai Wa'a O Kauai, which has been building a larger voyaging canoe, Namahoe, for 10 years.

Kruse, who helped build the Hokule'a, said the group hopes to finish Namahoe next year in memory of Piailug.

"I was honored to sail with Mau because he gave me a glimpse into what my ancestors did," Kruse said. "He was magic, Mau."

Reach Rob Shikina at rshikina@staradvertiser.com. Reach Travis Kaya at tkaya@staradvertiuser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 24, 2010 12:30 p.m. HST

Strong Quakes Rumble Near Phillipines - No Tsunami Generated

A series of powerful earthquakes have struck off Mindanao in the Philippines, but they did not generate a destructive tsunami, officials said.

The three quakes, with magnitudes of 7.3, 7.6 and 7.4, struck over the course of about 70 minutes starting at about 6:08 a.m. Saturday (12:08 p.m. Friday, Hawaii time.)

They were centered deep below Moro Gulf, roughly 65 to 75 miles west-southwest of Cotabato, Mindanao, and about 570 miles south-southeast of Manila, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach issued bulletins saying that no destructive tsunami was generated.

Gerard Fryer, geophysicist at the center, said the quakes were likely felt in the region but were centered at such a depth (about 400 miles) that they were unlikely to cause damage.

It is "very unusual to have such large earthquakes" so deep and in such quick succession, he said.

"They are clearly related but what it all means we don't know," Fryer said, noting that scientists will be examining the event with great interest.

The quake were centered near Moro Gulf was centered at a depth of 375 miles, according to the USGS.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 24, 2010 9:05 a.m. HST

Reward Offered in Beating of Disabled Veteran at Launiopoko

A partially disabled Vietnam War Veteran attacked by two teenagers at Launiopoko Oceanside Park Saturday night 17 July at 11:00 p.m. After working late and on his way home the 58 year old Veteran stopped at the park for a drink of water. He was immediately attacked without provocation on his part, by two teenagers - one caucasian and the other dark-skinned, both aproximate height 5'7".

When one of the girls that was with the boys tried to stop the attack the Veteran got away. His jaw is broken and has to be wired shut for the next 6 weeks. He was kicked and beaten. Accordingly the Maui County Veterans Council is offering a $500.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of these cowards. Please contact Police Criminal Investigations Division at 661-0559 and cite Police report 10-47335. For further information contact Veterans Council President Paul Laub at 442-2450

(Report Provided by The Maui Veterans Council)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 24, 2010 8:45 a.m. HST

Maui Police Issue Six Cell Phone Tickets - So Far

WAILUKU - Maui County police officers gave out six citations to drivers using cellular telephones during the first two weeks of a county cell phone ban.

The total includes one citation issued in the Lahaina Patrol District from July 6 to July 10, and five citations issued throughout the county from July 11 to 17, said Lt. Michael Kaho'ohanohano, commander of the police Traffic Section.

The measure, which was signed into law July 6, bans the use of mobile electronic devices, including cell phones, while driving.

Hands-free devices are allowed, but not for drivers who have instructional permits or provisional licenses.

Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, federal and state law enforcement officers and Civil Defense workers are exempt from the ban. Also exempt are drivers of fleet vehicles or with commercial driver's licenses who use two-way radios as part of the job.

In Lahaina, police set up a digital sign along Honoapiilani Highway near the Lahaina Civic Center to inform motorists that the cell phone law was in effect.

The fine for using a cell phone while driving is $97 for a first offense. For a second offense, a court date is set for the driver.

"This is not a money-making venture," Kaho'ohanohano said. "This is keeping the roads safe."

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 24, 2010 8:25 a.m. HST

No 'Friday Night Lights' on Kaua'i This Year

LIHUE - High school football games on Hawaii's Kauai island will be held on Saturday afternoons instead of Friday nights this year to protect threatened seabirds.

The bright lights used during night games confuse newborn Newell's shearwaters, which rely on moonlight to travel from their nests out to sea.

Every year, an estimated 30 shearwaters become disoriented and fall from the skies because of the lights at Vidinha Stadium.

Kauai's resort and street lights also confuse the fledglings, and the birds sometimes die after colliding with power lines. The multitude of hazards have contributed to a 60 percent decline in the Newell's shearwater population since 1993.

"If you project out the current trend, this bird's going to be extinct in a matter of short decades," said Scott Fretz, a wildlife program manager for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Wildlife Program.

The Kauai Interscholastic Federation decided Wednesday to move game day, though the first two games of the season will still be held on Fridays because they fall before the fledgling season begins on Sept. 15.

Under federal and state laws, the federation can be fined up to $30,000 for each bird that dies.

Shielding the lights is an option, but state wildlife officials say it may be too expensive for the county and there's no guarantee it would work.

"We tried to come up with different accommodations, like the location, having spotters, having people designated for birds, so every year, we've done a little bit more," said Diane Nitta, the federation's executive director.

Faced with possible lawsuits, the county, which owns the stadium, declined to comment.

It may take time for people on Kauai, a mostly rural island of 60,000, to get used to the change.

"This is all the people have, we don't have the Ala Moana Shopping Centers, we don't have some of the things the other counties have for these kids and the entire community," said state Rep. James Tokioka (D, Wailua-Koloa). "To just go without having football games at night is really going to hurt the social fabric of our community," Tokioka said.

(Report Provied by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 24, 2010 7:35 a.m. HST

Hawai'i VA Clinics Can Dispense Medical Marijuana

WASHINGTON — Patients treated at Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics will be able to use medical marijuana in the 14 states where it's legal, according to new federal guidelines.

Medical mearijuana is allowed in Hawaii under state law.

The directive from the Veterans Affairs Department in the coming week is intended to clarify current policy that says veterans can be denied pain medication if they use illegal drugs. Veterans groups have complained for years that this could bar veterans from VA benefits if they were caught using medical marijuana.

The new guidance does not authorize VA doctors to begin prescribing medical marijuana, which is considered an illegal drug under federal law. But it will now make clear that in the 14 states where state and federal law are in conflict, VA clinics generally will allow the use of medical marijuana for veterans already taking it under other clinicians.

"For years, there have been veterans coming back from the Iraq war who needed medical marijuana and had to decide whether they were willing to cut down on their VA medications," John Targowski, a legal adviser to the group Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access, which worked with the VA on the issue.

Targowski in an interview Saturday that confusion over the government's policy might have led some veterans to distrust their doctors or avoid the VA system.

Dr. Robert A. Petzel, the VA's undersecretary for health, sent a letter to Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access this month that spells out the department's policy. The guidelines will be distributed to the VA's 900 care facilities around the country in the next week.

Petzel makes clear that a VA doctor could reserve the right to modify a veteran's treatment plan if there were risks of a bad interaction with other drugs.

"If a veteran obtains and uses medical marijuana in a manner consistent with state law, testing positive for marijuana would not preclude the veteran from receiving opioids for pain management" in a VA facility, Petzel wrote. "The discretion to prescribe, or not prescribe, opioids in conjunction with medical marijuana, should be determined on clinical grounds."

Opiods are narcotic painkillers, and include morphine, oxycodone and methadone.

Under the previous policy, local VA clinics in some of the 14 states, such as Michigan, had opted to allow the use of medical marijuana because there no rule explicitly prohibiting them from doing so.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are 14 states and the District of Columbia with medical marijuana laws. They are: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. New Jersey also recently passed a medical marijuana law, which is scheduled to be implemented next January.

(Report Provied by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 24, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST

Makani Road Reopened in Makawao

Maui Police reopened Makani Road at 2 a.m. today. Read the initial accident report here.

(Information Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

 

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 5:05 p.m. HST

Missed Trash Pickups Scheduled for Saturday

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, announced this afternoon that every attempt will be made to pick up all missed automated trash routes tomorrow, Saturday, July 24, 2010.

The Solid Waste Division experienced an unusual number of automated drivers out this week due to injury, emergency vacation, planned vacation and sick leave, which resulted in several automated refuse routes being missed.

“As we entered the new fiscal year, we have been presented with a number of new challenges due to a lack of additional drivers and the implementation of budget cuts and furlough days,” said Cheryl Okuma, Environmental Management Director. “We have evaluated the recurring staff shortages and have determined that there is no way to avoid incurring overtime costs to make up the missed routes. Future missed automated routes will be picked up by personnel working overtime to pick up missed routes as soon as possible.”

Customers with excessive amounts of trash are asked to avoid placing greenwaste, cardboard and other recyclable items in the trash bin to ensure that all trash fits into the bin. Greenwaste is accepted from residents free of charge at the Central Maui Landfill, where it is composted. Cardboard can be recycled at numerous County-operated recycling sites.

For locations and schedules of recycling centers throughout Maui County, visit www.mauicounty.gov/recycle.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 4:55 p.m. HST

Makawao Accident Causes Chain Reaction Problems

Maui Police report that a traffic accident in Makawao has set off a chain reaction of events that has closed Makani Road between Ahualani and Manienie Streets. The accident resulted in a toppled utility pole and a brush fire.

Emergency crews are on the scene now. No word yet on injuries, damage or when the road will reopen.

(Information Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 1:35 p.m. HST

Kurt Suzuki Signs New Four-Year Deal With Oakland

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland Athletics have agreed to terms with catcher Kurt Suzuki on a new four-year contract through the 2013 season, the club announced today. The agreement, which begins immediately and supersedes Suzuki’s previous 2010 contract, also includes a club option for the 2014 season. While declining to discuss specifics, unofficial reports put the value of the contract at $16 million.

By reaching this new agreement, the A’s will avoid the catcher’s arbitration years (2011-13), as well as hold an option on his first season of possible free agency (2014).

Suzuki, 26, has emerged as a team leader and one of baseball’s elite catchers during his four seasons with the Oakland Athletics. Selected in the second round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft out of Cal State Fullerton, the Wailuku, Hawaii native has posted a .269 batting average with 39 home runs with 83 doubles, 39 home runs and 206 RBI in 431 career games with the A’s since his major league call-up midway through the 2007 season.

The 5-11, 196-pound veteran enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2009, when he led American League catchers in games started for a second consecutive season (132) and became only the second catcher in franchise history to lead the A’s in RBI (88). He batted .274 last season, also pacing Oakland in hits (156), doubles (37), slugging percentage (.421), hit by pitches (8) and sacrifice flies (7). His doubles, RBI and stolen bases (8) also led all AL catchers last year.

Despite missing 22 games due to stints on the Disabled List (19 games from April 24-May 5, intercostal strain) and the Bereavement/Family Medical Emergency List (3 games, June 18-20) this season, Suzuki enters tonight’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox with a .257 average, 37 RBI and team-leading 10 home runs in 68 games. He’s batting .409 (9 for 22) with seven runs scored in his last six contests, and he currently ranks third in home runs and fourth in RBI among American League catchers.

Suzuki’s value to the A’s transcends his own personal statistics, however, as he is considered one of the best handlers of pitchers in baseball today. In 2010, Oakland’s pitchers—many of whom are among the youngest in the majors—have compiled a 3.36 ERA in games caught by Suzuki. That figure is the lowest among all AL catchers and ranks second lowest in the majors to St. Louis’ Yadier Molina (2.82).

In addition, Suzuki was named the 2009 recipient of the Jim “Catfish” Hunter Award, which honors an A’s player whose play on the field and conduct in the clubhouse best exemplifies the courageous, competitive and inspirational spirit demonstrated by the late Hall of Fame pitcher. The award is voted upon by Oakland A’s players and coaches.
Also, the Oakland catcher was named co-recipient of the 2009 Dave Stewart Community Service Award, given annually to an A’s player for outstanding work in the community. Last year, Kurt and his wife, Renee, spearheaded efforts to raise more than $61,000 for the Jon Wilhite Recovery Fund, which helped alleviate medical costs accrued by his friend and former Cal State Fullerton teammate who was injured in the tragic car accident that took the lives of Angels’ pitcher Nick Adenhart and three others.

(Report Provided by the Oakland Athletics)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 12:05 p.m. HST Haleakala Workers Help With Gulf Oil Cleanup
Four employees from Haleakala National Park travelled across the globe to help with the clean up efforts at the Gulf Coast. "We will help however we can." says Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. National Park Service Director, Jonathan Jarvis, issued a memorandum on June 21, 2010 asking Parks throughout the nation "to make personnel available throughout this critical period." Jarvis writes, "I am now asking that all personnel with the appropriate skills be allowed to participate when requested and be granted the necessary supervisory approval…One of the most important roles is the Resource Advisor or Team Leader. These personnel will accompany clean-up crews as they protect sensitive resources (bird nesting areas, cultural resource sites, etc.)…" Peter Fitzpatrick worked for four weeks as a Resource Advisor, assisting with efforts at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida. "We worked days and nights and got very little sleep." Fitzpatrick, who works as a Biological Science Technician for the Endangered Wildlife Management program at the Park, said that the days were hot and humid and nights were long. "It was hard work, but it was a great experience and I'm glad I could be there to help." he added. Danielle Fujii-Doe and Steve Orwig were deployed shortly after Fitzpatrick's return. Fujii-Doe and Orwig left on July 10 for 30 days and are working in Alabama and Florida. Both Fujii-Doe and Orwig are putting in the long hours that Fitzpatrick did. Orwig, a Baldwin High School graduate, is a Biological Science Technician with the Vegetation Management program at the Park. Fujii-Doe, a graduate of King Kekaulike High School, is a Biological Science Technician with the Endangered Wildlife Management program at Haleakala. Fujii-Doe said that she is working as a Resource Advisor at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama and Gulf Islands National Seashore in the pan handle of Florida. "It's a good experience. I'm glad I'm here," she said.	ON THE GROUND - Peter Fitzpatrick (center, in black shirt) from Haleakala National Park, worked as a Resource Advisor aiding in the Gulf Island National Seachore in Florida cleanup efforts. (NPS Photo)
	NIGHT AND DAY - Crews from Haleakala were part of the 24-hour beach cleanup detail at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama. (NPS Photo)
Timmy Paulokaleioku Bailey was called for special assignment to the Gulf. As the Nation's only ACETA instructor (pronounced ah-SEE-tah, short for Aerial Capture Eradication and Tagging of Animals) for the Department of Interior, Bailey's services were requested. Biologists wanted a tool to capture oiled birds that could not fly. Capturing them with a net launched from a helicopter is one of the tools. Bailey spent a week in New Orleans, Louisiana, check-riding and certifying pilots and gunners. Bailey, a Native Hawaiian and life long Kula resident, was able to bring this unique program to that part of the country. "The biologists in that area of the US never had ACETA as a tool. The Park Service has given me a lot of opportunities and I was glad that this was one of them." (Report Provided by The Haleakala National Park Service) (Back to Top)

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 11:35 a.m. HST

Kihei Man's Death Not Caused by Vehicle Crash

Maui Police have released more details about the death of a man behind the wheel of a 2006 Subaru in South Maui this week. Read the initial report here.

Further investigation has revealed that the man, 58 year-old Terry Eoff of Kihei was, in fact, wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Their investigation also reveals that he did not die from injuries from the crash. No other details from the autopsy have been released.

(Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 8:35 a.m. HST

Wind Farm Pays Past-Due Tax Bill

WAILUKU - Taxpayers, include "concerned citizen" in your prayers tonight. He just added $1,529,506.94 to Maui County's strained treasury.

Every week, the county Real Property Tax Division updates its Internet posting of the 25 biggest delinquent taxpayers. According to Tax Division administrator Scott Teruya, the list doesn't change often. But it did last week, and an anonymous resident called The Maui News to wonder if Kaheawa Wind Power LLC, which held the top spot, was "out of money."

No, but the company didn't know it was behind on its taxes until a reporter called.

Kent Smith, president of Makana Nui Associates, which is a partner with First Wind in the farm, said telephone calls and e-mails were flying among company officials Wednesday and Thursday to figure out what happened.

Here, according to Smith and Teruya, is how the tax bill got overlooked for three years:

Kaheawa pays all expenses through a state lease, but when the farm went into operation in 2007, the state didn't send the lease and permit papers to the county.

"We knew there was a wind farm there," said Teruya, but there was no paperwork to process.

Kaheawa wasn't getting bills, so it wasn't aware it was delinquent.

Earlier this year, a county tax staffer looked into it more closely, decided taxes were due and sent a bill to the last-known address of the listed owner, UPC Wind in Newton, Mass.

However, between 2007 and now, UPC's interest was renamed First Wind and the offices were moved to Boston.

The bill eventually was returned as undeliverable.

"The state and the county never assessed us and never forwarded any bills," said Smith. "They didn't find any way of contacting the local wind company."

But Teruya said: "It's not our place to go find anyone."

It took about a day for Kaheawa to reconstruct what had happened, and Smith called Teruya on Thursday to assure him that First Wind's chief financial officer, Michael Alvarez, was preparing to wire the money by Tuesday.

"One hundred percent," said Smith by telephone Thursday from a golfing holiday in California.

It could be the harbinger of a big flow of tax revenue for the county. Kaheawa has 20 turbines, and the turbines account for much of the assessed value.

Kaheawa wants to expand by 14 units; Sempra is working on a wind farm of similar size in Ulupalakua; and Castle & Cooke and First Wind are projecting hundreds of turbines on Lanai and/or Molokai.

As of Thursday, Kaheawa still held first place in the list of top 25 delinquents, but Teruya was not concerned. "It seems like their intent is to pay. . . .

"It's good that people are looking at the list," he said.

Harry Eagar can be reached at heagar@mauinews.com.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 7:45 a.m. HST

Aquino Will Not Use Force to Protect Water

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III has scuttled a plan to deploy government troops to prevent riots or disturbances over a water shortage in the Philippine capital.

"You only bring out troops, you know, to suppress" armed groups, Aquino said on Friday.

Many in the sprawling Metropolis of about 12 million people have been left with limited supplies or no water at all this week after water levels at the Angat Dam, the main source for Manila, fell to a critically low point following a prolonged drought.

Although the situation was improving with the onset of the rainy season, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson told reporters that the government had mobilized trucks and tankers to provide water to the worst-hit areas.

He said he asked the country's defense secretary to lend troops to ensure orderly water distribution. The local media said in some cases people muscled into long lines at water pumps or scrambled to get to water tanks.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said earlier that about 2,000 soldiers will be deployed, but the president put a quash on that.

Aquino told reporters he had not been informed about the plan to use soldiers, and that police should be called out instead to deal with law and order issues.

"I talked to the parties concerned as to whose decision this was and I reminded them that they should consult with me before doing so," he said. "There are certain members of the government that, shall we say, a little bit overreacted or were preparing for the worst case scenario."

Activists have blamed the government for the recurring water problem, complaining that though the water sector was privatized in the 1990s, authorities have not pushed for better services.

"In spite of poor services by these water concessionaires, the consumers are subjected to ever increasing water rates," said Giovanni Tapang of the activist group AGHAM.

One concessionaire, Maynilad Water Services Inc., said it was losing more than half of the volume to pipe leaks and pilferage.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 23, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST

New 'Five-0' Premieres on 42nd Anniversary of Original

The remake of the classic CBS series "Hawaii Five-0" will premiere on network television Sept. 20, the network announced yesterday.

The pilot for the police drama was filmed here in March. The show will air at 9 p.m. Mondays on KGMB.

The Sept. 20 premiere date will mark the anniversary of the 1968 debut of the original "Five-0," starring Jack Lord. That pilot, called "Cocoon," introduced the world to state police detective Steve McGarrett and his arch enemy, Wo Fat.

"The timing could not have been better," said Peter Lenkov, the remake's executive producer, in an e-mail yesterday. Lenkov is at Comic-Con 2010 in San Diego, where he and "Hawaii Five-0" cast members Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park are meeting with fans and talking about the show.

"All of us making this show are huge fans of the original, so debuting on Sept. 20 is our way of honoring what came before us," Lenkov said. "We have huge shoes to fill ... and are reminded of that every morning when we say 'action.'"

The network premiere will come a week after Hawaii gets a sneak preview of the pilot Sept. 13 at "Sunset on the Beach" in Waikiki.

Work began on the show's episodes July 15. The new series also stars Alex O'Loughlin as McGarrett and Scott Caan as Daniel "Danno" Williams.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 8:10 p.m. HST

Unemployment Benefits Extended for Jobless in Hawai'i

HONOULULU -- Pearl Imada Iboshi, director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, announced today that unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed residents in Hawai‘i have been extended with the signing of HR4213 by President Barack Obama today.

The federal legislation will extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through November 30, 2010. Unemployed workers in Hawai‘i who exhausted their regular unemployment insurance benefits after May 22, 2010 thru July 17, 2010 can retroactively file new EUC claims. Individuals who did not exhaust all 47 weeks of EUC benefits may be eligible for more federal benefits if still unemployed. However, the new law does not increase the current maximum 47 weeks of EUC benefits.

Provided all eligibility requirements are met, individuals may collect 20 weeks of EUC Tier I benefits after exhausting their regular unemployment insurance claim. Individuals who exhaust a Tier before the deadline of November 30, 2010 can qualify for the next Tier level. Up to 14 additional weeks are available on Tier II and 13 additional weeks on Tier III.

“We appreciate having the federal funds to help our unemployed and the economy,” said Director Imada Iboshi.

The Department will notify individuals who are potentially eligible for EUC benefits under the new law by mail on a staggered schedule. Due to the enormous increase in additional EUC claims to be processed, the Department asks that the public wait to receive the notices and follow instructions before contacting their local unemployment insurance claim offices. It may take several weeks to process over 10,000 retroactive EUC claims and 45,000 weekly claim certifications that date back to May 2010.

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

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 6:40 p.m. HST

Refuse Routes Missed in Makawao, Kihei

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- The County of Maui’s Solid Waste Division announced that trash was not picked up in areas of Upcountry and Kihei today due to a staff shortage. The missed routes will be picked up on the next scheduled pickup day, Monday, July 26.

In Makawao and Pukalani, affected areas include Pau Hana Road, Makani Road, Hoomaha Road, Kapuahi Street, Koehana Place, Pakani Place, Makalani Place, all of Maui Uplands and surrounding areas.

In Kihei, affected areas include parts of South Kihei Road, Namauu Place, Hoonani Street, East and West Waipuilani Road, Uluniu Road, Lipoa Street, Olowi Place, East and West Welakahao Road, Halama Street, Waipahe Street, Kahele Street, Uilani Street, Kupuna Street, Akai Street and surrounding streets.

Customers are asked to remove their bin from the roadway to prevent traffic hazards and disruption to mail service. To expedite pickups, customers are asked to avoid overfilling the bin.

The Solid Waste Division apologizes for the inconvenience. For more information, please call the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, at 270-7875 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/solidwaste.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 3:50 p.m. HST

Governor Lingle Nominates Judge Grace for Chief Justice Post

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today nominated Intermediate Court of Appeals Associate Judge Katherine Grace Leonard to serve as Chief Justice of the Hawai‘i State Supreme Court.

If confirmed by the State Senate, she would succeed Chief Justice Ronald Moon to become Hawai‘i’s fifth Chief Justice since statehood. Judge Leonard would be the first graduate of the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law to be appointed to the Supreme Court and the first woman in Hawai‘i’s history to be named Chief Justice. She would be the third woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Ms. Leonard would also be among 22 women nationwide who currently serve as chief justice of a state supreme court. She would serve an initial 10-year term as the head of the State’s highest court and top administrator of the Hawai‘i Judiciary.

“Nominating the next Chief Justice of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court is a responsibility and privilege I have thought deeply about over the last 30 days,” said Governor Lingle. “I have chosen a person of great character and strong intellect, who possesses effective writing skills and a true commitment to the rule of law. Kate Leonard is a woman of character of whom her family, colleagues, and friends are justifiably proud. She will be a Chief Justice of whom I and all of us Hawai‘i will become proud. I have every confidence that she will preside over the state’s highest court with principled leadership, independence and the highest level of integrity, fairness and compassion,” Governor Lingle added.

Ms. Leonard, who turns 51 next month, joined the Intermediate Court of Appeals after Governor Lingle nominated her in November 2007 to fill a vacancy created by the death of Associate Judge John Lim. She was confirmed unanimously (23-0) by the Senate and took her seat in January 2008.

Prior to becoming a judge, Ms. Leonard was a partner with the law office of Carlsmith Ball LLP (1992-2007) where she concentrated on civil litigation, including commercial, trust, and environmental law. Ms. Leonard advised and represented clients in complex litigation and arbitration matters, which included real property, commercial lending, contested trust-related matters, and tax appeal issues. Her clients included lending institutions, trustees of large trusts, and large and small businesses with commercial disputes.

She is a 1991 graduate of the University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law, where she served as editor-in-chief of the U.H. Law Review. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Parkside (1982).

Following graduation from U.H., Ms. Leonard served as a law clerk for former Supreme Court Justice Robert Klein. She also served as a law clerk at the First Circuit Court.

Judge Leonard is a member of the American Judicature Society, an independent, nonpartisan national organization that works to maintain the independence and integrity of the courts and increase public understanding of the justice system. She also participates in the American Bar Association Appellate Judges Conference. She is a member of the American Bar Association and the Hawai‘i State Bar Association.

Judge Leonard is active in scouting, was an AYSO (American Youth Soccer Association) coach, and has volunteered with the Honolulu Orchid Society.

She is married to Ian Sandison and has one son and two stepchildren.

“I am honored and humbled by this appointment and believe I have the capacity, strength and commitment to handle this prestigious position,” Judge Leonard stated.

Governor Lingle selected Judge Leonard from a list of six candidates that was submitted to her by the Judicial Selection Commission on June 23, 2010. All six candidates were interviewed by Governor Lingle, as well as a committee made up of members of the Governor’s senior staff. The Governor also invited the public to submit comments on the six candidates.

“The input we received from the legal community and the general public on each of the six candidates was extremely helpful in our evaluation process,” said Governor Lingle. “I appreciate the time and thought people put into sharing their views on the candidates, which helped me gain a better understanding of their qualifications and character.”

According to the Hawai‘i State Constitution, the Senate has 30 days to confirm or reject the nomination. If the Senate fails to reject the nominee within 30 days, it shall be deemed to have given its consent to the Governor’s appointment of Judge Leonard.

During her term in office, Governor Lingle has named three of five justices to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court, five of six judges to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, and 17 of 33 judges to the Circuit Court.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 10:25 a.m. HST

Clean Energy Projects to Get New, Streamlined e-Permitting System

HONOLULU -- The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) today began a partnership with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) for the development of an electronic permitting system that will streamline the environmental permit process for clean energy projects and other regulated businesses. As part of the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI), DBEDT will provide $375,000 in federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to assist in the system development.

“The Department of Health is excited about this new partnership and the ability to use federal funds for this critically needed project,” said Deputy Director for Environmental Health Laurence Lau. “An e-permit system that can capture, organize and analyze data is an invaluable resource for clean energy projects and the thousands of annual environmental permits, licenses, approvals, reports and compliance reviews that are mostly handled on paper now. This project is long overdue and comes at time when limited resources and staffing require innovative solutions.”

“Once we learned about the Department of Health’s project, we immediately saw it as an excellent opportunity to use ARRA funds and help streamline the environmental permit process for both public and private clean energy and other projects, “ said Ted Peck, Administrator, Hawai‘i State Energy Office within DBEDT. “Development of this system can reduce costs and start-up time for clean energy construction and other projects that fuel our economy. Streamlining the permitting process will further help meet the State’s goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil and increasing our energy security.”

The DOH currently reviews, approves, issues and enforces approximately more than 1,500 environmental permits and licenses each year; provides review and approval for about 5,000-6,500 plans, other permits, reports and variances annually; and ensures compliance for over 3,000 federal and other requirements annually. These estimates do not include more than 8,400 estimated food service permits, and other food and sanitation permits required annually for the protection of public health.

“We give priority in processing clean energy permit applications and are interested in accelerating the processing while maintaining the environmental protections,” Deputy Director Lau added. “This is the first and very important phase of an ongoing automation of environmental permits and other processes.”

Completion of this initial phase of the e-permit project is expected in one year. The project will develop a central public web access portal for environmental permit applications, forms, instructions, and education, and allow for on-line payment and application approvals. It is anticipated that once in place the e-permit system will save applicants and department staff considerable time and provide consistent information for better decisions. Compiling permit data electronically will also allow the DOH to analyze and quickly improve procedures when needed.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 10:05 a.m. HST

More Details Released in Officer-Involved Shooting at Honolua

WAILUKU - Police said eight people were in a pickup truck that hit a police officer before officers fired, injuring the driver and two passengers in the bed of the truck early Sunday near Honolua Bay.

Some of the occupants fled from the truck after the shooting, which occurred as officers were investigating a report that shots had been fired at Punalau Beach, which is also known as "Windmills," said acting Capt. John Jakubczak of the Criminal Investigation Division.

He said police recovered a handgun at the beach where people had gathered for a party and where gunshots were reported at 4:14 a.m.

Officers were responding when they stopped a black Infiniti leaving the area on Honoapiilani Highway. Officers were talking to occupants of the car who pointed out an approaching Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, identifying it as the vehicle that shots had been fired from, police said.

The truck was heading in the Lahaina direction on the highway toward Honolua Bay when officers tried to stop the truck, which appeared to be slowing before it accelerated and hit an officer, police said. Officers then fired at the truck, police said.

The truck continued in the Lahaina direction as police pursued the vehicle, which was located on the side of the road near the Honolua Bay lookout, Jakubczak said.

Five truck occupants, including the three who were injured, were identified at the scene. Through investigation, police determined that three other people had been in the truck, which had four people in the cab and four riding in the bed, Jakubczak said.

An 18-year-old Kihei man, who had been in the truck bed, remained hospitalized Wednesday at The Queen's Medical Center on Oahu after suffering gunshot wounds to his left and right shoulders, police said. A 17-year-old Kihei boy, who was also in the bed, was released from Maui Memorial Medical Center on Sunday afternoon after being treated for a gunshot wound to his left buttock, police said.

The driver, a 19-year-old Kihei man who was shot behind his left ear, was released from the hospital Monday and transported to the Wailuku Police Station. He was arrested and later released pending further investigation of first-degree attempted murder.

The officer who was hit by the truck was treated by paramedics.

With three crime scenes stretching for about two miles from Punalau Beach to the Honolua Bay lookout, police closed the highway until just before 6 p.m. Sunday while investigating.

Jakubczak said an investigation was continuing, with detectives working to locate others who were at the party at the beach and may have seen or heard what happened there.

Detectives were also investigating the circumstances of the police shooting.

"We're still trying to determine who fired and how many shots were fired," Jakubczak said.

He said four officers were at the scene when the truck approached.

Police have not said how many officers were placed on leave with pay, which is a standard procedure during officer-involved shootings.

In addition to the criminal investigation, a separate police internal investigation is under way to determine whether police policies and procedures were followed in the shooting.

Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 9:35 a.m. HST State Pageant Coming to Maui Saturday Night
Mayor Charmaine Tavares greeted Miss Hawaii Filipina contestants from Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii Island yesterday in anticipation of the Miss Hawaii Filipina Scholarship Pageant being held on Maui this Saturday evening. This year’s pageant is hosted on Maui and will be held at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Hotel, in conjunction with the United Filipino Council of Hawaii’s 51st Annual State Convention this weekend. “I’m very proud of all of you, and I know that your respective islands are too,” Mayor Charmaine Tavares told the contestants. “Maui is honored to host this year’s statewide scholarship pageant, and I congratulate each of you for your many achievements. It’s an accomplishment to reach this level of competition.”	MABUHAY - Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares chats with contestants in this year's Miss Hawai'i Filipina Scholarship Pageant - to be held Saturday in Ka'anapali. (Maui County Photo)
(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) (Back to Top)

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 7:35 a.m. HST

County Spokeswoman Answers Questions On "Threat"

The following is provided as a follow-up to a press released issued last night regarding Mayor Tavares responding to comments made by former mayor Alan Arakawa and a demand for a public apology. The questions reflect the variety of inquiries received.

IS THE ADMINISTRATION RESPONDING BECAUSE THIS IS A CAMPAIGN OPPONENT?
RESPONSE: Campaign is one thing. This is considered to be in a different realm. Any sitting Mayor or elected official should not have to worry that their safety was made light of.

MR. ARAKAWA IS SAYING THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS CREATING A DIVERSION TO ISSUES HE IS RAISING.
RESPONSE: There is no diversion. Those words were his alone and we are within reason to respond to careless remarks that can endanger someone.

Is the concern about someone needing to make an appointment so immensely grave that someone would irrationally jump from discussing that to how anyone can shoot the Mayor? It's a very large leap that many cannot fathom. With regards to Mr. Arakawa's criticism focused on renovation work at the council offices and Mayor's office, we'll be issuing information at a later date to set the record straight. He describes the reception area of the Mayor's Office as having "sealed doors" and implies that a security guard is in place - a complete mischaracterization of what it is.

IS THE ADMINISTRATION OVER-REACTING AND BLOWING IT OUT OF PROPORTION?
RESPONSE: No. In fact - we are erring on the side of caution. It's not Mr. Arakawa we're worried about. While he did not make a direct threat to Mayor Tavares, he did present a dangerous idea in a flippant fashion.

The concern lies with dangerous and potentially unstable individuals that can use the information and make the Mayor an easy target. Enough people have voiced their disbelief and outrage that it became apparent that we must publicly respond. Our intent is to have him realize a mistake, apologize and retract his comments. We have heard from many citizens that feel this should not occur again. I do not know what Mr. Arakawa's intent was when he chose to say what he did on the radio.

Maui TV News will have a full video report - including comments from Mahina Martin and Alana Arakawa on this week's broadcast of Maui TV News.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 22, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST

go! Mokulele Passenger Count Slips in June

Go! Mokulele's passenger traffic fell 7.7 percent in June as the interisland carrier reduced the number of available seats.

The Hawaii operation of Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group Inc. said yesterday that it carried 61,962 passengers compared with 67,150 in the year-earlier period. Go! Mokulele's load factor slipped 0.1 percentage point to 70.96 percent from 71.10 percent.

Available seat miles, each of which represents one seat flown one mile, declined 15.2 percent to 11.4 million from 13.4 million. Revenue passenger miles, or one paying passenger transported one mile, dropped 15.4 percent to 8.1 million from 9.6 million.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 21, 2010 8:25 p.m. HST

Mayor and Candidate Clash Over Broadcast Comments

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Reacting to comments made by former mayor Alan Arakawa during his radio show broadcast live on Thursday, July 15, Mayor Charmaine Tavares issued this statement today:

“Any elected official understands that he or she may be subjected to actions that may involve strong opposition, stinging criticism and public ridicule. However, it is incomprehensible that anyone would suggest how easy it would be to physically harm an elected official. I was stunned by the cavalier comments made by Mr. Arakawa.”

During an hour-long live paid programming show on KAOI radio, Arakawa criticized changes made to the lobby area of the Council’s 8th floor and the 9th floor Office of the Mayor in the County Building. Arakawa told a caller to the show that the security changes were “ludicrous,” explaining that “if someone wanted to shoot the Mayor, when you get out of the County building you go to your car, the parking lot’s wide open.” He provided further details on how the Mayor is accessible to being harmed.

“He is a seasoned and experienced public speaker and someone who should have acquired the skill to measure his words carefully - his words are employed in a much more deliberate fashion than a novice public speaker,” said Mahina Martin, Mayor Tavares’ community relations and communications director. “Casually speaking of how easy it would be to physically harm or potentially fatally shoot an elected official is careless. Regardless of what issue Mr. Arakawa was criticizing at the moment – it pales in comparison to planting in listeners’ minds the idea that Mayor Tavares is vulnerable to being shot at.

“The people of Maui County deserve an apology and retraction by Mr. Arakawa for irresponsible and unacceptable remarks that could prompt someone to harm the Mayor of their county. Certainly Mayor Tavares and her family deserve an apology as well.”

Read the transcription of the portion of the radio show with the relevant comments.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 21, 2010 5:15 p.m. HST

Tuesday Refuse Pickups Missed in Parts of Kihei and Wailuku

KIHEI, Maui, Hawaii- The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management’s Solid Waste Division announced today that due to a staff shortage, refuse was not picked up in some areas of Kihei and Wailuku.

Affected areas include Maui Meadows, Keonekai Road, Puu Hoolai Street, Akeu Place, Kauhaa Street, Kawailani Circle, Laumaewa Loop, Laumakani Loop, Luakaha Circle, Noolu Street, Polale Street, Waihili Place and Wawali Street in Kihei. In Wailuku: Maunaleo subdivision and Waiolani subdivision in Waikapu.

The Solid Waste Division apologizes for the inconvenience. The missed routes are expected to be picked up on the next scheduled pickup day, this Friday.

For more information, call the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, at 270-7875.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 21, 2010 3:20 p.m. HST

Plastic Bag Ban Rules To Be Discussed in August

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The Department of Environmental Management announced today that a public hearing on the proposed adoption of Administrative Rules regarding the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at noon at the Kalana Pakui Conference Room (Planning Department), First Floor, 250 South High Street, Wailuku.

The plastic bag reduction ordinance, which prohibits businesses from providing plastic bags at the point of sale for the purpose of transporting groceries or other goods, will take effect January 11, 2011.

The public is encouraged to review the proposed administrative rules, which provide detailed information on permissible bags and the terms of violations to the order.

A copy of the proposed rules may be viewed and downloaded free of charge from the County website at www.mauicounty.gov/solidwaste (click on “Plastic Bag Ban”).

To request a printed copy, contact the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division’s Recycle Maui County Hotline at (808) 270-7880; postage and cost of copies will apply. The proposed rules may also be viewed free of charge at the Solid Waste Division located at 2200 Main Street, Wailuku (One Main Plaza), Suites 175 and
225 between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and furlough days.

The public may provide feedback on the proposed rules by submitting testimony in person at the hearing, or through written testimony prior to the hearing. Deadline to submit written testimony is Tuesday, August 17, 2010 via email to recycle@mauicounty.gov or via postal mail: DEM, Solid Waste Division, 2200 Main St., One Main Plaza Ste. 225, Wailuku, HI, 96793.

For more information on the public hearing or the proposed administrative rules, call the Recycle Maui County Hotline at (808) 270-7880. From Molokai, call toll-free 1-800-272-0117; from Lanai, call toll-free 1-800-272-0125. Toll-free callers should request extension 7880.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 21, 2010 1:20 p.m. HST

Two of Three Gates at Kanaha Park to Close Thursday for PALS Event

KAHULUI, Maui, Hawaii-- The first two gates entering Kanaha Park will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, July 22, 2010 from 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. due to a Play and Learn Sessions (PALS) event, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced. The third entry into the park will remain open.

A “Makahiki Day” celebration is being held Thursday as the culmination of the PALS seven-week summer program, which currently has 1,500 children ages 5-12 enrolled under the supervision of 260 staff members. This is the 20th year PALS has served Maui County families.

For more information on the PALS sites and sessions, visit www.mauicounty.gov/parks and click on “PALS Program.”

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 21, 2010 7:10 a.m. HST

Power Outage Darkens Traffic Signals Along Mokulele Highway

Maui Police report that a power outage along Mokulele Highway has renedered traffic signals inoperable at Hansen Road. Maui Police Department are on scene directing traffic. MECO expects to restore power before noon.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 21, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST

Superferry Woes Began Earlier Than Earlier Revealed

The Hawaii Superferry was sailing under a facade of success in the summer of 2008—boasting of record ridership—but it had already begun to shortchange the state on its monthly fees, according to an Associated Press review of Department of Transportation records.

The company's inability to pay fully in July 2008 indicates it was in troubled waters nine months before the Hawaii Supreme Court decision widely blamed for the ferry's closure came in March 2009. The court overturned a state law that allowed the Superferry to operate while an environmental impact statement was being conducted.

Two months later, the $300 million Superferry—which had as its large ambition changing the way residents and visitors traveled between the state's four major islands—filed for bankruptcy.

Following months of low booking numbers, extensive legal wrangling and Kauai protesters who rode kayaks and surfboards to prevent the Superferry from landing, the ferry company ran out of money.

Neither the company nor the state had disclosed that the ferry service couldn't make its required payments until the DOT released the Superferry's payment records at the AP's request.

During the first month the Superferry shorted the state, company President Tom Fargo went so far as to proclaim "business is good," with July showing a 40 percent increase in passenger traffic on the vessel from the previous month.

The state demanded payment in at least four letters to the Superferry, and legal action was threatened in two of the letters, according to the documents reviewed by the AP.

The state never followed through with lawsuits to collect money owed until after the ferry's bankruptcy.

"They were having financial difficulties already, and that's why they were heading toward bankruptcy," said state Transportation Director Brennon Morioka. "We could only make certain assumptions because they were keeping things pretty close to their vest."

Attorneys for the Hawaii Superferry's parent company, HSF Holding Inc., had no comment.

The Hawaii Superferry owed the state $1.3 million in unpaid fees, compared with the $2.6 million it paid. The government recovered an additional $676,000 in a March 18 settlement filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

The state invested $40 million in the Superferry, which Gov. Linda Lingle strongly supported.

The state's investment will be paid off over the next 18 years using fees contributed by the islands' remaining harbor users, especially shipping companies. The Superferry's monthly fees, if projected over the term of the debt service requirements on the state's general obligation bonds, would have equaled roughly that amount.

The money was spent to build two-lane barges and ramps used only by the Superferry at four island harbors.

"All along, we felt that the state was carrying this thing, for whatever reasons," said Irene Bowie, executive director of Maui Tomorrow, one of the groups that fought the Superferry in court. "The Superferry was able to play the victim when they never had an operation that made financial sense."

The court battle surrounding the Superferry stemmed from a 2005 decision by Lingle's administration exempting the ferry service from environmental review. The Hawaii Supreme Court later ruled that the vessel couldn't run until an environmental study was completed.

The Hawaii Superferry's operating agreement with the state required a minimum of $191,667 in monthly payments during the first three years of service for various fees including dockage, port entry, passengers and vehicles. The company paid the full amount from the time it started service in December 2007 until July 2008, and then payments gradually declined until March 2009, when it stopped paying altogether.

The operating agreement potentially could have been revoked after the Superferry didn't pay its fees.

(Report Provided by the Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 20, 2010 4:50 p.m. HST

Unemployment Flickers a Little in Hawai'i, Nationally

HONOLULU – The Hawai`i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced today that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 6.3 percent, a decline of 0.3 percentage point from 6.6 percent in May. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 9.5 in June from 9.7 percent in May.

Hawai‘i has the sixth lowest unemployment rate in the nation. In Hawai‘i, there were 596,000 employed and 40,350 unemployed persons in June, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 636,350. Read the entire county-by-county report here.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawaii, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 20, 2010 3:20 p.m. HST

Maui Kamehameha Grad May Be Subject of Movie

The story of Kalani Rosell, the non-Hawaiian student whose admission to Kamehameha Schools Maui in 2002 sparked community outrage, might become a motion picture.

C.W. Henderson, an editor of several East Coast publications and a close friend of the Rosell family, plans to include the story in his memoirs, which he hopes to turn into a film, he said via e-mail. Although Henderson has had talks with agents, publishers and producers about his memoirs and screenplay, he said no deal has been inked for the story, tentatively called "Yale Is God."

Rosell, 20, just finished his third year at Yale, where he is double-majoring in environmental studies and international studies as well as rowing on the university's lightweight varsity men's crew.

Rosell, the first non-Hawaiian admitted to Kamehameha Schools Maui, graduated in 2007.

The decision to admit Rosell caused an uproar with many parents and alumni who said Kamehameha was neglecting native Hawaiians. The school's board of trustees and administrators explained at the time that Rosell had been selected after a list of qualified Hawaiian students had been exhausted.

Henderson confirmed that his memoirs, which he is still writing, will examine racism, religion, relationships and redemption.

"Cultural clashes are at the root of all of our social and political battles, and as a consequence they are most often the backdrop for epic stories," Henderson said.

Rosell's parents, Maura and the late John Rosell, also were "a huge part of their son's story," Henderson said.

"To this day no one knows the Rosell's entire story but me," he said. "It is a big part of my memoir and screenplay."

Rosell's mother divides her time between New Haven, Conn., and Maui. His father -- Henderson's best friend -- died in the summer of 2007.

Rosell was born on Maui of Italian and Swedish heritage. He was a stand-out swimmer while at Kamehameha as well as an accomplished ballet dancer. He still performs as a member of the New Haven Ballet.

"Even though I am in Connecticut on the East Coast and away from everyone, I have maintained my connections to my roots in Hawaii," he said via e-mail. "And when I was on Maui earlier this year, I saw some of my former teachers and friends from Kamehameha Schools."

Neither the family nor Henderson would say anything else about the project, in part because of "the sensitive issues surrounding Kamehameha Schools' admissions policies," Henderson said.

Henderson is the executive editor of Ivy League Week and Education Letter at the Wall Street Journal Professional Edition. He is a former publicist for Tri-Star Pictures and an independent TV producer. He has written stage plays, screenplays and TV programs, including the TV premiere of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 20, 2010 1:30 p.m. HST

Citizens And County of Maui Settle Lawsuit Over Streamwater Treatment Plant

Maui, Hawai‘i -- Today, the County of Maui and Maui community groups Hui o Na Wai ‘Eha and Maui Tomorrow Foundation, Inc., represented by Earthjustice, announced a settlement of a lawsuit challenging the Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for a proposed water treatment plant that would take water from streams that are under dispute in an ongoing Maui water rights case.

The community groups filed the EIS challenge in state court on Maui on June 21, 2010, seeking to prevent the Wai‘ale Treatment Facility project from going forward. Under the settlement, the parties agreed that the County’s acceptance of the EIS should be invalidated.

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. proposed to build the plant, which would treat up to 9 million gallons a day from Waihe‘e River, one of Na Wai ‘Eha, “The Four Great Waters” of Waihe‘e River and Waiehu, ‘Iao, and Waikapu Streams. The water would be delivered by the ditch system owned by A&B’s Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar plantation and Wailuku Water Company.

The County accepted A&B’s EIS for the project on April 23, 2010. On June 10, 2010, the state Commission on Water Resource Management issued its ruling on Na Wai ‘Eha streamflows, which is currently under appeal.

"Because the Water Commission's decision directly affects the proposed Wai‘ale plant, we have agreed to revisit the EIS," Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares said. "We look forward to working cooperatively with Hui o Na Wai ‘Eha, Maui Tomorrow, Alexander & Baldwin, and other stakeholders in resolving critical issues affecting the environment and
the public water supply."

“We are glad the County agreed to resolve this case amicably and sees the need to carefully examine the costs and benefits of this proposal,” said Hui o Na Wai ‘Eha President John Duey. “Streamflows are a public trust that deserve to be treated with maximum transparency and respect.”

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 20, 2010 11:45 a.m. HST

Kihei Man Dead Following Single-Vehicle Crash

A Kihei man died after a single-vehicle crash in South Maui yesterday.

According to Police report, 58 year-old Terry Eoff was traveling east on Kilohana Drive near Waikai Street. Investigators say the 2006 Suzuki sedan veered to the left of the roadway, colliding with the raised curb, then striking the support wire of a utility pole. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn. Eoff was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition, and later died.

Police say their initial investigation is that of a fatal vehicle crash. There is a possibility his death was not due to injuries sustained in the crash. Official cause of death will be determined following an autopsy.

(Information Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 20, 2010 7:45 a.m. HST

Candidate Filing Deadline is 4:30 p.m. Today

Candidates running for elected office in Hawaii this fall must file for office by the end of the day today.

The filing deadline marks the official beginning of the campaign season, although many candidates have been campaigning for months already.

The primary election will be held Sept. 18, and the general election is Nov. 2.

Hawaii voters will decide on their governor, lieutenant governor, congressional representatives, all 51 state House members, eight of 25 state senators, Board of Education members and Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees.

County councils will be selected, along with mayors on Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 20, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST

London-Honolulu May Become 'Dreamliner' Route

The United Kingdom's third-largest airline is considering flying a Boeing 787 Dreamliner direct to Honolulu from England, a step that could help boost arrivals from a market that has been lagging recently.

Luton, England-based Thomson Airways, which is expecting delivery of the Dreamliner beginning in January 2012, said yesterday it was considering service to Hawaii following a recent survey by the airline in which Honolulu was rated as the most popular new long-haul destination by 75 percent of respondents.

The Dreamliner can seat between 200 and 300 passengers depending on model and cabin configuration. The plane is considered revolutionary in that it reduces the symptoms of jet lag associated with long flights with a lighting system that re-creates the sunrise and sunset of its final destination. It also provides higher humidity levels in the cabin that will leave passengers less dehydrated.

Thomson, a subsidiary of TUI Travel PLC, said departures could be from Gatwick, Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol. Thomson said besides Hawaii, it also is considering flights from those UK cities to Borneo, Madagascar, Namibia, Cambodia, Ecuador, Vietnam and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hawaiian Airlines also has the capability with its newly acquired Airbus A330-200 aircraft to fly direct to Europe but has been focusing on the Asia market with recently announced new service to Tokyo and Seoul-Incheon, South Korea.

"We would welcome direct flights from Europe," said state Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert. "The biggest challenge we have had historically in increasing visitors from Europe is that long transit time. That has hampered us in growing that market at the rate we believe the market demand is."

Flights from Europe to Hawaii can take more than 14 hours. A direct flight can include a stop at an intermediate point but has no change in the flight number and usually takes less time than connecting with a different flight.

Visitor arrivals to Hawaii from the United Kingdom and Europe overall have been down recently. In 2009 there were 44,189 visitors from the UK, down 18.5 percent from 54,212 in 2008. Total European arrivals, which include the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, were off 4 percent to 33,864 from 35,264.

Through May of this year, UK visitor arrivals are down 7.6 percent to 14,733 from 15,938, while total Europe arrivals to Hawaii are lower by 4 percent to 33,864 from 35,264.

Thomson Airways, which is acquiring eight Dreamliners, said it will be the first UK airline to fly that aircraft. Parent company TUI Travel, a top travel provider in Europe, is taking on an additional five Dreamliners.

Reach Dave Segal at dsegal@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 19, 2010 9:30 p.m. HST

Fatal Traffic Crash Closes South Maui Roads

Maui Police report that a fatal traffic accident has closed Kilohana Drive in South Maui. The road was closed between South Kihei Road and Waikai Street. No further details are available at this time.

Upon completion of their investigation, the roads were reopened at 9:20 p.m.

(Information Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 19, 2010 3:30 p.m. HST

Police Update Condition of Suspects in Sunday's Attempted Murder Case

Maui Police officials have released an updated report on the condition of the three injured suspects arrested after yesterday morning's attempted murder and shooting incident in the "Windmills Beach" area above Kapalua near Honolua Bay. Read the details on the original report here.

The Police officer struck by the fleeing Toyota pickup was treated for minor injuries and released by paramedics. In the assault, classified as attempted murder in the second degree, the driver of the truck, 19 year-old Austin Pierman of Kihei, has been charged. As officers fired their weapons in an effort to stop the murder attempt, Pierman sustained a single gunshot wound to the head behind his left ear. The bullet was removed and placed into evidence. Pierman was released from Maui Memorial Medical Center this morning shortly after 10 a.m.

A passenger in the pickup, identified only as an 18 year-old Kihei man, sustained two gunshot wounds - one to his left shoulder and one to his right shoulder, striking an artery. He was airlifted to Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu for surgery. He has also been treated for lacerations and is described in stable condition. Police expect him to be released from Queen's in a few days.

A third injured occupant in the pickup was a 17 year-old Kihei boy who sustained a gunshot wound in the buttocks. The bullet was not removed. He was treated for injuries and released from Maui Memorial Medical Center Sunday afternoon.

In addition, two other men in the pickup were uninjured. They were arrested by officers on the scene. A firearm was recovered on the scene of the originally reported shooting and has been submitted as evidence.

(Information Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 19, 2010 1:10 p.m. HST

County: 4,000 Delinquent Trash Accounts Could Lose Service

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- Residential refuse customers with delinquent accounts that have not been paid in full by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2010 will be closed immediately and a $30 service fee assessed for any accounts that are reopened, the County of Maui’s Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, announced today.

Refuse bills of $108 for the period of service from July to December, 2010 were due by June 30, 2010. The Solid Waste Division mailed out delinquent notices this month indicating a deadline of August 6th to avoid any interruption of service.

As of July 14, there were approximately 4,000 delinquent residential refuse accounts.

Payments may be dropped off at the Refuse & Landfill Accounts office located at One Main Plaza in Wailuku, 2200 Main Street, Suite 175. For more information, call the Solid Waste Billing Section at 270-1731.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 19, 2010 12:20 p.m. HST

Hirono Gets 'Disaster' Declaration for State Farmers

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack has designated all four Hawaii counties as agricultural disaster areas due to losses caused by this year’s drought.

A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators and producers in both primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for Farm Service Agency emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program. The Farm Service Agency will consider each emergency loan application on its own merit by taking into account the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loan assistance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reminds island ranchers that the Livestock Indemnity Program remains available for producer losses.

For more information on these federal programs, please contact your county USDA Farm Service Agency office:

USDA Farm Service Agency - Oahu
(808) 441-2704

USDA Farm Service Agency – Hawaii Island
(808) 933-8381 Ext. 2

USDA Farm Service Agency - Kauai
(808) 245-9014 Ext. 353

USDA Farm Service Agency - Maui
(808) 871-5500 Ext. 2

(Report Provided by the Office of U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 19, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST

Hannemann, Abercrombie Prepping For Battle

Hawaii's top Democrats will gather for a unity breakfast in two months, traditionally held the day after a primary election. But it's anyone's guess how unified Democrats will be the September morning following what is expected to be a close and potentially ugly tug-of-war between former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

That contest, which has been simmering for months, begins in earnest on Tuesday when Hannemann quits his current post, as is required by the state's "resign-to-run" law, and files candidacy papers for governor.

The two men are not exactly best buddies, having wrestled in 1986 for a congressional seat in a campaign most remembered for Hannemann's stinging TV and print ads.

The ads suggested Abercrombie was soft on drugs and "enjoys marijuana" -- assertions Abercrombie called untrue. Hannemann won the primary but lost in the general election to Republican Pat Saiki.

James "Duke" Aiona, meanwhile, hopes that lightning strikes twice. The Republican lieutenant governor is sitting on the sidelines with weak primary opposition, husbanding his dollars and hoping Hannemann and Abercrombie bloody each other's nose.

"What you will get, I think, is more and more of the sniping back and forth" between the two Democrats, said Dan Boylan, emeritus professor of history at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu.

If independent voters end up repelled, he added, "I think the Republicans have a shot at this."

Dante Carpenter, chairman of the state Democratic Party, said he hopes the Democrats minimize negative campaigning for the sake of whoever wins the primary. "People get tired of politics which is antagonistic," he said.

The two former Honolulu councilmen couldn't be more different in style, and appearance.

The 55-year-old Hannemann stands 6-foot-7 and likes to croon to audiences. The 72-year-old Abercrombie is 5-foot-4 and tends to speak in lengthy, occasionally fiery monologues.

The pair appear generally aligned on many policy issues -- though Abercrombie has released detailed policy proposals, including on education, energy and small business while Hannemann has yet to specify many of his positions.

They both support Honolulu's rail transit project, for which Hannemann has been chief sponsor. They opposed furloughing public school teachers and have good ties with labor unions, particularly public employee unions.

The most prominent divergence may be on social issues. Abercrombie favors abortion rights and gay marriage, and would have signed the same-sex civil unions measure that Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed on July 6.

Hannemann, who for months had refused to clearly state a position on the civil unions bill, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Friday, "I guess I probably would have vetoed it." According to campaign adviser Elisa Yadao, he is "pro-life but respects the right of a woman to make her own decisions."

A former White House fellow, Hannemann worked in Democratic and GOP presidential administrations, served on the Honolulu City Council, and was elected mayor twice, most recently in 2008.

Abercrombie, who was chairman of a U.S. House subcommittee overseeing Air Force and Army policies, represented urban Honolulu for almost 20 years until he resigned in February to focus on his gubernatorial aspirations. Previously, he was a state legislator and city councilman.

Whatever personal rivalry the 1986 battle generated between the two, their political ambitions didn't clash again until their gubernatorial designs became clear last year.

Still, they have occasionally thrown verbal darts. When Hannemann announced he would seek the governor's office, he obliquely referred to his rival's age and chastised Abercrombie for resigning his House seat, which was won by Republican Charles Djou.

"He's now bailed to come to retire to the governor's job," Hannemann said.

Abercrombie has not turned a cheek. He's described his foe as a "wimp" for not stating a position on the civil unions measure, and called negative campaigning "a hallmark of the mayor's approach -- it's typical of his campaigns."

But aides in both camps insist expectations for a mud-throwing contest are overblown. In fact, said Yadao, the two worked collegially on the rail project.

"You have two very intelligent, energetic, passionate individuals, neither of whom is shy about expressing himself," Yadao said. "It's going to be a very spirited vigorous campaign all around."

Andrew Aoki, Abercrombie's deputy campaign manager, agreed.

"They're both strong personalities ... who have been in hard campaigns a lot," he said. "I don't think Neil is preoccupied with that at all."

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 18, 2010 6:45 p.m. HST

Highway Reopened After Early Morning Shooting Incident Near Kapalua

Maui Police have completed their on-scene investigation of a shooting earlier today near Honoap'ilani Highway near the Honolua Lookout. The road was reopened to traffic at 5:50 p.m.. For more on the story, read the Breaking News entries below.

(InformationProvided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 18, 2010 4:55 p.m. HST

Earthquake Rumbles Under East O'ahu

A moderate earthquake shook east O'ahu this afternoon. Seismologists say the temblor struck at 3:18 p.m. Magnitude has been measured at 3.5 on the richter scale. There are no reports of damage or injury.

(Information Provided b the State of Hawai'i, Department of Civil Defense)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 18, 2010 4:05 p.m. HST

Officer Not Seriously Injured in Attempted Murder Case

A Maui Police officer has been treated and released after being struck by a pickup truck this morning in the West Maui area known as "Windmills." See the original story below.

Police have arrested five men in the pickup who were involved in the attempted murder of the officer. They fled the scene around 4:20 a.m. today but were stopped and arrested soon thereafter. Two men were immediately taken into custody.

The three others were taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center with varying degrees of severity of injury. One 18 year-old male suffered serious injury and was flown to Honolulu for medical treatment. Another 18 year-old male suffered an injury to his left ear. He is in surgery at this hour at Maui Memorial Medical Center. A third boy, a 17 year-old male, suffered an injury to his buttock. He was treated and released from Maui Memorial Medical Center. None of the injuries to either the officer nor any of the five suspects is considered life-threatening.

Police have released no further details on the incident.

(Information Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 18, 2010 12 p.m. HST

Maui Officer Struck by Fleeing Suspects Near Honolua

This morning at around 4:14 a.m., police officers were assigned to respond to an area known as “Windmill Beach” due to a report of numerous gun shots fired. When the officers approached the area, a vehicle was seen leaving the area. The officers stopped the vehicle and talked to the occupants. The occupants of the vehicle identified the vehicle involved as a Toyota pickup.

While the officers obtained more information from the occupants; the occupants pointed to a pickup truck approaching the officers as the vehicle involved.

The officers attempted to stop the pickup truck, but the pickup truck refused to stop and accelerated toward the officers. An officer was struck by the pickup truck and the assisting officers fired at the pickup truck. The truck fled the area and the officers pursued. The pickup truck later stopped at an area called “Honolua Bay Lookout.”

There were five occupants in the pickup truck; two occupants were arrested and transported to the police station, and three occupants suffered injuries and were transported to the Emergency Room at the Maui Memorial Hospital for treatment. The report did not indicate whether the injuries were the result of gunshot wounds.

Police Detectives are at the scene conducting investigation. No estimate has been given on when the road will reopen.

(Information Provided by Maui County Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 18, 2010 10:20 a.m. HST

Alaskan Quake Does Not Generate Tsunami

An earthquake this morning off of Alaska’s Aleutian islands poses no tsunami threat to Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said today.

The quake hit about six miles below the Fox islands, part of the Aleutian chain, at 9:48 a.m. Hawaii time.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center measured the magnitude of the earthquake at 6.2, said Dailin Wang, an oceanographer at the center.

But preliminary reports from the U.S. Geological Survey measured the quake at 5.8 magnitude, Wang said.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 18, 2010 6:20 a.m. HST

Hawai'i Team Takes Top Honors at U.S. Robotics Competition

Maui Police report that Honoapi'ilani Highway is closed in the area of Honolua Lookout in West Maui. The only information provided is that an "investigation is under way." Opening time for the road has not been determined.

(Information Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 17, 2010 5:55 p.m. HST

Hawai'i Team Takes Top Honors at U.S. Robotics Competition

HONOLULU - Competing among 79 of the nation’s top high school robotics teams, Waialua High School Robotics took the top honor at the exclusive Indianapolis Robotics Invitational (IRI). The Indianapolis off-season FIRST Robotics tournament is available to teams by invitation only.

Waialua was part of a three-team alliance, with the “Beach Bots” from Los Angeles, California and Las Guerillas from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Waialua High School completed an incredibly successful 2010 FIRST Robotics season, winning the San Diego, Arizona and Hawaii Regional Competitions and competing in the division semi-finals at the World Championship in Atlanta, Geogia.

Waialua’s team was Hawai‘i’s only robotics team to be invited to compete in the 2010 IRI. McKinley High School previously competed in IRI in 2009.

The 2011 FIRST Robotics season will kick-off January 8, 2011 with the FIRST in Hawai‘i Regional Robotics Competition on March 24-26, 2011.

FIRST is one of six major educational robotics programs in the state. Recognizing the importance of promoting robotics at an early age and sustaining students' interest in STEM education throughout their schooling, Hawai‘i's six robotics programs (FIRST Robotics, Botball, Underwater ROV, VEX Robotics, Micro Robotics, FIRST LEGO League) have joined together to form the Hawai‘i Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC). As a critical component of the Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative, robotics engages students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and provides them with the teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to compete in the 21st century workplace.

To learn more about robotics education in Hawai‘i and view photos of the competition, visit www.hawaiiroc.org. Learn more about how to support Hawai‘i’s robotics students by contacting the Friends of Hawai‘i Robotics, a registered Hawaii non-profit corporation, via telephone at 808-738-4590.

(Report Provided by the Hawai'i Robotics Committee)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 17, 2010 9:20 a.m. HST

Hannemann Resets Position on Civil Unions

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said yesterday that he too would have vetoed the civil unions bill rejected by Gov. Linda Lingle, describing it as "tantamount to marriage."

Hannemann said that if he were to be elected governor in November, he would work with state lawmakers on expanding the state's reciprocal beneficiaries law so gay couples could have additional benefits. But he said he would use his veto power if lawmakers sent him an identical civil unions bill.

"If that bill continues to be tantamount to marriage -- between a man and a man or a woman and a woman -- I could not sign it," he said at a meeting with Star-Advertiser editors and reporters. "I would not sign it."

Pressed on exactly what he would have done had the bill reached his desk as governor, he said, "I guess I probably would have vetoed it."

Until yesterday Hannemann had declined to say how he would have handled the civil unions bill. He has consistently opposed same-sex marriage but has also said he is open to greater rights for gay couples. After Lingle vetoed the bill this month, calling it same-sex marriage by another name, he agreed with the governor that the issue should be placed on the ballot as a constitutional amendment for voters.

Hannemann's remarks yesterday give voters a clear distinction on civil unions in the Democratic primary in September. Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, Hannemann's rival, supports civil unions.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the leading Republican candidate for governor, opposes civil unions and backs a ballot question for voters.

"I stand with Sen. Daniel Inouye and many others who say we must never tolerate discrimination," Abercrombie said in a statement. "HB 444 was not a same-sex marriage bill. The state Legislature has already defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Civil unions respect our diversity, protect people's privacy and reinforce our core values of equality and aloha.

"The mayor has tried to have it both ways on this civil-rights issue. People want leadership they can trust, no matter what their feelings about HB 444. Leadership is taking principled positions and having the courage to stick by them."

The bill vetoed by Lingle would have given same-sex and heterosexual couples the ability to enter into civil unions and receive the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as marriage under state law. Couples in civil unions would not have been recognized under federal law or by other states that do not have or recognize civil unions. Civil unions also would not have had the same social, cultural and religious significance as marriage.

Hannemann said that he would have reached the same conclusion as Lingle. Under the bill, civil unions would have provided gay couples the same benefits as marriage under state law.

"I need to see a bill that doesn't cross that line," he said.

Hannemann said that, if elected, he would work with lawmakers and others to craft an expansion to the state's reciprocal beneficiaries law, which provides gay couples some of the same benefits as marriage. If he and lawmakers are unable to come up with a compromise, he said, he is comfortable with putting the question before voters.

Asked whether he considered it a civil rights issue, he questioned how it could be solely about civil rights if the state Supreme Court left it to the state Legislature to decide in the 1990s.

The Supreme Court, in a landmark 1993 ruling, found that denying gay couples marriage licenses was discriminatory under the state Constitution's equal protection clause, but sent the issue back to the lower courts for the state to defend. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1998 that gave the Legislature the power to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

"If it was purely a civil rights issue, why did the courts punt this to the Legislature to make the decision on it?" Hannemann said. "I don't understand that."

Hannemann, a Mormon who has said he prays over his decisions, said he wants to end discrimination against gays.

"At the same time I need to be true to myself and what I believe," he said. "But I want to be fair about it. I want to be open about it. And I believe that there are still things that we can do to ensure that benefits are extended to everyone."

Hannemann, who is of Samoan and German ancestry, said he understands and has experienced discrimination.

"I know what it's like to be told, 'Samoans are supposed to play football and basketball, clean your car at McKinley Car Wash.' Or, 'You'll never be elected mayor,'" he said.

"'Unless you're Caucasian, you can't be elected mayor of this city.' I know what it's like to be told those things. Why? 'Because you're Samoan. And that's where you should go back to -- Samoa -- if you want to get elected.'

"But I was born and raised here. I wasn't born and raised in Samoa. So I know what it's like. I know the stinging rebuke. And I don't want anybody to feel that way."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddpledge@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 17, 2010 7:50 a.m. HST

Jencks Appointed to LUC

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has appointed former Maui Public Works Director Charles Jencks to serve as an interim commissioner on the state Land Use Commission (LUC). Jencks will replace Ransom “Randy” Piltz, who resigned on July 2 to run for Maui County Mayor. Jencks will complete Piltz’s remaining term, which runs through June 30, 2011.

“I appreciate Charlie stepping in to assume this important responsibility in the State’s land-use decision making process,” said Governor Lingle. “I worked closely with Charlie when I was Mayor of Maui County as well as over the past eight years as Governor. I know first-hand of Charlie’s’ extensive experience in planning and development, his understanding of protecting agricultural and conservation lands, and his sensitivity to the community and Native Hawaiian cultural land practices. He will be an excellent addition to the Land Use Commission.”

Jencks served as director of the Maui County Department of Public Works and Waste Management from 1995 to 2000, and deputy director from 1991 to 1995.

He currently is a partner with Second & Peck Real Estate, LLC, and is also the owner’s representative for Honua‘ula Partners, LLC, which is developing the Honua‘ula project in South Maui.

Jencks previously worked for Bergheer Wailea, which built a resort condominium project in Wailea Resort. He also worked for the Irvine Company in Newport Beach, Calif., where he managed the design and development of residential communities.

Jencks is the past board chair of the Maui Chamber of Commerce; past president and board member of the Maui Contractors Association; past board member and president of the Maui Family YMCA; board member and past president of Maui County Council Boy Scouts of America; board member of Seaburry Hall School and chair of its Physical Facilities Committee.

He has a bachelor’s degree in urban environmental management from California State University.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 17, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST

Two More File for Mayor's Seat

WAILUKU - Wailuku planning consultant Chris Hart filed Thursday as a candidate for Maui County mayor.

Hart, a former Maui County planning director, joins an already crowded field of candidates seeking to challenge Mayor Charmaine Tavares in her bid for a second term in office.

Hart said he would focus on "back-to-basics" issues including improving the economy; job creation; efficient government; community services like transportation for seniors, youth and the disabled; and public infrastructure such as water system improvements.

"With my background and experience, I have a unique understanding of county government and sincerely feel that I can be an effective mayor and catalyst to make Maui County a better place," he said in a statement.

Also entering the race this week was Kihei resident Jonathon Olson.

So far, nine candidates have filed in the mayor's race, including former Mayor Alan Arakawa, Maui County Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala and former state Land Use Commission Member Randy Piltz.

In other county races, sustainability advocate Kai Nishiki filed as a candidate for the Makawao-Haiku-Paia seat on the Maui County Council.

She joins three other candidates who have already filed to compete for the seat that is being left vacant by outgoing County Council Member Mike Molina, who is barred from running again due to term limits. Nishiki will face departing Board of Education Member Mary Cochran, former legislator and Kaanapali Beach Hotel General Manager Mike White, and Kuau Mart owner Leona Nomura in the contest.

Also this week, County Council Chairman Danny Mateo filed to run for re-election to the council's Molokai residency seat. Mateo is currently running unopposed.

And in state races, Republican Shelby Schmucker filed as a candidate for the 8th House District seat. Schmucker will face the victor from what's expected to be a three-way Democratic primary between incumbent Rep. Joe Souki, Wailuku pastor Tasha Kama and public school teacher Justin Hughey.

Candidates have a Tuesday deadline to file nomination papers.

Ilima Loomis can be reached at iloomis@mauinews.com.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 16, 2010 7:40 a.m. HST

Disaster? There's an App for That

Kihei, Maui, Hawaii: Pacific Disaster Center (PDC), a program managed by the University of Hawaii, has published Disaster Alert, a free-download application for iPhone and iPad that gives users access to worldwide hazard and disaster event data. The information can be viewed on an interactive map, in quick-view lists or as a detailed presentation on a single event. Disaster Alert is available from iTunes and AppShopper.

PDC now makes information on hazards and disasters, worldwide, available to mobile device users. “Disaster Alert,” a free application published by PDC, gives iPhone and iPad users access to the PDC Active Hazards. The term Active Hazards refers to a collection of current and real-time incidents, compiled from authoritative sources on events around the globe. The events in the system have been designated “potentially hazardous to people, property, or assets” by the automated processes of PDC’s DisasterAWARE decision support system and by disaster management professionals who use the system.

“We are very pleased with this new app,” PDC Executive Director Ray Shirkhodai said, “and we consider its publication an important milestone. Disaster Alert puts the latest reliable hazard and disaster information in the hands of the public anywhere in the world.”

Currently, the Disaster Alert application provides instant access to visualized data on 12 different hazard types: Drought, Earthquake, Flood, High Surf (Hawaii), High Wind (Hawaii), Man Made, Marine, Storm, Cyclone, Tsunami, Volcano and Wildfire. Other hazards will be added to the system over time.

In addition to selecting the view— interactive map, hazards in a list, details of a specific hazard event—the application’s features include 1) the option to select a background map, 2) update of all active hazards every five minutes, 3) the ability to select/change time zones.

The sources of data used in the Disaster Alert are among the most trusted organizations in the world. For a detailed list, review PDC’s partners at http://www.pdc.org.

PDC is currently considering the development of editions of Disaster Alert for other mobile platforms.

(Report Provided by the Pacific Disaster Center)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 16, 2010 7:20 a.m. HST

Small Businesses May Catch a Break on Health Insurance

Natalie Brown-Aiwohi, owner of Headshots Hawaii, might be eligible to receive several thousand dollars in federal tax credits this year under the new health care reform law, and even more in the upcoming years.

CATCHING A BREAK Two cases of benefits from the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit: AUTO REPAIR SHOP » Employees: 10 » Wages: $250,000 total, or $25,000 per worker » Employer health care costs: $70,000 » 2010 tax credit: $24,500 (35% credit) » 2014 tax credit: $35,000 (50% credit) RESTAURANT » Employees: 40 half-time employees (the equivalent of 20 full-time workers) » Wages: $500,000 total, or $25,000 per full-time equivalent worker » Employer health care costs: $240,000 » 2010 tax credit: $28,000 (35% credit with phase-out) » 2014 tax credit: $40,000 (50% credit with phase-out) Source: www.whitehouse.gov

Her business qualifies for a federal tax credit of up to 35 percent of the roughly $9,000 in premiums she pays each year for employee health benefits.

"Anything for small businesses I think is great because for us we suffer the most," said Brown-Aiwohi, who has 14 part-time workers.

Approximately 16,300, or 81 percent, of Hawaii businesses with fewer than 25 workers and average annual wages of less than $50,000 will qualify for the federal tax credit, according to a report released yesterday by Families USA, a national consumer health advocacy group based in Washington, D.C.

Of those, the report showed that 4,900 local companies with 10 or fewer workers earning an average annual wage of less than $25,000 qualify for the maximum tax credit of 35 percent this year. That increases to 50 percent of the premium by 2014.

"This should help small-business owners to make coverage more affordable," said Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA.

The amount of the subsidies small businesses receive will vary based on the number of employees and the average compensation.

The tax credit was added to the health care reform law to lower the cost of offering health benefits to employees. Small businesses in many states are not required to offer health insurance.

In Hawaii the Prepaid Health Care Act of 1974 mandates that employers provide health insurance to employees who work 20 hours or more a week.

"For Hawaii, small businesses are finally going to get some federal relief from doing something they've already been doing all along -- that's a big difference from the rest of the country," said Jennifer Diesman, vice president of government relations at the Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state's largest health insurer.

"I would call it sort of a double-edged sword," said Tim Lyons, executive director of Hawaii Business League, a small-business advocacy group comprising 1,200 members. "It's an expense you already have that you may be able to offset with the tax credit. The other side of that sword is the amount of time and effort it takes to figure out, apply for and receive the credit."

Nationally, more than 4 million small businesses -- or 83.7 percent -- could qualify for the credit this year, according to the report. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the tax credit will save small businesses $40 billion by 2019.

Families USA calculated the number of small businesses eligible for the tax credit by sampling about 39,000 businesses from the U.S. Census Bureau's Business Register.

To calculate estimated tax credits, go to smallbusinessmajority.org/tax-credit-calculator.

Reach Kristen Consilio at kconsilio@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 16, 2010 6:30 a.m. HST

Thursday Makawao Fire Burns Close to Homes

MAKAWAO - A brush fire that started around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, on Hoomaha Street in Makawao was brought under control by fire crews approximately an hour later at 5:10 p.m. Fire officials declared it extinguished at 8:10 p.m.

Air One assisted firefighters from the Kula, Kahului and Paia stations. According to Acting Battalion Chief Allen Duarte, windy conditions contributed to the fire moving quickly through dry pasture land and brought the fire within 20 yards of nearby homes, but no structures were seriously threatened.

Maui Police closed nearby Manienie Road temporarily during the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 15, 2010 2:20 p.m. HST

'Hawai'i Five-0' Starts Filming Today

Filming began this morning in Waikiki on the new era of "Hawaii Five-0," CBS television's iconic police drama.

The filming of the remake started with a high-octane chase into the lobby of the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Rainbow Tower in Waikiki.

Dozens of tourists and a gaggle of reporters watched as the new Steve McGarrett, played by Alexander O'Loughlin, and Danno, played by Scott Caan, roared up the resort driveway in a silver Camaro. They were followed closely by Daniel Dae Kim -- the new Chin Ho Kelly -- on a Harley-Davidson.

They were hot on the trail of a modern villain, explained the show's executive producer, Peter Lenkov.

"It's going to be a big action sequence," he had promised before the cameras rolled. "In order to question him they are going to hang him off the building. McGarrett does things in a different way."

The original "Hawaii Five-0" filmed its last cop chase 30 years ago.

The new "Hawaii Five-0" will premiere this fall on Monday nights after a preview screening of the pilot episode Sept. 13 at Sunset on the Beach. CBS filmed the pilot in March.

"It feels good," Kim said before his first scene. The popular actor starred on ABC's "Lost" for six seasons and made Hawaii his home. "I feel like this has been in the works for a while and I've been waiting at the starting gates," he said.

The morning began with a blessing, attended by Honolulu's real top cop, Chief Louis Kealoha, who is a fan of the original series.

"Put as many bad guys as you can in jail," he said.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 15, 2010 9:30 a.m. HST

Fresh Express Products in Hawai'i May Contain E. Coli

The Hawaii State Department of Health is alerting retailers and consumers of a voluntary recall of Fresh Express Romaine Lettuce products with Use-By-Dates from July 8-12, 2010 (and the letter "S" in the product code) due to possible E. coli contamination.

The recalled products were shipped to Hawaii and sold here. Consumers may still have these products in their refrigerators as the products may still be in relatively good condition. At this time, there are no reports of illness related to the recalled product. For more information on the recall go to http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm219057.htm.

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

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 15, 2010 8:40 a.m. HST

Typhoon Conson Leaves 37 Dead On Way Through Phillipines

MANILA, Philippines - Typhoon Conson blew out of the Philippines on Thursday after killing at least 37 people, plunging the main northern island into darkness and leaving the new president fuming over forecasters' failure to predict that the storm would slam into the capital.

Emergency crews restored electricity to Manila and nearby provinces on Luzon island as normalcy crept back. Flights resumed and schools reopened Thursday. Authorities continued the search for 26 missing fishermen and started to repair the damage caused by the year's first major typhoon.

Conson hit the northeastern coast Tuesday night, packing winds of 75 miles per hour and gusts of 95 mph. It blew out of the Philippines into the South China Sea on Thursday with sustained winds of about 55 mph per hour, government weather forecaster Gener Quiplong said.

Conson, which has now weakened into a tropical storm, is forecast to make another landfall along the Chinese-Vietnamese border this weekend.

The Philippines is hit by about 20 typhoons and storms a year, gaining a reputation as the welcome mat for the most destructive cyclones from the Pacific. Last year, back-to-back typhoons inundated Manila and outlying provinces, killing nearly 1,000 people.

Newly elected Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, in a nationally televised emergency meeting, scolded the weather bureau for failing to predict that Conson would hit Manila, which left government agencies unprepared for the onslaught.

On Thursday, navy, coast guard and policemen recovered the bodies of 14 fishermen at Bataan province, west of Manila. Nine died when a wayward oil barge slammed into their boats, which were moored near Mariveles town, the coast guard said.

The high winds and waves pulled up the barge's anchor late Tuesday and sent the steel-hulled vessel hurtling toward about 10 fishing boats which were being secured by their owners and crews, regional coast guard chief Commodore Luis Tuason Jr. said.

"The fishing boats were hit like bowling pins," Tuason told The Associated Press.

Another barge loaded with cooking gas ran aground and smashed into 25 shanties in Manila's Tondo slum district but caused no deaths, he said.

The bodies of five other fishermen were found at sea off Bataan, where their boats sank, he said.

In Rosario town in Cavite province, south of Manila, an oil tanker ran aground at the height of the typhoon and apparently struck and damaged an underwater oil pipe, causing a small spill close to a wharf which was being contained, Tuason said.

In all, 37 deaths were reported over six provinces and in a city near Manila.

More than 10,000 houses were destroyed or damaged and 9,500 people were moved to 54 evacuation centers, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said.

Associated Press writers Oliver Teves, Teresa Cerojano, Hrvoje Hranjski, Shino Yuasa and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Chi-Chi Zhang in Beijing contributed to this report.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 15, 2010 7:20 a.m. HST

Maui Fire Chief Favors Fireworks Ban

Noting the rash of brush fires on the Valley Isle around the Fourth of July, Maui Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray said he favors a ban on consumer use of fireworks in Maui County and the rest of the state.

Dozens of brush fires occurred in and around the holiday on Maui, including one in Happy Valley -- which burned off and on for three days -- traced to illegal aerial fireworks.

"The amount of calls and the amount of fires is pretty much the evidence. ... We need to take responsibility," Murray said.

"As chief, I really think a ban is necessary, especially with drought conditions we have now. It's been getting worse."

Murray said he felt a statewide ban would make it easier for law enforcement agencies to keep fireworks out of the state.

"It would get it at the root," he said. "My position is we need to look out for the safety of our citizens and visitors alike."

Act 170, passed by the 2010 state Legislature, allows each county to set its own laws regulating the use of fireworks.

The law also calls for the creation of a task force to submit a plan to stop the illegal importation of fireworks. A report by the legislative task force is scheduled to be submitted no later than Jan. 10, 2011.

Maui County Council Chairman Danny Mateo is drafting a proposed ordinance calling for a ban on fireworks. Mateo was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Reach Gary Kubota at gkubota@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 15, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST

We're #1! - In Credit Card Debt

Hawaii consumers have racked up the highest credit card debt in the nation, carrying an average of $9,296 per person in the first half of the year.

That's 17 percent higher than the national average of $7,917, according to figures released yesterday by Credit Karma Inc., a California-based credit advocate and credit scoring website.

"The cost of just getting by here is higher," said Wendy Burkholder, executive director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaii. "We pay more for housing, we pay more for gas, we pay more for groceries -- it's not an easy place. Any hiccup on the income can set people up to experience trouble -- and there's plenty of hiccups going on right now."

With many Hawaii consumers losing their jobs or having their pay cut, the average credit card holder took on an additional $2,263 in debt in the past year.

Not only are Hawaii residents leading the nation in credit card debt, but they are also No. 2 in mortgage debt.

The six-month average mortgage debt per person in the islands was $314,721, significantly higher than the national average of $177,934.

Hawaii fared better on two remaining areas measured by Credit Karma: auto loans and student loans.

Average auto loan debt here totaled $15,335, just slightly ahead of the national average of $14,922. Student loan debt amounted to $25,658, a bit less than the national average of $27,482, according to Credit Karma, which collected the data from a sample of 281,000 consumers nationwide, including 1,600 in Hawaii.

Hawaii residents often end up carrying a mountain of credit card debt because wages here don't keep up with the state's high costs of living, according to Honolulu bankruptcy lawyer Blake Goodman.

"They close the earnings and spending gap by living off credit," Goodman said. "That can only last for so long."

Dion Ruidas of Wailuku, Maui, nearly lost it all -- his home, car and other assets -- when his concrete accessories business was impacted as construction activity cooled at the end of 2007. By 2008, he had racked up $40,000 in credit card debt and is in the process of filing for bankruptcy.

"Over time it just caught up with me," he said. "It was just totally unmanageable. I wasn't making payments. Now because of my credit being so bad, I've got to pay up front if a contractor makes an order. My suppliers that I get my products from, they closed my accounts. It was very stressful to the point where I cut back everything from cable to eating out."

Besides the financial toll debt takes on a family, there's an equally significant emotional toll, said Waimanalo resident Chris Opiopio, 56, a former ticket agent who was laid off twice -- first from Aloha Airlines when it shut down in March 2008 and again from Mokulele Airlines when it consolidated operations with Mesa Air Group's interisland carrier go! in October 2009.

Opiopio, also a full-time caregiver for her disabled husband, resisted getting credit counseling until January when she found herself $25,000 in the hole.

"It was I guess a pride kind of thing, where it's shame -- I didn't want to feel stupid," said Opiopio, who worked for Aloha Airlines for 30 years. "I started using credit cards to buy groceries and putting in gas. I'm sure a lot of us had to max out credit cards with household expenses."

The typical client at Consumer Credit Counseling Service owes roughly $24,000, the bulk of which comes from credit card debt, Burkholder said. That's compared with the $8,000 average debt load of a client 10 years ago, she said.

More consumers are tapping into credit cards to subsidize their cash flow after being laid off and exhausting their savings, Burkholder said.

"Many of them are just shellshocked. They hadn't done anything wrong -- they hadn't gotten a crazy home loan or bitten off more than they can chew. It's just one event after another that derailed them and they found themselves in a place they never expected to be."

Reach Kristen Consilio at kconsilio@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 14, 2010 5:10 p.m. HST

Happy Valley Fire 100 Contained - But Not Extinguished

According to Fire Department officials, the fire remains at 100 percent containment and is not yet extinguished. Firefighters will continue to monitor the burn area and perimeter tonight.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 14, 2010 4:40 p.m. HST

County Clarifies Furlough Friday Closures and Changes

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- The public is reminded that most County offices and facilities will be closed this Friday, July 16, 2010, for the first scheduled furlough day of the new fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Furloughed employees will also include all managerial staff.

One day per month furloughs were proposed by Mayor Charmaine Tavares and approved by the County Council as part of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.

“Establishing a furlough schedule has been a complex process, and since this type of mandatory furlough program has not been implemented before for County employees, we will be closely monitoring its implementation,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “I appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as the furlough schedule takes effect.”

The public is advised to visit the County website at www.mauicounty.gov/furlough for more information on the furloughs and to view printable schedules of furlough days for Fiscal Year 2011.

CLOSED ON FRIDAY:
All County offices, including:
- Service Centers and Satellite Offices
- Payment Windows and Counters
- Administrative Offices
- Permit Offices
- Senior Centers
- Fire Prevention Bureau
- Maui Police Dept. Records & ID Section

NO CHANGES or CLOSURES:
• Permitted events at County facilities
• Beach parks and comfort stations
• Public parks, playgrounds, tennis courts and comfort stations • Waiehu Golf Course • Play and Learn Sessions (PALS) • Police, firefighters and lifeguard protection • Online information, renewals and payments • Residential refuse collection on Maui (except Hana) and Lanai

As a reminder, the furlough schedule will result in refuse collection on Molokai and Hana occurring on two schedules. On Molokai, regularly scheduled Friday pickups will be made on Wednesdays during weeks containing a furlough day. In Hana, Friday pickups will be made on Thursdays during weeks containing a furlough day.

All County landfills will be open on Friday, but closed on Sunday as previously announced. County landfills located on Molokai, Lanai and in Hana are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

For more information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/furlough.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 14, 2010 2:10 p.m. HST

Fired Maui Prosecutor Suing County

WAILUKU - A fired Maui County deputy prosecutor has filed a federal lawsuit that accuses her former department of discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment.

Marie Kosegarten's suit names the department, Maui Prosecutor Benjamin Acob and Deputy Prosecutor Timothy Tate.

Tate said he had no comment on the suit. Acob referred questions on the suit to Maui County Deputy Corporation Counsel Cheryl Tipton, who is representing the defendants.

Tipton says the defendants didn't discriminate against Kosegarten.

The lawsuit says Kosegarten was "threatened and tormented with discipline, demotions and other negative consequences" after Acob became prosecuting attorney in January 2007 until she was fired in June 2009.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 14, 2010 7:25 a.m. HST

Major Candidates to File for Political Races Today

Three major Hawaii political figures are set to formally become candidates for the Sept. 18 primary elections.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said he will file papers with the state Office of Elections in Pearl City to become a candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination at 10 a.m. today.

An hour later, former state Democratic Party Chairman Brian Schatz is to file candidacy documents for his party's nod for lieutenant governor.

And at 1 p.m., state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa will file her papers to run for the Democratic nomination for Hawaii's 1st Congressional District seat.

Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann told supporters on Maui Sunday that he will file papwers and rsign his post as mayor on the filing deadline of July 20th.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 14, 2010 6:35 a.m. HST

State Tax Return Delays Added 3.9 Percent to State General Fund

Gov. Linda Lingle's highly criticized move of delaying tax refund payments until after the start of the new fiscal calendar resulted in a higher general fund balance for the recently concluded fiscal year.

The "adjusted" general fund balance of $4.37 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30 was 3.9 percent higher than a year ago, but it includes $187.4 million in corporate and individual tax refunds that were not returned to taxpayers.

When the withheld refunds are factored out, general fund deposits actually decreased by 0.5 percent, according to preliminary figures released this week by the state Tax Department.

The adjusted general fund balance is in line with the May forecast from the state Council on Revenues, which predicted an increase of 4 percent when factoring in the withheld tax payments. The Council noted that future forecasts would be affected depending on whether future administrations continued the practice of withholding refunds until after July 1.

When she released her budget in December, Lingle said the financial plan was balanced in part by withholding $275 million in tax refunds. As the economy improved and tax collections began to rebound, Lingle announced in May that the state would begin paying refunds to taxpayers who filed in January and February.

Lingle's budgeting was criticized by lawmakers.

House Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro (D, Wahiawa-Poamoho) said Lingle was kicking the can down the road for future administrations to handle, while Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Donna Mercado Kim (D, Kalihi) described her budgeting at one point as a "shell game."

Both noted that unless future governors continued the practice of withholding refunds, the Legislature would have to find the money to plug the hole it would create in the budget.

It prompted the Legislature to pass a measure requiring the state to pay interest on tax refunds not released within 90 days of the filing deadline. Lingle signed the bill June 23.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 13, 2010 4:55 p.m. HST

Happy Valley Fire Under Control - 100 Percent Contained

Although not yet considered extinguished, Fire Department officials report that as of 2:30 p.m. today the fire is under control with 100% containment. Firefighters will monitor the burn area and perimeter tonight.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 13, 2010 4:45 p.m. HST

County Offices to Close Friday for First Furlough Day

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- The public is reminded that most County offices and facilities will be closed this Friday, July 16, 2010, for the first scheduled furlough day of the new fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Furloughed employees will also include all managerial staff.

One day per month furloughs were proposed by Mayor Charmaine Tavares and approved by the County Council as part of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.

“Establishing a furlough schedule has been a complex process, and since this type of mandatory furlough program has not been implemented before for County employees, we will be closely monitoring its implementation,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “I appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as the furlough schedule takes effect.”

The public is advised to visit the County website at www.mauicounty.gov/furlough for more information on the furloughs and to view printable schedules of furlough days for Fiscal Year 2011.

CLOSED ON FRIDAY:
All County offices, including:
- Service Centers and Satellite Offices
- Payment Windows and Counters
- Administrative Offices
- Permit Offices
- Senior Centers
- Fire Prevention Bureau
- Maui Police Dept. Records & ID Section County swimming pools

NO CHANGES or CLOSURES:
- Permitted events at County facilities
- Beach parks and comfort stations
- Public parks, playgrounds, tennis courts and comfort stations
- Waiehu Golf Course
- Play and Learn Sessions (PALS)
- Police, firefighters and lifeguard protection
- Online information, renewals and payments

As a reminder, the furlough schedule will result in refuse collection on Molokai and Hana occurring on two schedules. On Molokai, regularly scheduled Friday pickups will be made on Wednesdays during weeks containing a furlough day. In Hana, Friday pickups will be made on Thursdays during weeks containing a furlough day.

All County landfills will be open on Friday, but closed on Sunday as previously announced. County landfills located on Molokai, Lanai and in Hana are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

For more information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/furlough.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 13, 2010 2:05 p.m. HST

Governor Lingle Sends Letter to Senators Endorsing Akaka Bill

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today sent a letter to all U.S. Senators affirming her strong support of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, also known as the Akaka Bill, and encouraging them to support bringing the bill to a vote in the Senate and to vote to enact it into law.

The Governor sent the letter after reaching an agreement with Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka on changes to the bill (H.R. 2314) that address concerns she had after the Akaka Bill was amended late last year and earlier this year. Those amendments caused Governor Lingle to reluctantly withdraw her support for the bill, despite being a strong proponent of previous versions throughout her almost eight years as Governor.

In March of this year, she sent a letter to the U.S. Senators expressing her concerns about the material changes that had been made to the bill, primarily the exemption of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, its officers and employees, from the reach of many of Hawai‘i’s state laws that protect the health and safety of Hawai‘i’s citizens.

In the letter sent today, Governor Lingle said the agreed upon changes to the bill between her and Sens. Inouye and Akaka “return the bill to a form that protects health and safety in Hawaii, while providing explicit federal recognition to the only native people in the United States who lack that recognition – Native Hawaiians.”

The Governor also wrote that passage of the Akaka Bill will, “put Hawaii on an equal footing with its forty-nine sister states, and will recognize Native Hawaiians just as America recognizes it other indigenous groups. It is fair and just – nothing more, nothing less.”

Governor Lingle’s letter also said, “The Akaka Bill is constitutional, is good public policy, is (in its to-be-amended form) supported by Hawaii’s citizens, is consistent with Congress’ approach to recognition of other native peoples of America, and is just and fair.”

Read Governor Lingle's letter to senators.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 13, 2010 12 p.m. HST

Water Tanks Replenished, Fire 80 Percent Contained in Happy Halley

According to the Department of Water Supply, a safe water level for the tank affected in Happy Valley when power was shut off Sunday evening has been restored. The public's response to the County's request yesterday for water use conservation by customers in the Central and South Maui during that period is greatly appreciated.

At 11 a.m. today, Fire officials report that the fire is now at 80 percent containment. The amount of acreage burned remains at an estimated 24 acres. There were no notable incidents last night as firefighters monitored the burn area through the night. Firefighters on scene today will continue to put out hot spots and monitor the perimeter. According to Battalion Chief Val Martin, residents are helping to keep a watch on the area. "Residents are alerting us when they see smoke coming from inside the 24 acre burn area'" said Battalion Chief Martin. "This is a good thing - it helps to have people calling in to report what they see. We appreciate their watchfulness as we work towards extinguishing this fire."

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 13, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST

Typhoon Conson Weakens As It Approaches Phillipines

Typhoon Conson weakened to a tropical storm as it went ashore on the Philippine island of Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration.

The storm, also called Basyang by the Philippine agency, was located about 80 miles east of Manila, the nation's capital, with top winds of about 111 kilometers per hour, the U.S. Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported.

It lost power after touching land late today and encountering heavy vertical wind shear, the typhoon center said. Conson made landfall near the town of Infanta and was expected to cross the island, according to an update from the Philippine agency at 11 p.m. Manila time.

The Philippines weather agency issued a warning for flashfloods and landslides, forecasting winds as strong as 100 kph for Manila, Bataan and other cities on Luzon.

Three typhoons left about 1,000 people dead in the Philippines last year and 1.7 million needing aid, according to the United Nations. The storms destroyed more than 40,000 houses, mostly in Luzon.

Conson is the name of a picturesque mountain region in Vietnam, according to the website of the Hong Kong Observatory, which lists names assigned to cyclones in the Pacific.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 7 p.m. HST

Happy Valley Fire 60 Percent Contained

Fire officials report that the fire is 60 percent contained as of 6:00 p.m. this evening. The brush fire that was first reported at 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening, July 11, has burned an estimated 24 acres. Personnel from two fire companies will remain on scene tonight to monitor the area for flare ups.

"We're very fortunate that this fire did not harm nearby residents as it grew in size and danger so quickly in its early stages," said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. "I applaud our firefighters for what they've done to fight this fire and keep people safe."

No further news updates are expected to be provided this evening.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 5:55 p.m. HST Alert Fire Crews Knock Down Happy Valley Hot Spot
A large flare-up in the burn area occurred minutes after 3:00 p.m. today. Fire crews with the assistance of Air One conducting water drops were able to put out the flare-up approximately 30 minutes later. The fire is not yet contained and currently over 30 firefighters are on scene from the Wailuku, Kahului, Kihei and Wailea fire stations. Central and South Maui water customers are advised to continue to conserve water until water levels in two water tanks located in Happy Valley can be restored.	FLARE-UP - This view from Wailuku shows a flare-up in the Happy Valley fire this afternoon (Maui County Photo)	FLARE-DOWN - Another precision water drop from Air One knocks down the flare-up today. (Maui County Photo)
(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) (Back to Top)

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 5:50 p.m. HST

“Hui Hoomalu Kai” Workshop to Address Marine Mammals and Related Cultural Issues

KIHEI, Maui, Hawaii-- Cultural practitioners will discuss topics related to marine mammals Thursday evening at “Hui Hoomalu Kai,” a workshop initiated by the Office of the Mayor that will be held 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 15 at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei. The sanctuary facility is located at 726 South Kihei Road, adjacent to Kalepolepo Park.

Specific discussion items will include marine mammal stranding events, burials, and cultural protocols.

While the workshop is not a formal public hearing, concerns and suggestions will be noted and submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the national marine sanctuary in partnership with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, for inclusion in the sanctuary’s management planning process. The general public is also invited to provide input.

For more information, contact Kuhea Paracuelles, the County’s Environmental Coordinator, at (808)270-8299.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 4:40 p.m. HST Hana Fire Crews Get Powerful New Tool
HANA, Maui, Hawaii-- The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety held a blessing last Tuesday at Hana Fire Station for a new water tanker truck, Tanker 7, which will serve East Maui. The blessing was conducted by Juanita Aluanu “Auntie Carol” Kapu-Kawaiaea, assisted by Senator Kalani English. In attendance were Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Shimada, Community Development Block Program Manager Carol Gentz, Police Lieutenant Jeraul Pladera, Fire personnel and members of the East Maui community. Tanker 7 was purchased with federal funds through the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; cost was $527,597. The truck’s name, Kawaiola, means “waters of life.”	POWERFUL TOOL - Today the Hana Fire Station blessed this rugged 4 x 4 all-terrain tanker to their arsenal of fire fighting tools. (Maui County Photo)
“This 4x4 tanker has been on our department’s wish-list for a long time,” said Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray. “Its ability to handle the area’s narrow, winding roads and rugged terrain will help provide a greater level of fire protection for the community. Our department appreciates receiving much-needed and valuable funding to bring this important fire-fighting equipment to East Maui.” The truck, built by E-One in Ocala Florida, utilizes an International 7600 4X4 chassis with a Cummins diesel engine, 1800-gallon water tank and 30-gallon foam tank. Other features include a 500 gallons-per-minute (GPM) pump, a 500 GPM remote-controlled and cab-controlled top-mount monitor, a 150 GPM cab-controlled front bumper monitor, 500 GPM cab-controlled side sprays, a 2000-gallon portable side-mounted water tank and various portable power and hand tools.
(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) (Back to Top)

 

 

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 4:30 p.m. HST

OHA to Appeal Decision on Na Wai Eha

HONOLULU - The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees announced today, they have filed an appeal of the State Commission on Water Resource Management’s final decision on water flow regarding four west Maui streams because it does not adequately protect and preserve the rights of the community, particularly traditional and customary practitioners. The decision is also in contrast to the commission’s own Hearing Officer’s recommendation. The four west Maui streams; Waihe‘e, Waiehu, ‘Ïao and Waikapü – together are known as Na Wai ‘Eha or “The Four Great Waters.”

There is a long history of Native Hawaiian custom and use of the Nä Wai ‘Ehä streams and river. These waters once supported the largest contiguous area of kalo cultivation in Hawai‘i and one of Hawai‘i’s largest populations. Despite traditional and customary practitioners’ rights to water for kalo cultivation and gathering, the Commission’s decision failed to restore sufficient water for these purposes. If the Commission has the final say every drop of water from ‘Ïao and Waikapü will continue to be diverted by the century old plantation ditch system.

The Commission’s final decision and order announced on June 10, 2010 deviated substantially from Commission Hearing Officer Dr. Lawrence Miike’s April 9, 2009 proposed decision and order:

Source	Proposed Decision	Final Decision
Waihe'e River	14 mgd	10 mgd
Waiehu Stream	3.5 mgd	2.5 mgd
'Iao Stream	13 mgd	0 mgd
Waikapu Stream	4 mgd	0 mgd
TOTAL	34.5 mgd	12.5 mgd
Source: OHA Report

OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona added: “OHA is disappointed that the rights of the community, particularly traditional and customary practitioners were not adequately protected by the Commission’s final decision. Water is a public trust resource and Hawai‘i’s constitution and Water Code mandates that public trust uses such as traditional and customary practices have priority and must be protected to the greatest extent practicable. Adequate flow standards are essential to protect the streams and communities who depend on the water to survive. We hope this appeal may bring about a fairer distribution of water use for all.”

OHA has been working with Earthjustice, Maui community groups and the County of Maui Department of Water Supply to advocate for restoration of mauka to makai stream flows in order to revive native stream life and support traditional and customary practices for current and future generations. “We applaud OHA for steadfastly standing for the rights of Native Hawaiians and the public to water and Earthjustice looks forward to standing side by side with OHA in upholding those rights in court,” said Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake.

OHA believes its participation in the Nä Wai ‘Ehä case is beneficial to the Native Hawaiian and larger communities. Restoration of mauka to makai stream flows in Nä Wai ‘Ehä would improve the recharge to the ‘Ïao aquifer which provides drinking water for Central Maui, support native stream life, and ensure traditional and customary Native Hawaiian rights.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Office of Hawaiian Affairs)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 3:40 p.m. HST

Kahului Fire Destroys Home, Displaces Family

Today, just before noon, a structure fire was reported at 408-A Ano Street in Kahului. When police officers arrived at the scene, they found the entire structure engulfed in flames.

The Maui Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The residence was totally destroyed along with a pickup truck parked near the structure. A chain link fence sustained fire damage, as well as a tree in the backyard of a residence immediately behind the fire scene.

The occupants of the residence were able to get out when they saw the flames. No injuries were reported at this time. Police Detectives and Fire Inspector are on the scene conducting investigation into the cause of the fire. Red Cross officials went to the scene to attend to the immediate need of the affected family.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 3:10 p.m. HST

Fire Investigators Confirm Fireworks as Cause of Happy Valley Blaze

Fire officials announce that the cause of the fire has been determined. "Our investigation has led us to evidence that confirms that fireworks are the cause of the brush fire. This supports the numerous reports we have received from witnesses," said Battalion Chief James Kino. "Our crews worked through the night and were able to protect the surrounding neighborhoods and keep the fire from spreading to nearby homes and businesses."

Earlier, one storage shed was reported damaged, no costs are available at this time. No other structures are reported damaged.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 2:10 p.m. HST

Officials Investigating Reports of Fireworks as Cause for Happy Valley Blaze

Fire officials report that the cause of the incident remains under investigation; however numerous reports have been received by witnesses who saw aerial fireworks in the area just moments before the fire broke out. These first-hand reports are leading the investigation toward aerial fireworks as the cause of the fire.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 12:10 p.m. HST Fire Crews Show Prowess in Magaing Potential Disaster
Fire officials report that an estimated 24 acres have been burned. The fire is not yet considered contained. Fire inspectors are on scene conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. Eleven engine companies remain on scene. At daylight Air One began conducting water drops to assist firefighters. Central and South Maui water customers should continue to conserve water until water levels in two water tanks located in Happy Valley can be restored. No injuries are reported. Mokuhau Road was reopened to traffic at noon today. Traffic into and out of the Happy Valley area is moving smoothly.	MONDAY MORNING - This view shows how well fire crews attacked the fire Sunday night, saving lives, homes and property. (Maui County Photo)
SCARY FIRE - This is how things looked from Vineyard Street on Sunday around 11 p.m. when the Happy Valley fire was at its peak. (Maui County Photo)	MOPPING UP - A firefighter tends to hot spots in Happy Valley fire. Twenty-four acres were charred in the blaze. (Maui County Photo)
(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) (Back to Top)

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 8:50 a.m. HST

6.2 Magnitude Quake in Chile Sunday Spawns No Tsunami

A moderate 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Chile Sunday, but caused no Pacific-wide tsunami.

The quake hit the Antofagasta area of northern Chile about 2:18 p.m. Hawaii time.

There were no early damage reports.

An 8.8-magnitude quake hit southern Chile on Feb. 27, killing more than 520 people and causing widespread damage.

The temblor triggered tsunami alerts in 53 countries. Hawaii experienced only small waves.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 8:40 a.m. HST

Water Customers Getting Water Quality Report From DWS

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) sent out its twelfth annual Water Quality Report earlier this month to customers on Maui and Molokai. Following regulations established by the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Act, the DWS has been preparing the Report annually for customers since 1999.

The Report includes information on water sources and the results of testing done over the past year. The Report is mailed to all billing addresses and will be posted on the internet at www.mauiwater.org later this month.
Customers with questions about water quality may call the DWS Laboratory at 270-7550.

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

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 8:10 a.m. HST

Kahului Girl in Critical Condition After Crash

A 15 year-old girl from Kahului is in critical condition this morning after a two-car collission Sunday evening. Police say that at 7:10 p.m. last night, a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder driven by a 20 year-old Kahului man was occupied by three passengers, two 15 year-old females from Kahului and a 22 year old Wailuku man. A 2010 Jeep Wrangler, driven by a 44 year-old man included a 44 year-old femaile passenger. Both were visiting from Phoenix.

The Nissan was westbound on Hana Highway when it entered the intersection at Dairy Road and collided with the Jeep. The Nissan overturned from the impact and one of the 15 year-old girls who was in the back seat was ejected from the vehicle. She was not wearing her seatbelt. She suffered life threatening injuries and was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center. All other drivers and passengers were treated for minor injuries and released.

(Report Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 7:30 a.m. HST

Happy Valley Fire Update

Fire officials report that an estimated 24 acres have been burned. The fire is not yet considered contained. Fire inspectors are on scene conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. Eleven engine companies are on scene. At daylight Air One began conducting water drops to assist firefighters. Central and South Maui water customers should continue to conserve water until water levels in two water tanks located in Happy Valley can be restored. No injuries are reported. Mokuhau Road remains closed. Traffic into and out of the Happy Valley area is moving smoothly.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 4:30 a.m. HST

Happy Valley Fire Update

Maui Police have reopened North Market Street allowing traffic into and out of Happy Valley. At this time only Mokuhau Road (in Happy Valley) remains closed. Fire crews remain on scene. An assessment of the estimated acreage burned will be done later today. No injuries are reported and the cause is under investigation.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 12, 2010 1:30 a.m. HST

Happy Valley Fire Update

Fire crews are still on scene. A storage shed is reported damaged with no reports of injuries. No estimation of acreage burned is available. No costs are available and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

No evacuations have been ordered. Earlier, homes in the nearby vicinity were advised to be prepared should evacuation become necessary. Over 40 firefighters responded from the Wailuku, Kahului, Lahaina, Wailea, Makawao, and Kula stations including off-duty firefighters who were called back to work. Water tankers from the Fire Department, County Public Works and Rojac Trucking were on scene.

As of 1:30 a.m. motorists are still not allowed to travel into the areas of Happy Valley, Puuhala and Wailuku Country Estates. Access roads into these areas were closed earlier this evening. Currently there is no estimation of when access into these areas will resume. No homes are reported to be in immediate danger.

Power was restored to the area just before 1:30 a.m. At the request of the Fire Department, Maui Electric Company shut off power earlier in the evening as a safety measure for firefighters on scene.

The Fire Department would like to thank the Living Way Church of Maui for opening their offices for use as a command post and providing water and assistance to firefighters and support personnel.

""At daylight we'll be able to see the extent of the damage, but it could have been worse. Our crews worked really hard to help save this neighborhood and keep it from getting worse," said Battalion Chief Jeff Shaffer who worked through the night as the incident commander.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 11, 2010 9:05 p.m. HST

Brushfire Closes Roads to Happy Valley

Maui Police report that a large brush fire has closed the roads into the Happy Valley area of Wailuku. Traffic is being rerouted from Kahekili onto Maka'ala as well as North Market Street at Mill Street in Wailuku.

No word on when roads will reopen, nor if any structures have been damaged or are in danger. No injuries have been reported.

(Report Provided by the Maui Police Department)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 11, 2010 10:25 a.m. HST

Hawai'i Duck Boat Tours Grounded After O'ahu Explosion

The Coast Guard has grounded Hawaii Duck Tours pending the conclusion of an investigation into a flash fire that caused second-degree burns to an employee.

Firefighters said a gasoline explosion on a boat at the company's Kakaako headquarters Tuesday morning sent a man to a hospital.

The vessel, one of the company's two World War II-era amphibious craft, is scheduled for a follow-up inspection Friday to determine the cause of the accident, said Coast Guard Cmdr. Jason Neubauer, chief of prevention for Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.

When the company will be allowed to resume operations depends on the outcome of the investigation, Neubauer said.

He said a concern is a possible vapor hazard because the boats use unleaded gasoline, which may have been a factor in the flash fire on Tuesday.

Hawaii Duck Tours has two "duck boats," the distinctive yellow amphibious craft that can travel on land and sea. The duck boats are over 60 years old, Neubauer said.

The company did not return a call for comment yesterday.

In Philadelphia, the National Transportation Safety is investigating a collision between a duck boat and a barge Wednesday that killed two people.

Investigators say the duck boat's captain shut off the engine and dropped its anchor after smoke billowed from the vessel. The boat was stopped in the water for five to 10 minutes before the barge, being pushed by a tugboat, struck it. It capsized within seconds.

Among the issues to sort out: whether the tugboat crew heard distress calls that the duck boat crew says it made, and why an air horn on the smaller vessel apparently failed. The NTSB interviewed the five crew members of the tugboat yesterday. Ride the Ducks, the Norcross, Ga.-based company that owns the Philadelphia duck boat, said it was resuming operations in Atlanta, San Francisco and Branson, Mo., and expected to resume rides soon in Newport, Ky. Operations in Philadelphia remained closed.

A memorial service was also held yesterday for the two Hungarian students who died. Friends silently and solemnly dropped white roses into the Delaware River and clergy offered prayers in English and the Hungarian language of Magyar.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 11, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST

Spanish Ship Nets $5M Fine for Illegal Fishing

The federal government has fined the owner of a Spanish-flagged fishing boat $5 million for fishing in U.S. territorial waters without a permit.

It was the largest civil penalty ever assessed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency said.

The Albacora Uno, owned by Albacora S.A., was charged June 2 with 67 counts of fishing inside U.S. waters without a valid permit, NOAA announced last week.

Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, foreign-flagged vessels are prohibited from catching, taking or harvesting fish, or supporting those actions, in U.S. waters without a permit issued by the United States.

The vessel deployed 67 fish-aggregating devices within the 200-mile U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone around Howland and Baker islands and Jarvis Islands between November 2007 and October 2009, NOAA said.

The case resulted from an investigation conducted by NOAA Office of Law Enforcement agents who boarded the vessel when it docked in March in Pago Pago, American Samoa, and discovered documentation of the Albacora's activities.

Money from the fine will be used to support the conservation and management objectives under a marine conservation plan developed for the region by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Council.

"This money has the potential to do a lot of good for the region, in particular our territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, which are all struggling economically, in helping them sustainably develop their fishing industry and infrastructure," said Alexa Cole, NOAA senior enforcement attorney for the Pacific Islands region.

The Albacora agreed to stay out of U.S. waters, even to just pass through, for three years.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

(Back to Top)

---

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

Mayor Files for Re-Election

WAILUKU - Mayor Charmaine Tavares filed as a candidate for re-election Friday, saying it was important for the county to keep "moving forward" under her administration.

Six other candidates have already entered the race, including former Mayor Alan Arakawa, County Council Member Sol Kaho'ohalahala, former Land Use Commissioner Randy Piltz and planning consultant Chris Hart. Kihei resident Harold "Hap" Miller filed July 2 for the race. And at least six other people have taken out nomination papers, indicating that they are considering challenging Tavares.

Tavares, who served five terms on the Maui County Coucil before challenging and defeating Arakawa for mayor in 2006, said she would continue to focus on energy independence, sound fiscal management, new water sources, affordable housing, jobs and protecting natural resources as her top issues.

In a statement, she noted that major projects including the South Maui Community Park and the Lahaina Watershed Flood Control project broke ground during her administration, after being stalled for years.

"For Maui County to keep moving forward, it's important to maintain the ground we have gained," she said. "Now is not the time to go backwards or start over, and I'm committed to keeping our county moving forward."

In other county races, Council Member Mike Victorino filed as a candidate for re-election, while Elisabeth Gapero filed to challenge him for the council's Wailuku seat.

And in state races, former Maui Planning Commissioner Johanna Amorin filed as a candidate for the 11th House District. Amorin will face State Rep. Joe Bertram III, who is seeking re-election, as well as former Maui Police Captain George Fontaine and Kihei resident Susan "Netra" Halperin, who have already registered as candidates.

Candidates have until July 20 to file.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

(Back to Top)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 9, 2010 6:25 p.m. HST

Completion of Market Street Project Phase 2 Delayed By Waterline Repositioning

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- The County of Maui Department of Public Works announced today that completion of the second phase of the Market Street Improvement Project in Happy Valley, Wailuku, will be delayed due to work on County water lines located in the project area. Work will be performed by County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) personnel to reposition the waterlines to accommodate project infrastructure.

The project, which began in January, 2010, falls under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA - Federal Stimulus). Total cost of the project is $2,592,371 and includes new sidewalks, curbs, ramps, driveways and signage, as well as drainage improvements and a landscaped island for bus passengers.

An assessment will be made once the general contractor for the project, Goodfellow Bros., Inc., resumes work upon completion of the work by DWS; construction is anticipated to be completed in early spring, 2011.

The 24-hour emergency number for the Department of Water Supply is 270-7633.

Questions on the Market Street Improvement Project may be directed to Yuki Lei Sugimura, the contractor’s community representative for this project, at 878-1888 or yukilei.sugimura@gmail.com.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 9, 2010 5:05 p.m. HST

Mayor Encourages HUD Recipients to Apply for Homeownership Option Program

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii— With only two recipients taking advantage of the federally-funded Homeownership Option Program (HOP) administered by the County of Maui’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns, Mayor Charmaine Tavares reminds those who receive Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance payments to consider applying for the HOP program.

Through the HOP program, HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance payments are converted into mortgage payments and provide an opportunity for homeownership to low-income families.

The first recipient, Ewalani Shim, became a beneficiary in December 2009. Shim’s home in Department of Hawaiian Homeland’s Waiehu Kou subdivision was built with the assistance of Habitat for Humanity.

The second recipient, Sandra Hapakuka-Lono and her husband Donovan, moved into their newly purchased home last month, also in DHHL’s Waiehu Kou subdivision. The Lono’s three-bedroom, two-bath house was purchased for $85,000 under a 99-year DHHL Hawaiian Homestead lease. The family received additional support from Habitat for Humanity.

To qualify for the County’s HOP program, applicants must be receiving rental subsidy payments through the federal-funded HUD voucher program, be first-time home buyers and meet minimum income and work requirements.

“Homeownership is a dream for many of our families,” said Mayor Tavares. “This program can help make that dream a reality. Ewalani Shim and Mr. and Mrs. Sandra and Donovan Lono took advantage of what’s available, worked hard and asked for help from family and friends, and today both families are enjoying homes they have purchased. I want to encourage others to do the same.”

“It’s been a long haul, but it was worth it,” said Sandra Hapakuka-Lono. “Our home is a place to appreciate the good things that happen when you work hard for something and have support from family and the people around you.”

For more information on the Homeownership Option Program, contact the County of Maui Housing Division, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, at 270-7751.

BACKGROUND ON THE HOMEOWNERSHIP OPTION PROGRAM (HOP):

- To facilitate the HOP application process, Housing Division staff held informational workshops in late October throughout Maui County. All of Maui County’s 1,360 Housing Choice Voucher Program participants were invited to the workshops.

- To qualify for HOP, applicants must be participating in Maui’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, be a first-time home buyer, meet minimum income and work requirements, and have the financial means to pay down payment and closing costs.

- Applicants must be in compliance with the terms of their lease and the rules of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and must not have any outstanding balances owed to the County of Maui.

- Each participant must be able to qualify for a mortgage loan and locate an affordable property to purchase.

- To qualify for a home loan, participants should have a very good credit history and a stable income for approximately two years.

- Anyone interested in HOP is strongly encouraged to start preparing now to meet loan qualification requirements or consult with a mortgage-lending institution to learn what possibilities exist for them to obtain a home mortgage loan.

- For credit repair and money management issues, please consult a Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 9, 2010 4:50 p.m. HST

Nominations Being Accepted for Mayor’s Small Business Awards

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui’s Office of Economic Development announced today that nominations for the 2010 Mayor’s Small Business Awards program are now being accepted.

This year’s event includes five award categories:

-Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees) - Small Business of the Year (11 to 50 employees) - Young Small Business Person of the Year (under age 40) - Lifetime Achievement Award (for any individual doing business in Maui County for more than 20 years).

In addition, there is a Non-Profit Angel Award category for businesses with 50 or fewer employees that have significantly contributed to the support of non-profits.

“Local businesses create jobs and stimulate our economy, and each year I look forward to recognizing some of our county’s most innovative and successful examples of the entrepreneurial spirit through these awards,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. Business owners embody the resilience and resourcefulness of Maui County’s people, and these awards are an important way to highlight their commitment to excellence.”

The winner in each category will receive a Haunani Mine koa-framed commemorative award and stylish window decal, along with a certificate and a listing in all award-related press releases. Finalists and winners will be announced at the “Got choice…Think Local” awards dinner on October 22, 2010 at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.

Nomination forms are available by calling or visiting the Maui County Business Resource Center (MCBRC), located at Maui Mall across from IHOP (ph. 873-8247) and at all Central Pacific Bank locations on Maui. The form is also available online at www.mauicounty.gov/mcbrc.

Completed nomination forms, along with two supporting letters of recommendation, must be received at the MCBRC no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010. The mailing address for the MCBRC is 70 Kaahumanu Ave., Unit B-9, Kahului, HI 96732.

The Mayor's Small Business Awards originated in 2004 as a way to recognize outstanding small businesses in Maui County. For more information, call Maui County Small Business Advocate Anna Ribucan at 873-8247.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 9, 2010 2 p.m. HST

Voters Can Permanently Vote Absentee

Voters for the first time can sign up this year for permanent absentee voting.

Many voters have switched to absentee voting over the past decade for the convenience of casting ballots by mail or at drop-off sites. The trend has helped change the dynamic of political campaigns by forcing candidates to spread their get-out-the-vote operations over several weeks instead of building toward Election Day.

Thirty-eight percent of voters statewide voted by absentee ballot in the 2008 general election, according to the state Office of Elections, compared with 19.6 percent in the 2000 general election.

The Office of Elections, struggling because of the state's budget crisis, has opted to close 97 polling places this year, mostly on Oahu. The precinct closings could prompt more voters to choose to vote by absentee ballot rather than go to precincts farther from their homes.

"I'm hoping that it will encourage more participation," said Senate Vice President Russell Kokubun (D, South Hilo-Puna-Kau), one of the co-sponsors of the permanent absentee voting bill passed by the state Legislature in 2008 over Gov. Linda Lingle's objections.

Under the law, voters can permanently vote absentee unless they miss both a primary and general election or do not update their address information. The privilege also expires if voters register to vote in another county, lose their voting rights or are otherwise disqualified.

Until this year, voters had to apply for absentee voting before each election.

Glen Takahashi, Honolulu election administrator, said the city found that about 60 percent of people who have been applying for absentee voting had applied in previous elections.

The city has sent out mailers with permanent absentee voting applications to about 250,000 registered voters. Election officials on the neighbor islands are also reaching out to voters. Kauai plans to send applications to all registered voters. Maui will target many of the voters who voted absentee in 2008.

Jean Aoki, a former legislative liaison of the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, said she supports efforts to increase voter participation. But she said she is personally concerned about permanent absentee voting for seniors, particularly those who live in nursing homes. If a senior becomes incapacitated, for example, his or her ballot could be filled out by a family member or caregiver.

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddpledge@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

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

Governor's Maui Advisors to Meet On the Beach Wednesday

WAILUKU – The Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors for Maui will meet on Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the Uluniu/Halama Beach Reserve Area in Kihei. The area is located 1,000 feet south of Lipoa Street. Parking is available at the end of Kapu Place (makai side of South Kihei Road). The public is invited to attend.

Bryce Buchanan and Vernon Altman of the Uluniu Beach Reserve Association will conduct a site inspection of Uluniu/Halama Beach Reserve, review the Beach Reserve Plan, and also inspect the seawall.

Governor Linda Lingle created councils of neighbor island advisors to give neighbor island residents a stronger voice in state government. The Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors for Maui holds monthly public meetings to seek community input, advise the Governor of important issues and make recommendations for state boards and commissions.

The members of the Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors for Maui are Madge Schaefer (chair), Kathryn Ghean (vice chair), John Henry, Lori Ululani Sablas, Gail K. Takeuchi and Leona Rocha Wilson.

Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate at this meeting may call 243-5796 for assistance. For additional information on the Governor’s Council of Neighbor Island Advisors, including meeting agendas and minutes, visit the Governor’s Web site at www.hawaii.gov/gov.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

---

 

NEWS FLASH - July 9, 2010 8:10 a.m. HST

Kamehameha Schools Admits Another Non-Native Hawaiian Student

Kamehameha Schools acknowledged admitting a third non-native Hawaiian student, according to a letter from the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer posted on the school's website. The most notable non-native Hawaiian to be admitted was Kalani Rosell on Maui - who went on to distinguish himself and the school with his academic, athlectic and artistic achievements.

The new student, who was not named, will attend classes this fall and was picked from a wait list of 45 students because there were spaces available, the letter said.

"Non-Hawaiian applicants who meet our admissions criteria can be admitted if vacancies exist after the preference is applied," the letter said.

The letter does not say what campus the non-Hawaiian student will attend. The private school has campuses at Kapalama, Maui and the Big Island.

However, the school said there were five additional spaces in the 11th and 12th grades after all applicants in the waitpool were admitted, allowing five additional native Hawaiian applicants in the sophomore wait pool to be admitted on Maui.

Eight hundred new students will be starting at its three campuses next month.

Reach Greg Kakesako at gkakesako@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

 

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

Honolulu Tallies Cell Ban Revenue as Maui Law Kicks In

A year after the islandwide ban on using mobile devices while driving began on O'ahu, 7,654 citations had been issued as of Wednesday, pulling in more than $500,000 in fines and fees.

Of the total citations, 1,838 were issued last year and 5,816 were issued this year, according to state court records.

The county ordinance, the first of its kind in the state, went into effect July 1, 2009. Since then the remaining three counties enacted their own versions of the law.

The impact on traffic safety is difficult to quantify because of an unwillingness by drivers to admit mobile device use after fender-benders, a Honolulu police official said.

But the impact on state coffers is $517,338 in revenue from July 1, 2009, through Wednesday. That is the amount of fines and fees collected in association with the 1-year-old restriction, according to the state Judiciary.

First-time offenders are hit with a $97 fine.

When it comes to knowing what the law is, Honolulu residents are no n00bs (textspeak for "newbies"). Maj. Thomas Nitta, head of the Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division and an original author of the law, said media saturation helped to raise awareness.

"They know it's against the law, they just have to be accountable for their actions," Nitta said. "It's just a matter of being accountable for your actions."

A violation occurs when the driver is holding an electronic device, be it cell phone or music player. This could be for whatever reason, from texting to changing playlists. Nitta said that language was written as a way to deflect criticisms of it being unenforceable.

"I have not heard anything of it being not enforceable," Nitta said. "We consider use if you're just holding it in your hand. It's very easy to enforce."

It also appears to be easy to prosecute. There were 6,499 cases that ended in a court judgment. About 3.5 percent, or 228 cases, were either dismissed or had the charged dropped by prosecutors.

There were 1,579 cases that ended in default judgment, meaning the defendant did not show up to court. The court would fine the drivers, some who were visitors, through a collection agency.

Honolulu police would enforce the law year round, but they had two monthlong periods of high enforcement. The first was shortly after the law went into effect, in September, when officers cited up to 800 drivers.

"This was advertised," Nitta said. "In March to April we did an unannounced citation enforcement, and we gave about 1,200 citations."

The Big Island was the second island county to implement a similar law. The law went into effect in January, and since then there have been 384 citations. Big Island drivers face a fine of up to $150.

There were 15 cases that involved accidents, said Sgt. Kelly Kaaumoana-Matsumoto of the Hawaii Police Department traffic services section. The fine can go up as much as $500 if the mobile device use caused a collision.

Kaaumoana-Matsumoto said Hawaii County has sent letters to registered owners of vehicles regarding the law as part of its educational outreach.

"There's still people out there doing it," she said. "But now citizens call it in when they do see someone violating the law. Many of them here do care about everyone's safety."

Kauai's law went into effect May 23. There have been 107 citations since then, according to Kauai County spokeswoman Mary Daubert. Kauai violators are fined $97—and up to $147 if cited in a school zone or construction area.

Maui is the last county to implement a similar law. It went into effect Tuesday. Maui police officials said no citations were issued as of Wednesday. A first-offense fine is up to $150.

Nitta said he has heard anecdotal evidence that the law is working: Family members often remind each other not to use the phone while driving, and drivers are more conscious in not visibly holding the phone.

"The problem with this is that it goes to self-reporting," Nitta said. "People are not going to be raising their hand and say, 'Yes, I was using the phone before the accident.'"

Nitta said he feels the educational outreach has done its part. The only thing that remains, he said, is the personal choice of whether to violate it.

"When people violate this ordinance, they're usually doing it from personal choice, not out of ignorance," he said. "They're putting their self-importance over the safety of others."

Reach Gene Park at gpark@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

 

NEWS FLASH - July 9, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST

Drought Conditions Not Expected to Let Up Anytime Soon

Hawaii remains one of the driest states in the country this summer with extreme drought conditions throughout most of the islands.

The National Weather Service said yesterday no near-term drought relief is expected for the leeward areas of the state.

During the past month, "exceptional drought conditions (classification D-4)" continued to expand across leeward sections of the Big Island to include the southeastern portion of Kau, the weather service said. Areas in South Kohala remained unchanged for the past four months.

The western two-thirds of Molokai and the lower elevations of Maui remain under "extreme drought" conditions. "Severe drought conditions" remain in place on Lanai and in Upcountry Maui.

For Oahu the extreme drought classification covers the eastern end of the island, resulting in a mandatory 30 percent reduction in irrigation water use. Very low water levels in the Waimanalo reservoir and several months of low rainfall have resulted in reduction of service hours.

Only Kauai has registered moderate (D-1) drought conditions.

The last time the state was considered drought-free was April 15, 2008.

A long-range forecast issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in June indicated that below-level precipitation would last through summer and into early fall.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

 

NEWS FLASH - July 9, 2010 12:50 a.m. HST

Overheated Machine Starts Brush Fire in Kula

A digging machine that overheated and caught fire ignited a three acre brush fire yesterday afternoon in Kula, the Maui Fire Department said.

The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. at 13401 Haleakala Highway and caused an estimated $15,000 damage to the machine.

Firefighters extinguished the fire at 6:30 p.m. and no injuries were reported.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

---

 

NEWS FLASH - July 8, 2010 5:45 p.m. HST

County Puts Three Buses Into Service

KAHULUI, Maui, Hawaii-- Three new County buses were put into service today following a dedication ceremony at the Roberts Hawaii Baseyard.

The state-of-the-art buses were purchased by the County with $977,811 in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, and $160,665 in County funding.

A blessing was performed by Father Roland Bunda of Saint Anthony Church with Mayor Charmaine Tavares, Council Chair Danny Mateo, Councilmember Joseph Pontanilla, Councilmember Michael Victorino and executives from Roberts Hawaii in attendance.

Each bus is 35 feet in length and has a maximum seating capacity of 37 persons with additional standing-room capacity. The buses have passenger accessibility features that exceed federal standards with automated unfolding ramps located at both the front and rear entrances allowing for access by persons utilizing wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.

Additionally, the buses feature four mobility securement locations, which exceeds the requirement of two locations. The buses’ “21st Century” diesel engines meet the stringent EPA -07 emission standards of reducing particulates and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by over 95 percent. The model type is the “EZ Rider II,” purchased through Soderholm Sales & Leasing, Inc. and manufactured by El Dorado National, Inc. of Riverside, California.

“The Maui Bus has helped many people continue working when they would not otherwise have had transportation to get to work, which is one of the reasons that bus ridership on Maui has grown tremendously over the past few years,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “Our bus system is a bright shining star for Maui County, and we are extremely pleased to benefit from federal ARRA funds. These accessible, clean-running buses will help provide much-needed capacity for our fixed routes, which service more than 6,700 passengers each day, and more than 2.3 million passengers a year.”

Council Chair Danny Mateo called the Maui Bus a “lifeline” for many residents. “We’re able to provide families, students, workers and visitors with a means to travel around our island at an affordable cost,” Chair Mateo said. “This is a lifeline for many of our residents so adding more buses to our fleet means a lot to our community. Our public buses help to connect people and places and we’re very proud of the service they provide.”

Deems Narimatsu, Senior Vice President of Roberts Hawaii, said, “We’re very proud to be here today. When the County first started the Maui Bus, we were very excited to be a part of it and we’ve been fortunate to see it grow through the years. These new buses are coming at a time when we have more riders than ever before.”

Last year, an average of 450 Maui Bus passes were sold each month; last month alone, 1,200 bus passes were sold. Passengers can now use Google Transit to locate the nearest bus stop by entering “Maui Bus”; this feature will soon be added to the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov/bus.

Maui Bus is a service provided by the County of Maui and operated by Roberts Hawaii. For more information, contact the County of Maui Department of Transportation at 270-7511 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/bus.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 8, 2010 1:10 p.m. HST

Matson Lowers Fuel Surcharge

Matson said today a drop in fuel prices has allowed it to lower its fuel surcharge by two percentage points.

Matson said, it is decreasing its fuel surcharge to 25.5 percent from 27.5 percent for its Hawaii service, and to 27 percent from 29 percent for its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia service, effective July 18, 2010.

“Matson is very pleased to make this downward adjustment to its fuel surcharge,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services. “For most customers, this decrease represents a reduction in shipping costs ranging from $55 to $85 per container. We will continue to monitor fuel costs and adjust the surcharge accordingly.”

Matson said its last adjustment to the fuel surcharge was an increase of 3.5 percentage points for its Hawaii, Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services, effective February 7.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 8, 2010 9:15 a.m. HST

Lahaina Brush Still Smoldering

A stubborn brush fire that has been burning since Sunday night above Lahaina is still not fully contained, officials said last night.

The Maui Fire Department said the fire on vacant land mauka of the Lahaina Civic Center is 90 percent contained. Firefighters monitored the area for hot spots overnight.

About 130 acres has burned. No structures are threatened and the cause is under investigation.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 8, 2010 7:35 a.m. HST

Governor Endorses Changes to Akaka Bill

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle announced today she is pleased that Senators Dan Inouye and Dan Akaka have publicly indicated that the Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act, the Akaka Bill, will be amended to address concerns expressed by the State. Attorney General Mark Bennett represented the State in discussions with the senators’ staffs regarding three changes to the language approved by the U.S. House of Representatives in HR 2314.

First, language that explicitly exempts the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity from certain State (and County) regulation (section 9(c)(3)(I)) will now read:

“(I) Governmental, nonbusiness, noncommercial activities undertaken by the Native Hawaiian governing entity, or by a corporation or other association or entity wholly owned by the Native Hawaiian governing entity, shall not be subject to the regulatory or taxation authority of the State of Hawaii, except shall be subject to the State’s authority to regulate activities for the protection of the public health or safety until such time as the Native Hawaiian governing entity and the State of Hawaii come to an interim agreement approved by the secretary governing the extent of such regulation and based on the Secretary’s determination that the interim agreement is consistent with applicable federal law.”

The current (unamended) language states: "Governmental, nonbusiness, noncommercial activities undertaken by the Native Hawaiian governing entity, or by a corporation or other association or entity wholly owned by the Native Hawaiian governing entity, shall not be subject to the regulatory or taxation authority of the State of Hawaii, provided that nothing in this subparagraph shall exempt any natural person (except an officer or employee of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, acting within the scope of his or her authority), from the regulatory, taxation, or other authority of the State of Hawaii. In determining whether an activity is covered by this subparagraph, due consideration shall be given to the constraints described in subparagraphs (A), (F), and (G)."

Second, the provisions of the bill granting the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity limited sovereign immunity will explicitly provide: “The Native Hawaiian governing entity shall not be immune from any law suit brought by the State of Hawaii to enforce the State’s regulatory authority recognized in this Act.”

Finally, a new provision will be added to the bill stating:

“Any other provision of this Act notwithstanding, the officers and employees of the Native Hawaiian governing entity shall not be immune from the criminal laws of the State of Hawaii, and the State of Hawaii shall retain its authority to prosecute any violation of the State’s criminal laws.”

These provisions are the result of extensive discussions and are a compromise. Governor Lingle and Attorney General Bennett believe these new provisions are appropriate and will: 1) allow the State (and the Counties) to enforce their laws and regulations that protect the health and safety of the people of Hawaii, and 2) explicitly provide that the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act will provide no person immunity from any of the State's criminal laws.

“I am very glad the Akaka Bill will be amended to reflect the State’s concerns,” Governor Lingle stated. “I have assured Senators Akaka and Inouye that I will strongly support a bill with the changes described above, and will write to Senators of both parties expressing my support. I sincerely hope the bill will become law in 2010.”

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

---

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

Governor Candidates Low-Key on BOE Makeup

Despite the stakes for public education and the attention given to the issue by Gov. Linda Lingle, none of the candidates for governor has made the structure of the state Board of Education a significant part of their education platforms.

Voters could reshape the school board in November by giving the governor the authority to appoint members.

The state constitutional amendment could fundamentally change the statewide school board, which sets education policy and has been elected by voters since 1964.

Lingle unsuccessfully fought for a constitutional amendment giving the governor control over the schools superintendent, believing that authority would make the governor more accountable for education than the ability to appoint the school board. But she also favors an appointed school board.

Lingle, however, vetoed a companion bill on Tuesday that would have reduced the school board from 14 to 10 members and created an advisory council to recommend potential nominees if voters approve an appointed board. The measure was approved by the Legislature to implement an appointed board if the ballot question passes.

Former congressman Neil Abercrombie does not favor the ballot question, since he believes it does not give the governor direct accountability over education. He wants the governor, not the school board, to have the power to hire and fire the state schools superintendent and bring the superintendent into the Cabinet.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Abercrombie's rival in the Democratic primary, said he would support whatever voters decide. He said the more important issue is for the governor to champion public education regardless of how the school board is selected.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the leading Republican contender, supports an appointed school board but believes, like Abercrombie, that the governor should oversee the schools superintendent.

John Carroll, a lawyer and former state lawmaker running in the Republican primary, would do away with the school board entirely.

State lawmakers put the question on the ballot to weigh voter sentiment after years of debate over school governance.

An appointed school board, some lawmakers believe, could function for K-through-12 schools like the appointed University of Hawaii Board of Regents has for higher education. School board members would be appointed by the governor subject to state Senate confirmation.

The existing school board has opposed the switch, arguing that it would concentrate too much power in the governor's office and make board members partisan and beholden to the governor.

In vetoing the companion bill, Lingle said it would have been better to let the governor screen nominees rather than the advisory council. The advisory council would have been made up of seven members. The governor, the state Senate president and the state House speaker would have each made one appointment to the council, while the Hawaii P-20 Council, an education advocacy group, would have selected two parents, a business or nonprofit community leader, and an educator.

Allowing the Hawaii P-20 Council, which is not elected or statutorily created, to select a majority on the advisory council was also a concern for the governor.

State House and Senate leaders said they may now have to fast-track new legislation implementing an appointed school board next year if voters back the idea in November.

Abercrombie, who has been campaigning for more than a year, said voters do not seem interested in the differences between an appointed or elected school board. He said he would have preferred that the Legislature move to give the governor power over the schools superintendent.

"I'm going to swim in the water I'm in," he said, adding that he would invite the schools superintendent into his Cabinet if elected. "Obviously, I would reach out to the Board of Education and ask for their cooperation."

Abercrombie has proposed fully carrying out the promises of a 2004 state education reform law by decentralizing authority and giving school principals greater control over budget and staff. He said he would take personal responsibility for restoring public confidence in the school system.

"I think it complicates the situation more than clarifies the situation," he said of the ballot question. "In terms of my real focus, which has never been the Board of Education or the superintendent, it's been the kids, the schools and the teachers."

Hannemann declined to say whether he prefers an appointed or elected school board. He said the decision needs to be made by voters.

"I have always worked to find common ground and solutions for the greater good and if elected governor, that's the approach I will bring to public education," Hannemann said in a written statement, adding that he was the only one of the three leading candidates to attend a Hawaii public school.

"Over the last eight years, the Lingle-Aiona administration has chosen confrontation over collaboration and failed to wholeheartedly support public education in the state of Hawaii," Hannemann said.

In a previous interview with the Star-Advertiser, Hannemann said the governor could invite the schools superintendent into the Cabinet even if the superintendent is appointed by the school board.

Aiona has called for an independent financial and management audit of the Department of Education. He said he would take the findings from the audit, along with the voters' decision on an appointed or elected school board, and use it to direct restructuring of the school system.

Aiona believes in breaking up the department into local school districts with local school boards, like Lingle had proposed for several years. But he has not made the idea, which was rejected by the Legislature, a component of his education platform. Instead, like Abercrombie, he has called for empowering principals and ensuring more spending decisions are made at the school level. He also is an advocate for charter schools and home schools as alternatives to traditional public schools.

"It's a tough question, simply because I think more should have been done, more can be done," Aiona said of the ballot question. "But I have to say, 'Vote for it.' I'll be in favor of it, because I believe at least it's a step in the right direction."

Reach Derrick DePledge at ddpledge@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star Advertiser)

---

NEWS FLASH - July 7, 2010 2:10 p.m. HST

'Ahihi-Kina'u To Remain Closed Two More Years

KAHULUI -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources will extend for another two years, effective August 1, 2010, restricted access to portions of the ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve on Maui, in order to continue protection measures for the resources and allow staff time to define and implement management actions that will permanently protect the resources.

The continued restrictions were approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources at its June 10, 2010 meeting.

“The unique natural and cultural resources in ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve are one of Hawaii’s great treasures,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

“The most popular and well-used portions of the reserve will remain open for use during visitor hours as they have for the last two years, but other more remote and sensitive areas will remain closed to the general public,” she said.

“This is needed to allow time for completion of a long-term management plan that will provide alternatives on how to preserve resources and provide for public access and use at the same time without damaging natural resources and diminishing the value of the reserve,” Thielen said.

Over the last two years, staff has been working to survey and document the status of resources and a multi-stakeholder/inter-organizational management plan working group is forming a draft management plan that will be available for public review and comment in the fall.

The access restrictions were first initiated in 2008 at the request of the ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u NAR/Keone‘o‘io Advisory Group and the Natural Area Reserve System Commission and are part of a larger management planning effort intended to address concerns over increased resource degradation in the State’s first natural area reserve.

Like all natural area reserves in the state, ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u was set aside as a reserve to protect its unique natural resources from harm or disturbance. By law, it is illegal to remove, injure, or kill any living thing as well as damage, disturb, or remove any geologic or cultural site.

Previous to the 2008 restrictions, studies had shown that growing numbers of visitors to the area had severely impacted both the natural and cultural resources. Since that time, surveys have shown some of the resources in the restricted areas have seen an improvement while previously unknown evidence of resources degradation was revealed.

The Department asks that the public continue to respect the area restrictions and allow the fragile resources in ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u to rest and rejuvenate. Persons found in the restricted areas or in the reserve after visiting hours may be cited or arrested. Those found guilty of these violations shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $1,000 and/or imprisoned for up to a year.

For a map of the area restrictions or more information on ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u NAR, please visit http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/nars Or call the Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Maui at 984-8100.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What’s closed: The area restrictions for ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve which have been in effect since August 1st, 2008 will continue, including closure of portions of the reserve at Kalua o Lapa, Kalaeloa (aka “the Aquarium”), and Mokuha (aka “the Fishbowl”)

What’s open: Access to the northern and most often visited portions of the reserve will continue to be allowed during visiting hours of 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Areas where access is not restricted are near the beginning of the reserve and are known as Waiala or Kanahena Cove and the coastal area along ‘Ahihi Bay near the “Dumps” surf break.

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

(Back to Top)