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NEWS
FLASH - BREAKING NEWS FROM MAUI COUNTY
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Maui TV News Breaking News stories
are now being archived. Click here to scan through
all the Breaking News items for since December, 2009.
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NEWS FLASH - January 31, 2011 6:10 p.m. HST County Workers' Wellness Program Aims to Lose a Ton WAILUKU,
Maui, Hawaii -- Mayor Alan Arakawa and Managing Director Keith Regan
today announced the creation of Maui County’s Employee Wellness Program,
“A Healthier & Lighter Maui County,” which will commence on February
1. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 31, 2011 5:50 p.m. HST Health Department Revises List of Recalled Items HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is issuing a revised list of recalled products manufactured by First Commercial Kitchen LLC based on new information received today. The previous list should be disregarded and replaced by this list. The DOH is aware that records provided by First Commercial Kitchen LLC may include inaccurate and outdated information due to the company’s questionable record keeping practices. DOH is providing the opportunity for businesses to have their products removed from the recall list if they can provide sufficient documentation and evidence of product safety. For more information on how to have products removed from the recall listing go to: www.hawaii.gov/health or e-mail productrecall@doh.hawaii.gov The
following products have been removed from the list of recalled products
manufactured by First Commercial Kitchen. Additional information received
by the Department of Health today show product testing results that
meet the criteria for safety: Kabuki
Restaurant: Yakitori Sauce, Batayaki Sauce The revised list of recalled products as of January 31, 2011 is as follows: Arturo’s: Barb’s Favorite Recipes, Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce, Barb’s Kal-Bi Sauce Bob’s Bar-B-Que Teriyaki Sauce Cabais Capital Sweet Wasabi Sauce Fu Manchu Chilli Peppa Water Grand Café & Bakery: Dessert Topping, Sherry Vinaigrette Hana Hotties Hot Sauces – Pineapple, Lilikoi Guava, Mango, Papaya Healing Noni - Noni Juice India Café: Curry Sauce for Meat, Sauce for Seafood, Tikka Masala (General Sauce) Jen-e Tropical Creamy Garlic Dressing Molokai Roadside Creations Steak Marinades: Original, Mild, Mo’SpicyMom’s Recipe Sauce Pacific Poultry: Huli-Huli Sauce Soul de Cuba: Mango Salsa, Mojo Marinade Sunset Sauces: Pacific Pesto – Mac Nut Style, Pacific Pesto – Asian Style Table Boss Safari Sauce Ted’s Bakery Teri Sauce Toyo Sushi: Sushi Vinegar, Garlic Sauce, Spicy Garlic Sauce Waiola Burger Sauce Wing Coffee Company: Thick Soy Sauce, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Plum Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Black Bean Garlic. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Health) NEWS FLASH - January 31, 2011 2:10 p.m. HST ML&P Staffers Ousted from Kapalua Golf Course Management The owner of the two Kapalua Resort golf courses on Maui won't retain Maui Land & Pineapple Co. to manage the facilities after March 31. Maui Land notified employees last week that they may be terminated as part of the change, though Maui Land said in a statement today that it hasn't determined how many employees will lose their jobs. Troon Golf of Scottsdale, Ariz., will assume management of the Kapalua Bay Golf Course and Plantation Course. Maui Land, in an effort to raise cash and pay down debt, sold both courses over the last two years to an affiliate of Japan-based retailer Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. with agreements to lease back and manage the properties until March 31. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 31, 2011 1 p.m. HST County Sets Plan to Celebrate Chinese New Year WAILUKU, Maui, HI -- The Twelfth Annual Maui Chinese New Year Festival, sponsored in part by the County of Maui, will be held this year on Saturday, February 05, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Maui Mall in Kahului. There will be Chinese food booths, Chinese arts and crafts, local produce, calligraphy, and leather brush artistry. Mayor Alan Arakawa will open the festivities at 10:00 a.m. Lion Dancers and firecracker blessings will follow immediately thereafter, and be repeated at 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. Event festivities include a Keiki Chinese Costume Contest for girls and boys twelve years and younger. There will be a Tai Chi demonstration, Kung Fu demonstration, Chinese cooking demonstration, and Chinese dancers. There will also be Good Luck photos for the kids, Rabbit crafts, and a Children's Art Contest exhibit. Lion
Dancers at the County Building KUNG HEE FAT CHOY! TIM FOOK TIM SAU! MAN SAI PENG ON! The Year of the RABBIT, also known as the Yin Metal Rabbit, 4709 on the Chinese Lunar calendar, begins with the new moon at midnight, between Wednesday, February 2, 2011, and Thursday, February 3, 2011. Other Rabbit Years are 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, and 1999. Significance
of the Year of the Rabbit Symbol
of the Rabbit The
Rabbit personality (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 31, 2011 7:45 a.m. HST Waves Could Reach 25 Feet on North Shores Today 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF WARNING for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect until 6:00 a.m. TUESDAY. A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents. 2. EFFECTS: A storm low passing far north of the state is generating a large northwest swell that will persist through tonight. Due to the proximity of the low, a mix of long and short period swells will produce rough surf across most north facing shores. Breaking waves will build to 20 to 25 feet across north facing shores of Molokai and Maui. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.3 feet is expected between 12:45 p.m. and 2:03 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.7 feet is expected between 2:17 a.m. and 3:35 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 31, 2011 6:35 a.m. HST Undersea Power Cable Topic of Public Meetings State and federal officials are holding public meetings starting tomorrow on an environmental study of the proposed transmission of wind energy from Maui County to Oahu by undersea cable. The project could cost $1 billion, officials estimate. Public
meetings on transmitting wind energy by undersea cable will start
at 5:30 p.m. on the following days: "OTEC would cost less," said Henry Curtis, executive director of Life of the Land. The study, funded with up to $2.9 million in federal stimulus money, is intended to help the state meet its 2030 goal of providing 40 percent of its net electricity sales through locally generated renewable energy. The plan is to have wind energy provide up to 400 megawatts of electricity via undersea cable. State official Allen Kam said wind energy transmitted by undersea cable is one of a variety of options using alternative energy technologies to meet the state's renewable-energy goal. He said preliminary studies show Maui County has "world-class winds." "The wind is strong, steady ... and pretty much always on," said Kam, a manager with the Hawaii Interisland Renewable Energy Program, part of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Curtis, however, said that in terms of reliability, OTEC tops wind and solar. OTEC uses the temperature differential between cold, deep seawater with warm surface water to generate power through the transfer of heat. In the 1980s and 1990s, an experimental plant at Keahole Point on the Big Island accessed deep water just offshore through a pipe, but the project was dropped because it was too costly compared to cheap oil. Kam said he's unaware of any commercial-scale OTEC projects today. Josh Strickler, the state's facilitator of renewable- energy programs, said the state continues to support OTEC research on the Big Island but the technology is still in the testing stages. "I would love to see OTEC come on line, but it's just not there right now," he said. Kam said a developer of an undersea cable project would still have to prepare a separate environmental impact statement and give the public the opportunity to comment on the project. What is currently under review is a state and federal "programmatic" EIS, which would provide information that could be useful to a prospective undersea cable developer and help to quicken the development of a separate environmental study, Kam said. The potential entry sites for the cable include northeast and south-central Molokai, northeast Lanai and Kahului Harbor on Maui. The landing site of the cable on Oahu could be located on the east side of the Mokapu Peninsula at the Marine Corps Base and the leeward side between Pearl Harbor and Honolulu Harbor. Kam said Castle & Cooke wants to develop a large wind farm on Lanai, and First Wind is interested in developing a wind farm on Molokai that could transmit energy through undersea cable. The state said some 20 undersea electrical transmission cables are in operation around the world, including a Tasmania-Australia link, the Cross-Sound Cable between Long Island and New York, and the Trans Bay Cable in San Francisco. Reach Gary Kubota at gkubota@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 30, 2011 6 p.m. HST High Surf Warning Faces North Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF WARNING for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect from midnight tonight until 6:00 a.m. TUESDAY. A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions, and deadly rip currents. 2. EFFECTS: A storm low passing far north of the state is generating a large northwest swell that will build across Hawaiian waters tonight and persist into Monday night. Due to the proximity of the low, a mix of long and short period swells will produce rough surf across most north facing shores. Breaking waves will build to 20 to 25 feet across north facing shores of Molokai and Maui. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 2.7 feet is expected between 1:50 a.m. and 3:08 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 1.3 feet is expected between 12:45 p.m. and 2:03 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 29, 2011 7:55 a.m. HST Hawaii's Debt Burden Highest in U.S. Hawaii's debt burden, including future pension obligations for state and county workers, is highest in the nation as a percentage of the state gross domestic product, Moody's Investors Service reported yesterday. Total debt issuance and unfunded pension liabilities amount to 16.2 percent of state GDP, Moody's reported. Hawaii ranked second on a per capita basis with debt of $7,987 for every man, woman and child, according to the report. The joint figures released yesterday make it easier to compare fixed costs among states and with corporate-bond issuers, Moody's said. Hawaii's Employees' Retirement System, which pays pension benefits for state and county employees, was underfunded by $6.24 billion in 2009. The problem has worsened in the past decade, and the fund is now in the bottom 20 nationally in terms of its funded ratio. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 29, 2011 7:05 a.m. HST Grand Wailea Sells at Foreclosure Auction Maui's Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa has new owners following a sale of eight U.S. luxury resorts in a foreclosure auction in New York yesterday. Lenders including Paulson & Co., Winthrop Realty Trust and Capital Trust Inc. seized control of the eight properties from Morgan Stanley's real estate funds at the auction. The investors held junior debt that helped finance Morgan Stanley's 2007 acquisition of CNL Hotels & Resorts Inc. for $6.7 billion, positioning them to foreclose on the equity ownership after Morgan Stanley defaulted on the debt. The Paulson group now will negotiate with the trustees overseeing a $1 billion securitized mortgage on the lodging properties, according to David Broderick, a partner with Allen & Overy LLP, who represents the winning investors. "The plan is to speak to all of the senior creditors and restructure all of the debt," Broderick said after the auction. The mortgage and about $500 million of senior debt come due Tuesday, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Three of the CNL resorts are in Florida, two are in California, two are in Arizona and one is in Hawaii. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 28, 2011 3:35 p.m. HST Maui Students Among Teen Peer Council of Hawai'i Meth Project HONOLULU
- The Hawaii Meth Project today announced its inaugural Teen Advisory
Council, formed to promote and facilitate peer outreach. Members of
the Teen Advisory Council are playing a key role in the Hawaii Meth
Project’s community action plan by encouraging teen volunteerism and
identifying peer outreach opportunities at school and in the community
to raise awareness about the dangers and risks of methamphetamine
use.
Teen Advisory Council members are involved in a wide variety of outreach
activities which include recruiting teen volunteers to staff the Hawaii
Meth Project booth at community events, initiating events at their
own schools, as well as interacting with their peers via Facebook
and other social media efforts. Other initiatives by Teen Advisory
Council members include getting Hawaii Meth Project print ads in school
newspapers, organizing fundraisers, partnering with other school groups
to organize “Not Even Once” activities, and holding school assemblies
to talk about the dangers of Meth use. About
the Hawaii Meth Project (Report Provided by the Hawai'i Meth Project) NEWS FLASH - January 28, 2011 2:45 p.m. HST County Plans Celebration of 'Year of the Rabbit' WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – The Twelfth Annual Maui Chinese New Year Festival, sponsored in part by the County of Maui, will be held this year on Saturday, February 05, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Maui Mall in Kahului. There will be Chinese food booths, Chinese arts and crafts, local produce, calligraphy, and leather brush artistry. Mayor Alan Arakawa will open the festivities at 10:00 a.m. Lion Dancers and firecracker blessings will follow immediately thereafter, and be repeated at 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. Event festivities include a Keiki Chinese Costume Contest for girls and boys twelve years and younger. There will be a Tai Chi demonstration, Kung Fu demonstration, Chinese cooking demonstration, and Chinese dancers. There will also be Good Luck photos for the kids, Rabbit crafts, and a Children's Art Contest exhibit. KUNG HEE FAT CHOY! TIM FOOK TIM SAU! MAN SAI PENG ON! The
Year of the RABBIT, also known as the Yin Metal Rabbit, 4709 on the
Chinese Lunar calendar, begins with the new moon at midnight, between
Wednesday, February 2, 2011, and Thursday, February 3, 2011. Other
Rabbit Years are 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, and 1999. XIANG NIAN KUAI LE! GONG XI FA CAI! (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 28, 2011 1:05 p.m. HST Former MVB Chief, Marsha Wienert, Moves to Starwood Former state of Hawaii Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert is the new regional director of public relations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii. Wienert served in the cabinet of former Gov. Linda Lingle for seven and a half years, and was previously executive director of the Maui Visitors Bureau. Responsible for all aspects of public relations, including development and implementation of campaigns, crisis communication and public affairs, Wienert will focus on the Sheraton, Westin, Luxury Collection and St. Regis brands that do business in Hawaii. “Anyone who knows her understands that despite her diminutive stature Marsha is a marketing giant,” said Keith Vieira, senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood in Hawaii and French Polynesia, in a statement. “We are excited to have her working with us.” She will report to Angela Vento, regional director of sales and marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. in Hawaii and French Polynesia. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 28, 2011 9:10 a.m. HST State Senate Passes Civil Unions Measure The state Senate today passed a measure that would allow all couples-- same- or opposite-sex -- to enter into a civil union with all the rights, privileges and protections of traditional marriage. Senators voted 19-6 to pass Senate Bill 232. The bill now goes to the House for consideration. The proposal is substantively similar to House Bill 444 that was passed last year by both chambers before being vetoed by then-Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, who opposed the bill saying it was same-sex marriage by another name. Last year, HB 444 passed by an 18-7 vote in the Senate and a 31-20 margin in the House. Gov. Neil Abercrombie supports civil unions legislation and lawmakers have said they plan to move quickly on the proposal. House leaders plan to wait for the Senate bill before deciding how to proceed on the issue. They could vote to approve SB 232 and send it to the governor or introduce their own proposal. House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro has introduced a bill similar to a measure that was not heard in the Senate. The bill was crafted by select lawmakers, members of the governor's policy team and civil unions advocates and addresses some concerns surrounding implementation of a civil unions law. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 28, 2011 8:40 a.m. HST Matson Shipping Fuel Charge Heading Back Up Matson Navigation Co. said it will raise its shipping fuel surcharge next month for the first time in more than a year. The state's largest shipping company said the fuel surcharge will increase by 4.75 percentage points to 26.5 percent for its Hawaii service effective Feb. 27. For a container of mixed produce shipped from the West Coast to Hawaii the fuel surcharge will rise to $1,217 from $999, an increase of $218 dollars. It is the first increase in the surcharge since Feb. 7, 2010. The last two adjustments in the surcharge were downward. “Unfortunately, fuel prices have been rising dramatically over the past several months, necessitating this new upward adjustment,” said Dave Hoppes, Matson senior vice president of ocean services. He said the company’s fuel costs are approaching the last high experienced in early 2008 when the fuel surcharge was in excess of 30 percent. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 28, 2011 7:20 a.m. HST Northernm Marianas Bans Shark Finning HONOLULU » Gov. Benigno Fitial of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands has enacted a new law that bans the possession, sale, offering for sale, trading or distribution of shark fins in its territory. Fitial signed the legislation Thursday. According to the Saipan Tribune, the measure's supporters were inspired by a similar law in Hawaii. One advocate, WildAid Executive Director Peter Knights, says the new Northern Marianas statute is another example of a Pacific region strongly standing against the shark fin trade. The fins are a delicacy often used in Chinese soups. Restaurants on the commonwealth have 90 days under the law to sell or serve their supply of fins. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 27, 2011 2:10 p.m. HST Health Department Revises List of Recalled Items from Honolulu Kitchen HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is issuing a revised list of recalled products manufactured by First Commercial Kitchen LLC based on new information received late yesterday and today. The following updated list of clients and products, provided by First Commercial Kitchen LLC, identifies products that may have been manufactured under inadequate control measures and therefore pose a potential health risk if consumed. The previous list issued on January 25 should be disregarded and replaced by this list of products. The
DOH is aware that records provided by First Commercial Kitchen LLC
may include inaccurate and outdated information due to the company’s
questionable record keeping practices. The DOH is providing the opportunity
for businesses to have their products removed from the recall list
if they can provide sufficient documentation and evidence of product
safety. For information on how to have products removed from the recall
listing, go to: The
revised list of recalled products as of January 27, 2011 is as follows: Arturo’s Barb’s Favorite Recipes, Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce, Barb’s Kal-Bi Sauce Bob’s Bar-B-Que Teriyaki Sauce Cabais Capital Sweet Wasabi Sauce Fu Manchu Chilli Peppa Water Grand Café & Bakery: Dessert Topping, Sherry Vinaigrette Hana Hotties Hot Sauces – Pineapple, Lilikoi Guava, Mango, Papaya Healing Noni - Noni Juice India Café: Curry Sauce for Meat, Sauce for Seafood, Tikka Masala (General Sauce) Jen-e Tropical Creamy Garlic Dressing Kabuki Restaurant: Yakitori Sauce, Batayaki Sauce Molokai Roadside Creations Steak Marinades: Original, Mild, Mo’Spicy Mom’s Recipe Sauce Natural Edge: Noni Juice Pacific Poultry: Huli-Huli Sauce Poke Stop: Remoulade, Creamy Ahi Dressing, Soy Lime Dressing, Pickled Onion Tartar Sauce, Teri Sauce REI Food Products (Gyotaku): Sesame Ginger Dressing, Shoyu Dressing, Sweet & Sour Dressing Soul de Cuba: Mango Salsa, Mojo Marinade Sunset Sauces: Pacific Pesto – Mac Nut Style, Pacific Pesto – Asian Style Table Boss Safari Sauce Taste of Joy Teri-Q Sauce Ted’s Bakery Teri Sauce Toyo Sushi: Sushi Vinegar, Garlic Sauce, Spicy Garlic Sauce Waiola Burger Sauce Wing Coffee Company: Thick Soy Sauce, Sweet & Sour Sauce, Plum Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Black Bean Garlic First Commerical Kitchen LLC: Lum’s Char-Siu Sauce On
January 24, First Commercial Kitchen LLC was issued a Notice of Permit
Suspension and an Order to Cease and Desist by the DOH after it was
determined there were inadequate control measures taken during the
manufacture and packaging of food products that may lead to health
risks. First Commercial Kitchen LLC has requested a hearing to contest
the suspension and order. (Report Provided by th State of Hawai'i, Department of Health) NEWS FLASH - January 27, 2011 8:20 a.m. HST County Working to Reduce Delays on Popular Bus Route Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii - The County of Maui Department of Transportation announced today that it is working to resolve the recent delay problems that have plagued the Kihei Islander route. According to the department, unusual delays have been reported by both riders and Maui Bus drivers. While some of the delays may be due to weather related clean-up in the area, heavy ridership and also the popularity of the $2.00 daily passes may also be adding to the late arrivals. The Department is currently working to modify the Maui Bus schedule and coordinate with other routes, so that there is no further hardship to the riding public. According to Director Johnson, "We are truly sorry for the inconvenience to the public and ask for their patience and understanding while these delay problems are being addressed. We hope that it can be resolved quickly and with a minimum of inconvenience to our loyal riders." For more information or to offer suggestions, please contact the Maui County Department of Transportation at 270-7511. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 27, 2011 6:50 a.m. HST Nine Senators Open HI Session With a Prayer - Privately A group of nine Hawaii senators held hands, bowed their heads and sought God's blessing yesterday, signaling that they'll still pray despite a vote last week to abandon official invocations. Fears of court challenges compelled the state Senate to end prayers, making it the first legislative body in the nation to do so. The informal prayer yesterday took place in the Senate chamber before the daily lawmaking session, convened in such a way so as not to contradict the decision to remove invocations from Senate business. "The message is that not all senators have eliminated prayer," said Sen. Will Espero (D, Ewa-Ewa Beach-Lower Waipahu), who organized the group. "We're well within the confines of the law." The 25-member Senate changed its rules in a unanimous voice vote last Thursday to end prayers after the American Civil Liberties Union sent lawmakers a letter complaining that the invocations often referenced Jesus Christ, contravening the separation of church and state. Senate leaders said they wanted to avoid the potential for breaking the law, but lawmakers who participated in the quiet prayer today said their faith has a place in their work. "It's nice to start off the day with a prayer because we need all the help we can get," said Sen. Mike Gabbard (D, Kalaeloa-Makakilo). The ACLU of Hawaii declined to comment. The ACLU previously has said the Senate's action to remove prayers helps create an environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of spiritual beliefs. Senate President Shan Tsutsui, who did not participate in the prayer session, said he condoned their independent movement to keep prayer alive. "It's a matter of free speech," said Tsutsui (D, Wailuku-Kahului). "We do encourage members, at their own will and desire, to go ahead and engage in prayer." He said prayers could be held in the Senate in the future because the chamber's rules are silent on the issue following last week's vote. The brief prayer asked God to bless senators' choices and sought guidance to do right for the people they represent, said participant Sen. Pohai Ryan (D, Lanikai-Waimanalo). "Government and faith should be separate. But just because I voted against it doesn't mean I'm not a spiritual person," Ryan said. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 26, 2011 5:20 p.m. HST Maui County Leads Growth in Tourism Revival Hawaii tourism begins 2011 with renewed momentum from last year's turnaround; however, it's still expected to fall short of the industry's 2005, 2006 and 2007 banner years. Visitor arrivals to Hawaii grew by 8.7 percent to nearly 7.1 million in 2010, and spending rose 16.2 percent to $11.4 billion, according to data released yesterday by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Read the entire report here. Arrivals in December grew for the 14th straight month to 633,730, and overall spending rose by double digits for the eighth straight month to $1.1 billion, HTA reported. The 2010 International Chemical Congress of the Pacific Basin and the Honolulu Marathon held in December helped bring a strong finish to the year and boosted arrivals and spending across all markets for the month. The gains, which surpassed HTA annual arrivals targets by 3.3 percent and spending targets by 8.4 percent, were good news for the visitor industry. However, the performance bar was not very high coming off 2009, the year that the state's visitor industry saw arrivals fall to 6.5 million — the lowest level since 2003 — and spending drop to $9.9 billion, a number not seen since 2001. "2010 finished ahead of the prior year and ahead of our expectations, but you have to take into account that it's being measured against 2009, when we fell into a very deep hole," said Barry Wallace, vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises. Before arrivals started picking up last year, Hawaii went through a string of 22 months with declining arrivals and expenditures, said Mike McCartney, HTA's president and chief executive officer. "We have a way to go to achieve full recovery," McCartney said. As such, the HTA board is slated to vote today on 2011 spending and arrivals targets that are about 4.5 percent below 2006's peak of 7.628 million arrivals and about 4.3 percent less than 2007's $12.8 billion expenditure benchmark. Profitability for the hotel sector is at least another three to five years out, said Jerry Gibson, Hilton Hawaii's area vice president. "We are coming off of 2010 with higher occupancies, but rates are still about a decade behind where they need to be," Gibson said. Cobie and Peter Spaans of Edmonton, Alberta, who are visiting Oahu for two weeks, said their trip this year is even cheaper than the one they made in 2009. "The prices are good," said Cobie Spaans, who was perusing bargains with her husband at the International Market Place in Waikiki yesterday. "Everything is quite reasonable and our money is just about on par with the U.S. dollar." Tokyo office worker Ayano Yamanaka, who was sunning herself with friends at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on her fourth trip to Oahu, said she found good bargains. "It's a good value," Yamanaka said. "The beaches are awesome and we found cheaper clothes." Despite the start of recovery, Hawaii's visitor industry may find it hard to achieve profitability in 2011. Continued consumer cost consciousness, lingering group business declines and rising oil costs will work to drive prices down, Gibson said. Hawaii's group business fell about 20 percent in 2010 due to the economic downturn and the tendency among corporations to cut down on travel to avoid criticism, he said. While APEC will boost group business in 2011, Gibson said Hawaii's visitor industry is still about four or five years out from having the base of group business needed to boost profits. "We have to make up for lots of cancellations and lost business," he said. When the state's on-beach and larger group hotels like Hilton lack group business, it pushes recovery further out, Wallace said. "When the larger properties don't have a set base of business to fill their rooms, they drop their rates or put out special offers," he said. To remain competitive, other hoteliers have to follow suit, which means that Hawaii travelers probably will see more discounting this year, Wallace said. Rising oil prices, which are at $90 a barrel, also could play havoc with visitor industry profitability, said Jack Richards, president and chief executive officer for Pleasant Holidays LLC, Hawaii's largest wholesaler. "It's the wild card," Richards said. "If consumers have to pay more for long-haul travel, hotels, wholesalers and other travel sellers will have to work harder to drive demand." The operational costs of increased energy prices cut into profits in 2010 and could remain an issue in 2011, Gibson said. "Our energy costs went up 19 percent in Hilton's Hawaii hotels last year," he said. "It's our largest delta ever. If it continues, it could mean diminishing returns." Reach Allison Schaeffers at aschaeffers@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
NEWS FLASH - January 26, 2011 1:10 p.m. HST Palafox Asks Abercrombie to Withdraw Nomination Honolulu – Dr. Neal Palafox today asked Governor Neil Abercrombie to withdraw his nomination for Director of the State Department of Health. Governor Abercrombie accepted Dr. Palafox’s request and will make a new appointment for the Health Director as soon as possible. (Report Provided by the Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie) NEWS FLASH - January 26, 2011 6:50 a.m. HST Pay Cuts May Replace Furloughs Under Abercrombie Furloughs won't fly under Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, but pay cuts for government workers might. The Democratic governor will seek a 5 percent reduction in public employee labor costs, which is the equivalent of one furlough day a month, spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz confirmed Tuesday. Abercrombie's plan would keep government employees working the same amount of time with less take-home pay, generating $88 million annually for a budget that's short a projected $844 million over the next 2½ years. Most state government employees currently take two monthly furlough days, amounting to pay cuts of about 8 percent or 9 percent. "The governor doesn't want services to the public disrupted as the furlough Friday situation clearly did," Dela Cruz said. The proposal will have to be negotiated with public labor unions. The Hawaii Government Employees Association didn't return several phone calls seeking comment. The wage reduction plan comes on top of Abercrombie's proposal to end state reimbursements for public workers in Medicare Part B, which would bring in $42 million annually to the state government. "There needs to be labor savings, or else it will be very difficult to balance the budget," said Sen. David Ige, D-Aiea-Pearl City, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. Former Gov. Linda Lingle, a Republican, negotiated furloughs with public labor unions in 2009 as a way to reduce pay and eliminate budget shortages. Abercrombie has repeatedly said he won't resort to furloughs. "When you have a furlough situation, you do have some labor savings, but there's also some cost associated with the inconvenience of folks trying to receive public services," said Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-Wahiawa-Poamoho, chairman of the Finance Committee. "He's trying to take a different approach from the past administration by seeking a wage concession." Negotiations with public labor unions haven't begun yet. Labor savings could be used to help balance the state budget if contracts are agreed to before the end of this year's legislative session May 5. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 25, 2011 5:45 p.m. HST High Surf Advisory Extended Through Wednesday Evening 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI now in effect until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf heights of 10 to 15 feet are expected for north facing shores of Molokai and Maui. Surf will remain elevated through Wednesday. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 8:28 p.m. and 9:46 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 5:50 a.m. and 7:08 a.m. Wednesday morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 25, 2011 4:05 p.m. HST KPAT Seeks Volunteer Help to Clean Up Kalama Park The Kalama Park Action Team (KPAT) is a group of volunteers dedicated to keeping South Maui parks clean and safe. After the recent rains overwhelmed Public Works crews, KPAT members have taken it upon themselves to help make Kalama Park accessible to everyone again. Today they provided the following notice to Maui TV News and they welcome the volunteer assistance from anyone willing to help. "We
will be working at Kalama Park on Wednesday morning, from 7:30 on.
Please join us if you can. We will hui at the Kalama whale. Please
park in one of the main parking lots. Our goal will be to clean up
the pedestrian pathways, the playground, and the skatepark and whale
areas. (Report Provided by the Kalama Park Action Team) NEWS FLASH - January 25, 2011 1:45 p.m. HST Abercrombie Makes 'Most Important Decision' of Career Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced Judge Sabrina Shizue McKenna as his nomination for Associate Justice to the Supreme Court. "This is the most important decision I have made in my career,” stated Governor Abercrombie. “This appointment sets the course for the state and its legal direction for the next several years. I am completely confident that Judge McKenna's appointment will be something I'm proud of for the rest of my life." Judge
McKenna, 53, has been serving in First Circuit Court since 1995 and
currently serves as the Senior Judge of the Family Court. She formerly
served as a District Court judge and previously worked as general
counsel to Otaka, Inc. and as an associate at Goodsill Anderson Quinn
& Stifel. Judge McKenna also worked as an assistant professor
at the University of Hawai‘i’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
She has received various honors and awards including: Hawai‘i Women
Lawyers Outstanding Judicial Achievement Award; Dr. Martin Luther
King Friends Award from the Hawai‘i Friends for Civil Rights; and
Hawai‘i Joint Police Association Certification of Distinguished Service.
Judge McKenna holds a B.A. in Japanese from UH-Mânoa, where she was a Rainbow Wahine Basketball player; and is a 1982 graduate of the William S. Richardson School of Law where she served as Editor-in-Chief of Volume IV of the University of Hawaii Law Review. In 2008, the law school honored her with its Outstanding Alumnus Award and in 2009, UH presented her its Distinguished Alumnus Award. This nomination fills the vacancy created last year with the appointment of Associate Mark Recktenwald as Chief Justice. The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices. Justices are nominated by the Governor from a list of names submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. A justice's nomination is subject to confirmation by the State Senate. Each justice is initially appointed for a ten year term. (Report Provided by the Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie) NEWS FLASH - January 25, 2011 12:05 p.m. HST Wastewater Reclamation Facility Public Meeting Set WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- The County of Maui, Department of Environmental Management will be holding a public informational meeting for a proposed shoreline erosion protection project at the Wailuku-Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility (W-K WWRF), located at 281 Amala Place in Kahului. The meeting will be held on: Date:
February 16, 2011 At this meeting the County will present the various alternatives being considered for the mitigation of shoreline erosion at the W-K WWRF. Public comments and questions will be addressed following the presentation. An Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EA/EISPN) for the project was published in the Environmental Notice of the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) on January 23, 2011. The deadline for written comments is February 21, 2011. Comments can be filed with the following: Department
of Environmental Management The EA/EISPN is available at the Kahului and Wailuku Public Libraries or online at OEQC’s web site at http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 25, 2011 11:30 a.m. HST Real Property Tax Payments Can Now be Made By Phone Or Online WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- The Maui County Real Property Tax Department is allowing electronic tax payments for the first time this year. Pay your real property tax bill online or by phone using your Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards, debit cards or electronic checks (the check must be drawn on a US bank, in US dollars). Credit and debit cards will not be accepted at the Real Property Tax Division office in Kahului. Administrative Fees: A convenience fee is charged by the service provider Link2Gov. The County of Maui does not receive this fee. The fees apply to each property tax payment processed (you can not pay taxes for two or more parcels at a time). The fee is 2.35% of the total amount being paid for credit cards. Fees for debit card payments are $3.95. Fees for electronic check payments drawn on US Banks are $1.49. Non-US banks are not accepted. The fee will be disclosed to you when you confirm the payment. The County of Maui can not refund the convenience fee charged by Link2Gov Corporation. Minimum Payment: The minimum payment that can be made using this service is $5.00. Late Payments: All taxes remaining unpaid after the due date will be considered delinquent and are subject to a penalty of 10%. Additional interest at the rate of 1% for each month or fraction thereof will be applied to all delinquent taxes and penalties. The due dates are: First
Installment (Cycle 1) Due on or before August 20 Returned Payments: If the payment is returned or disputed for any reason, you are responsible for the full amount of the payment (including the administrative fees) plus a return fee to the County of Maui not to exceed $25.00. The County of Maui can not refund the convenience fee charged by Link2Gov Corporation. No Taxes Due: When there are no taxes due for the parcel, you will not be able to make a payment. To verify that there are no taxes due, please call the Real Property Tax Division at (808) 270-7697 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, excluding County of Maui holidays and furloughs. Payment
Verification: Payment information on the Real Property Tax Division
web sites are updated weekly, time permitting. Please allow two weeks
to verify your payment on line. To verify that payments have been
processed you can call the Real Property Tax Division at (808) 270-7697
Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard
Time, excluding County of Maui Holidays and furloughs. For Online Payments: Go to https://gate.link2gov.com/MauiRPT/. You must have an email address to use the online payment service. For Phone Payments: Please call 1-866-936-1061 and follow the voice instructions. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 25, 2011 10:20 a.m. HST Big Waves Still Hitting North Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect until 6:00 p.m. this evening. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf heights of 10 to 15 feet are expected for north facing shores of Molokai and Maui. Surf will remain elevated through today and may need to be extended into Wednesday. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 8:28 p.m. and 9:46 p.m. this evening. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 25, 2011 6:40 a.m. HST Civil Unions Backers Hopeful About Second Chance Less than three months after voters backed most candidates that support civil unions, lawmakers today begin the process of vetting another bill, with expectations high among those who hope to have the bill passed. “We feel very optimistic, given how thorough civil unions has been debated in Hawaii the past few years and given that we already passed the bill,” said Alan Specter, co-chairman of Equality Hawaii. Tomorrow’s hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee marks the third straight year in which lawmakers have taken up the issue that would grant 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. Senate Bill 232 is substantively the same as House Bill 444, Senate Draft 1, passed by the Legislature last year and vetoed by then-Gov. Linda Lingle. The bill only changes the effective date to Jan. 1, 2012. A similar measure, SB 231, is more expansive and addresses some of the concerns raised last year by opponents to HB 444. The bill, which has not yet been scheduled for a hearing by Judiciary Chairman Sen. Clayton Hee (D, Kahuku-Kaneohe), was crafted by Abercrombie’s policy advisers, gay activists and select lawmakers and written to ensure that the rights extend to applicable health, insurance and tax codes. Although Gov. Neil Abercrombie stated his support for passing a civil unions bill during his gubernatorial campaign, SB 231 was not included in his package of bills sent to the Legislature. In the House, Majority Leader Rep. Blake Oshiro (D, Aiea-Halawa) said he expects to introduce a bill by Wednesday. He said his draft of a bill is being circulated among his colleagues to see where support lies for the measure. “At this point, it appears likely that if a bill is going to move, it’s going to be the Senate bill,” Oshiro said. “Mine is becoming more of just a temperature check amongst the House.” Oshiro said he expects the debate — which lasted well into the night the past two years — to be mostly the same as in the past, with the exception of that coming from the governor’s office. “I think the questions coming into the session have almost asked me whether I think it’s a done deal,” Oshiro said. “I would never ever portray it as that way because I think there’s a lot of work to be done and many, many, many, things can happen during the legislative process. “So we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes with the final vote, but I am optimistic.” The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the state Capitol auditorium. Reach B.J. Reyes at bjreyes@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 9:35 p.m. HST Gowadia Sentenced to 32 Years for Espionage A
Maui man who helped develop the B-2 stealth bomber was sentenced this
afternoon to 32 years in federal prison. Prosecutors said Gowadia sold classified U.S. secrets to the Chinese government. “We're a little disappointed she didn't give him a life sentence, that's the sentence that would've sent the best message. But 32 years is stiff and in many ways an appropriate sentence for him,” said Ken Sorenson, assistant U.S. attorney. “We believe very strongly that he's innocent, and we very much look forward to the appeals process in the 9th circuit,” said Gowadia’s son, Ashton. Gowadia's attorney requested a sentence of "time already served." Gowadia has spent the past five years in prison. (Report Provided by KHON-2) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 5 p.m. HST MECO Plant to Cut Power for Maintenance Thursday in Haiku Please be advised that Maui Electric Company will be conducting electrical work on Thursday, January 27 from 7:00 – 11:00 AM on Kokomo Road in Haiku. An interruption in electrical service is required to complete this job. Therefore, customers on Kokomo Road from above the Haiku Cannery to just below the 4th Marine Division Memorial Park and laterals will be without electrical power from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on this Thursday. MECO would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we work to improve electrical service in the Haiku area. (Report Provided by Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 4:40 p.m. HST High Surf Advisory Up for North Shores of Maui and Moloka'i 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect until 6:00 p.m. TUESDAY. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf will increase tonight and remain elevated at least through Tuesday. Surf along north facing shores will be 10 to 15 feet. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 6:38 p.m. and 7:56 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 2.0 feet is expected between 5:39 a.m. and 6:57 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 3:30 p.m. HST 'Operation Speed' Enforces Speeding, Cellphone, Seatbelt Laws The Maui Police Department conducted OPERATION SPEED between January 17 and January 21, 2011 on all of Maui’s major highways. The program was conducted in an effort to make Maui’s roadways a safe place to drive and to address speeding as a major cause of accidents that have occurred on Maui’s highways in 2010. Of the thirteen (13) fatalities recorded in Maui County in 2010 approximately six (6) of them involved speed. As a result of this program the following total of citations were issued: Speeding:
683 (Report Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 3:10 p.m. HST Kahekili Highway Reopened to Traffic in Both Directions Maui Police report that - as of 3 p.m. today - Kahekili Highway is completely open in both directions. A traffic accident last night near the Waiehu Kou I subdivision closed the road completely. This morning traffic was allowed through in an alternating contraflow manner. This afternoon the road was completely reopened. MPD reports that the accident involved a lone male driver in a 1987 Toyota pickup truck who crossed the center median near Akaku street and impacted a utility pole. The man escaped serious injury but the road was closed as a precaution because the poll came down near the road surface, endangering passing traffic. Maui Electric crews reported to the scene and completed repairs this afternoon.. (Report Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 11:50 a.m. HST Abercrombie's First State-of-State Suggests 'New Day,' New Taxes This morning Gov. Neil Abercrombie delivered his first State of the State address in the Capitol legislative chamber in Honolulu. Following is the complete text of his remarks: "Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, former governors, distinguished justices of the court, mayors, representatives of our Congressional Delegation, members of the Hawaii State Legislature, other elected officials, honored guests and friends. Aloha. This new day begins with an honest account of the state of our government. Seven weeks ago, when I began my term as Governor, I assembled a team of talented and dedicated public servants, and I asked them to make an immediate assessment. Today, I give you our report. What appears on paper as an $844 million fiscal deficit through the next biennium belies the fact that there is also a severe operational deficit in government. In other words, as difficult as it will be to balance the budget, that effort will merely be life support for what has become a battered, under resourced, and often dysfunctional democracy. A weakened government affects everyone—business owners waiting for permits that are piling up in offices with a fraction of the necessary personnel; school children without proper tools to learn; public facilities in disgraceful disrepair. We cannot take full advantage of the rise in visitor arrivals because we are not able to maintain these public facilities or invest in the culture and arts programs that make our communities stronger and make those visitors want to return. Public employees steadfastly perform their duties in an increasingly demoralizing work environment. Furloughs and hiring freezes that supposedly saved money have sometimes resulted in more expensive private contracts and excessive overtime pay. Basic operations of government are stymied by an information management system that hasn’t been upgraded in decades. And as our capacity to provide core services has diminished, our tax dollars have become vulnerable to lawsuits and expensive court orders. Meanwhile, we continue to send billions of dollars out of our islands to pay for food, fuel, and other basic goods and services that we could and should produce right here. Worst of all, we have put off making the sacrifices necessary to provide for the education, care, and financial security for our children and future generations. And as we suffered through this erosion of capacity and public confidence—distracted by the question of who was to blame for all this—we are seen as protecting narrow interests to the detriment of all. We have been steadily losing our ability to work together and the trust of the public that we can reverse our course. The breakdown of our government is tearing our social fabric and undermining our economic recovery. As Governor, I will take full responsibility for our current situation. But with that responsibility comes an obligation to tell the truth. The truth is that the canoe, which is our beloved Hawaii, could capsize. We are in that unnerving moment when we could all huli. All of us are at risk and we have to face this. Our actions now must be swift and unified as we right our vessel by pursuing a four-part economic recovery and reinvestment plan. We will get through this biennium. There will be better days ahead. We can and will make it happen. We start with restoring critical government services. Tax revenues will increase as the economy recovers, but that recovery will be stalled as long as there is a fiscal deficit and a government incapable of performing core duties. I am putting forward a plan that will balance the budget, reallocate public resources to the most important government priorities, and restore the basic functions of government. Some of these proposals have been presented and discussed in the past in the legislature. But in the present context—with the challenges facing our state, with long term liabilities that can no longer be ignored, and with new possibilities for collaboration with the executive—we can look at these ideas with fresh eyes. Proposals that may have been rejected in the past are not only possible, but likely necessary today. I want to credit past legislatures for bringing us this far along the path of dealing with the fiscal crisis. What follows are some of the measures we will now need to address. I will be filing a bill to modernize the terms of our employee retirement system to reflect the economic and social realities of today, so that it can be sustained into the future. Absent action in this regard, the retirement system itself is in jeopardy. To this end, I am proposing that we end the current practice of state funded reimbursement for federal Medicare Part B benefits for Hawaii government employees. I am personally one of those recipients of this benefit from my previous service in state government. But it is a bonus paid for by taxpayers that can no longer be justified in light of our current fiscal and social crisis. I did not earn it and cannot justify asking taxpayers, public and private, to pay for it. I am proposing two fixes to the tax code that will increase revenues to the state. One is a repeal of the state tax deduction for state taxes—an absurdity in the tax code, the elimination of which is long overdue. This change will affect all taxpayers who itemize, so we will phase in implementation for middle-income earners to lessen the immediate effect. The other fix is to implement the recommendation of the Tax Review Commission to treat pension income like all other income for tax purposes, as is done when preparing federal taxes. My proposal includes a provision so that those who are most dependent on their pensions will not be taxed. I am proposing what is an overdue increase in the alcohol tax and will also propose a fee on soda and similar drinks. We can no longer ignore the fact that consumption of these and other such products contribute to rising public health costs. Revenues from these fees will be used to repair the public health infrastructure and also to fund prevention and education programs. I expect collective bargaining negotiations to be conducted in good faith and with common goals in mind—to achieve savings without disrupting service to the public, to keep state employees on the job with paychecks for their families, and to exercise creativity and long-term thinking in the bargaining process to improve the work experience and achieve a resolution of the crisis of unfunded liabilities in pension funds and runaway health costs. We need to ensure that our visitor industry is sustainable by bringing the impact fees paid by the increasing number of timeshare occupants into alignment with hotel room occupants who pay the transient accommodations tax. I will also reallocate funds from the Hawaii Tourism Authority to basic government services such as environmental protection, improvements to public facilities, and advancing culture and the arts. The amount we are spending in the name of marketing Hawaii has grown disproportionate to the amount we need to spend on Hawaii’s own infrastructure, social as well as physical. We need to reprioritize and reinvest in our Hawaii—in the things that make our islands unique. Now, I must address perhaps the most emotionally trying subject we face. We will have to scale back on those social services for which funding no longer exists. There are some contracts entered into by the previous administration that assumed the existence of additional federal funds for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. These unfunded contracts are for worthy programs, and we must now find new ways to support our neighbors. We must acknowledge, without flinching, the fact that the rising cost of health care also requires that we cut back on benefits provided to Medicaid patients in the coming years in order to sustain health coverage of any kind for eligible individuals and families. This is one of the most difficult things I have had to come to grips with as Governor, but we cannot and will not avoid it or evade the necessity of confronting the issue. I am calling on community organizations, private foundations, and all of us to work together with state agencies in helping to absorb the blows that these changes will bring. All told, this plan will allow us to reduce and in time eliminate our fiscal deficit and to turn around our operating deficiencies in government. This plan will speed up our recovery, result in increased revenues and create a healthy, functioning government that can serve the public good and restore confidence in ourselves. This proposal is presented as a package for consideration. I am wide open to other ideas from the legislature and the community. But make no mistake, we cannot and will not entertain ideas that are designed simply to shift responsibility to someone else or to some future time. In the end, we must come to an agreement now that is balanced in its impact, that is adequate to restore the functions of government, and that does not create counterproductive barriers to economic recovery. The challenge before us is not to balance a budget. Our challenge is to ensure that our values and priorities are reflected in the decisions we make and actions we take. The time for debate—debate which merely goes through the motions, or rhetoric for the sake of a safe harbor political agenda—has expired. Everyone must be prepared to contribute. For my part, as governor, I propose the New Day Work Projects. In the time I have been in office, our team has been preparing to launch the central part of our economic strategy—a broad ranged series of capital improvement actions to be called the New Day Work Projects. The New Day Work Projects will directly attack unemployment and jumpstart business activity. It will provide an economic boost that will reverberate throughout the state. We will utilize the bonding power of the state, partner with willing private parties, streamline processes, and provide work that will result in paychecks for families across our islands. We will take a systematic and integrated approach to the New Day Work Projects to ensure broad distribution of economic benefits, and we will be thoughtful about the projects we select to make sure they match our long-term priorities. For example, we have ambitious capital improvement plans for the University of Hawaii system, including the UH West Oahu campus and the Palamanui campus in Kona, which will provide new educational opportunities for students. And our Department of Transportation is freeing a backlog of work to improve our roads, airports and harbors—a transformation of our infrastructure that will have widespread positive effects on our visitor industry and local families for decades to come. The New Day Work Projects will look for long-range cost savings. Right now, for lack of action, we have state buildings that have been vacant for years, such as the Lihue Courthouse and the Kamamalu building on Richards Street. We will get these buildings back into working condition so that we aren’t wasting taxpayer money to lease additional properties. We will take cost effective measures to make state buildings energy efficient. This will result in long-term savings for taxpayers and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. I will also convene a group of experts and University officials to consider the future of sports and the future of development on Oahu to make a definitive decision on Aloha Stadium and any future stadium we might build. Other than maintenance related to health and safety, I will divert all other capital improvement dollars for Aloha Stadium to other projects. Right now, multimillion dollar plans to extend the life of Aloha Stadium by 20 years could take 40 years to implement. It is time to reprioritize. The New Day Work Projects will look to the future and what our community and economy will look like decades from now. For example, as Honolulu moves on its transit plans, the state will actively encourage and support attractive, sustainable transit-oriented redevelopment. The legislature has proposals on these concepts, including looking at density rights and other zoning initiatives. I look forward to participating in the discussion and moving quickly. The people of Hawaii are going to get to work and build our future. In meetings with other governors across the country, I have met some who have an ideological problem with utilizing resources from the federal government and collaborating with our President. We, of course, have no such problem. After all, federal dollars are our tax dollars, and we should pursue our fair share vigorously and strategically. Barack Obama is our President, and his vision is well aligned with ours. The Hawaii Fair Share Initiative led by Lieutenant Governor Schatz, represents an unprecedented effort to bring in additional dollars to Hawaii. Here are two examples of what’s already been accomplished: First, we’ve positioned Hawaii to receive nearly $100 million in new federal dollars in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 to be used for military facility upgrades and veteran cemetery improvements across the state. By coming up with a little over $12 million in state funds, we’ll get an 8 to 1 return on our investment for critical capital improvement projects across Hawaii. As another example, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the Department of Human Services are partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs led by Hawaii’s own Eric Shinseki and Tammy Duckworth. This partnership will help community-based organizations secure funds to address homeless veterans. With this new partnership, there will be additional federal resources available to make sure that we are working in a strategic and humane fashion to solve this problem. Lieutenant Governor Schatz is providing leadership and forming partnerships that will yield both short and long-term economic benefits for Hawaii and is driving real change in how we do business with each other. This will call for reinvesting in our future. As we right our canoe, our top priority must be education. This past Saturday at Washington Place, both the Superintendent of Schools and the President of the University of Hawaii participated in our first cabinet retreat. The Department of Education is on the cusp of transformative change as a result of winning President Obama’s Race to the Top. I am totally committed to that effort. But to move this forward, we need an immediate resolution to the appointed school board issue. In the coming weeks, the legislature needs to give me the enabling legislation allowing the Governor to appoint the school board. The Senate Education Committee is meeting this afternoon and considering a bill that will create a clear line of accountability and direct appointment by the Governor. I am already receiving applications and recommendations through the Governor’s website that will allow me to move quickly. This is the clear will of Hawaii’s people. I am prepared to act now. As for the University of Hawaii, I have high expectations for how it will transform our state under President Greenwood’s leadership. Through its Hawaii Graduation Initiative, UH will increase the number of college graduates by 25 percent by 2015. We can achieve this goal by keeping education affordable and reaching out to students across the state who have not been traditionally well served at UH, including Native Hawaiians and neighbor island students. The University is also the state’s think tank. The Thirty-Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, and the Beacon health information grant at UH-Hilo are two examples of the kind of practical research and innovation that will provide jobs for our people and revenue for the state. Research programs at the University will play a big part in our economic recovery by bringing external dollars into our State and building innovative industries. The University’s current research activity brings $450 million to the table. I will strongly support measures to increase that capacity. I also want to take a moment to note a unique element in our education system that is often overlooked but is vitally important to the future of our Hawaii. In 1896, it was made illegal to teach in the Hawaiian language. In 1986, a group of legislators and community leaders removed that ban. I was part of that group. Today, I would like to introduce founding member of Punana Leo and the first student of Native Hawaiian ancestry to receive a PhD in Hawaiian and Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization, Dr. Kauanoe Kamana, please stand and be recognized. Today, we have an opportunity to organize a Hawaiian language university-within-a-university as a next step. Language is a key element in ensuring that the Hawaiian culture remains strong and perseveres into the future for the benefit of all. When our young children master language, they master themselves. When they master themselves, they can achieve anything. For our youngest children, my office has been working with private and public agencies and will be utilizing federal, state and private resources to develop a leadership position in the Governor’s office for early education. This person will coordinate efforts across departments and in the private sector as we lay the groundwork for the future establishment of a Department of Early Childhood. We will also move to ensure energy and food security for Hawaii. I have spoken of and sustained my interest in an independent Hawaii Energy Authority to move the clean energy agenda. However, I am encouraged by the ideas put forward by legislators and the energy community that propose a significant restructuring of the Public Utilities Commission to move energy projects and better connect our islands with the information and transportation infrastructure that is needed to make us more self-sufficient. I look forward to working with the legislature to come up with a solution so we can move on these matters with dispatch. Jobs in energy, agriculture, and environmental protection will be a cornerstone in a new sustainable economy in Hawaii. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is ready to deploy a $6 million federal grant to implement a plan to do the necessary workforce development activities needed to increase these green jobs in Hawaii. Another element of our economic security is increasing our broadband capacity. Simply put, our information highway is essential to the future of our islands. We have an outstanding plan produced by the Hawaii Broadband Task Force. Now we will implement it. The potential for Hawaii to be a model state and access outside funding is before us. Our broadband initiative will parallel what we will accomplish in clean energy, and it will be key to all our economic development plans. The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism will take the lead on these energy and broadband initiatives. We will also refocus our efforts in creative industries such as film and television—a $400 million industry that we can grow many times with smart investments and strong leadership. Help for small businesses is also on the way from DBEDT working in collaboration with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to support small business activity. By far one of the biggest factors that is hampering government and costing taxpayers is our outdated information technology. The Department of Accounting and General Services and my office are preparing to launch an unprecedented public-private partnership to accomplish an unprecedented goal. We are poised to transform our government and make Hawaii the envy of the nation in its use of technology. All departments, including health, human services, public safety, Hawaiian Homelands, land and natural resources—ALL departments—are working collaboratively to restructure processes, bring pride back to public service work, rebuild our safety net for our most vulnerable people, and develop partnerships so that we can do a better job of taking care of our own people. My administration will continue to provide messages and proposals regarding the executive budget and new initiatives. Our goal is to present ideas that are well considered and developed; products of conversations with lawmakers, academics, private businesses, workers, nonprofits, and community leaders. I believe this is the prudent way to govern in a new spirit of cooperation, deliberation, and steady determination to create and bring to fruition a New Day for Hawaii. I believe in Hawaii. I believe that you believe in Hawaii. This is the reason I ran for Governor—to have the opportunity to express everyday my confidence in all of us, no matter our background or opinion. We are Hawaii—an impossible convergence in the spirit of aloha of discovery, perseverance, unity and humanity. There is no doubt in my mind that we will overcome our current challenges. On January 8, my friend and colleague, a member of my Armed Services Committee in the Congress, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, was shot and six others were killed in Arizona. An hour after I heard the news, I found myself sitting in my office with Marc Alexander, who had been the Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hawaii. Marc was discussing with, the journey that led him to submit his name and resume through the New Day Hawaii website, to the Abercrombie Administration. On that day, still in the grip of emotion in the wake of events, I found inspiration. Marc and I come from very different backgrounds and have been on opposite sides of very emotional debates. We talked about how we justify ourselves to ourselves as human beings. We talked about homelessness in Hawaii and our responsibilities. We found so much in common. So, joined by common purpose, I asked him to serve and he accepted the job to help lead the charge to end homelessness in Hawaii and, more importantly, heal our community—to reach out to all our brothers and sisters in the spirit of aloha. Because in Hawaii, we understand that it is our good actions that make us human beings. Our diversity of beliefs and background does not divide us, it defines us. Government is and should be the literal representation of us as people of Hawaii. My expectations are high. I am asking every person—each legislator, administrator, business owner, worker, advocate, teacher, doctor, parent—each and every citizen to help restore our government, restore our sense of community, and restore our Hawaii. Let us right our canoe; Let us act in a pono way and begin our journey back to the heart of our island home with humble hearts and above all, with aloha for each other. Imua Hawaii." (Report Provided by the Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 9:10 a.m. HST Unemployement Inches Down Slowly in Hawai'i HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced today that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December remains at 6.4 percent, unchanged for the sixth consecutive month. There were 593,350 employed and 40,250 unemployed in December, for a total seasonally adjusted labor force of 633,600. The preliminary annual average unemployment rate for 2010 is 6.6 percent compared to 6.8 percent in 2009. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 9.4 percent in December from 9.8 percent in November.
(Report Provided by the Hawai'i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations) NEWS FLASH - January 24, 2011 6:50 a.m. HST One Lane Still Closed After Waiehu Accident After a traffic accident closed Kahekili Highway last night around 8:30 p.m., at Waiehu Kou Phase 1, Maui Police continue their investigation. One lane remains closed. Meanwhile, Police have a contraflow lane. Expect delays. (Report Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 23, 2011 8:50 p.m. HST Accident Closes HIghway in Waiehu Maui Police report that Kahekili Highway at Akakuu Street in Waiehu is closed due to a Traffic Accident. (Report Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 22, 2011 5:15 p.m. HST North Shore Surf Advisory Hangin In 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI and NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI which will remain in effect until 6:00 a.m. Sunday. 2. EFFECTS: Peak surf heights of 12 to16 feet along north facing shores of Maui and Molokai. Peak surf heights of 8 to12 feet along west facing shores of Molokai. Surf will continue to lower but will remain large through tonight. Strong currents and localized beach erosion along exposed coastlines. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN THE ADVISORY AREA PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH EROSION. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 4:21 p.m. and 5:39 p.m. Saturday evening. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 22, 2011 1:15 p.m. HST Coast Guard Continues Search for Missing Guam Sailors GUAM – The search continues for five missing boaters who left on an international voyage from Guam bound for Cebu, Philippines. Two U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, a U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft, one U.S. Navy H-60 Seahawk helicopter, one U.S. Air Force C-12 aircraft, and the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia are currently employed in the ongoing search for the sailboat Pineapple. Saturday morning the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam Command Center launched a coordinated search that covered more than 60,000 square nautical miles of the Philippine Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard has received assistance from neighboring island nations including the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, which allowed U.S. Coast Guard aircraft to use their airfields, greatly reducing transit time into the search area. The Philippine Coast Guard is also assisting search efforts by deploying a 56-meter vessel and a BN-1 Islander aircraft to search the inland waters of the Philippines along the vessel’s intended route of travel. Broadcasts notifying commercial vessels transiting the Philippine Sea to maintain watch for the missing boat and its crew have not yielded any sightings. The sailing vessel Pineapple is a 38-foot, twin-hulled catamaran with a white hull and white sails. The vessel has five people aboard and was last seen departing Guam Jan. 6. The U.S. Coast Guard urges all vessels in the Philippine Sea to keep a sharp lookout, assist if possible, and report all sightings to the U.S. Coast Guard at 671-564-USCG. (Report Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard) NEWS FLASH - January 22, 2011 9:45 a.m. HST North, West Shore Surf Advisory Extended for Maui, Moloka'i 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has been EXTENDED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI and NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Saturday. 2. EFFECTS: Peak surf heights of 12 to 16 feet along north facing shores of Maui and Molokai. Peak surf heights of 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores of Molokai. Surf will continue to lower but will remain large through tonight. Strong currents and localized beach erosion along exposed coastlines. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN THE ADVISORY AREA PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH EROSION. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 4:21 a.m. and 5:39 a.m. Saturday evening. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 22, 2011 7:05 a.m. HST Hawaiian Lays Off 30 Non-Union Emloyees Hawaiian Airlines has laid off 30 of its 545 nonunion employees as part of a company restructuring. The 30 employees in managerial and administrative positions were laid off this week, Hawaiian spokesman Keoni Wagner said yesterday. Wagner added that the number of employees in the company's total work force will be "a net positive" since Hawaiian will be adding 50 positions "over the coming weeks." "There's movement in all departments, and some employees are being promoted and others being reassigned," Wagner said. "We are realigning the organization structure and management resources to better support the growth plan and the future needs of the business." Hawaiian, which has 4,020 employees, has been expanding aggressively during the past year. During the last two months, it initiated four-times-a-week service to Seoul's Incheon International Airport and daily service to Tokyo's Haneda International Airport. It also brought in three Airbus A330-200s in 2010 and has two more scheduled for delivery this year as it continues a decade-long transition of its long-range fleet from Boeing 767s. Wagner said the company will provide a "generous" separation package for those employees not being retained. The package includes payouts reflecting their years of service, extended benefits and career transition help, he said. "A lot of adjustments have been made to roles and responsibilities, some titles have changed and qualifications for different positions have changed," Wagner said. "It was a comprehensive realignment of resources and structure, and in some cases the new positions didn't match the qualifications of some of our affected employees." Hawaiian's website lists job openings in information technologies, flight operations, sales and marketing, contract services, in-flight service, finance, customer service, accounting, management, human resources, corporate communications, human resources, strategic procurement, aircraft maintenance, cargo training, general service equipment and engineering. "We'll be recruiting heavily in the coming weeks to fill those positions," Wagner said. Hawaiian will report its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings after the stock market closes on Feb. 1. Reach Dave Segal at dsegal@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 21, 2011 2:15 p.m. HST Leadership Announced for 26th Hawai'i Legislative Session Honolulu, Hawaii. Speaker of the House Calvin Say today announced the House of Representatives leadership team and the Committee chairmanships for the 26th Legislature. Maui County representatives are noted in bold print. They are: House Leadership Team: Speaker: Calvin K.Y. Say (District 20 – St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki) Vice Speaker: Joey Manahan (District 29 – Sand Island, Mokauea, Kalihi Kai, Kapalama) Majority Leader: Blake Oshiro (District 33 – Aiea, Halawa Valley, Halawa Heights, Aiea Heights) Majority Floor Leader: Cindy Evans (District 7 – North Kona, South Kohala) Majority Whips: Mele Carroll (District 13 – Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai, Molokai, Keanae, Wailua, Nahiku, Hana); Pono Chong (District 49 – Maunawili, Olomana, Enchanted Lake, Kaneohe); Ken Ito (District 48 – Heeia, Haiku Valley, Kapunahala, Kaneohe); John Mizuno (District 30 – Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter); James Kunane Tokioka (District 15 – Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Portion of Old Koloa Town, Omau) Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs: Agriculture Consumer
Protection and Commerce
Economic
Revitalization and Business Education Energy
and Environmental Protection Finance Hawaiian
Affairs Health
Higher
Education Housing
Human
Services International
Affairs Judiciary
Labor
and Public Employment Legislative
Management Public
Safety and Military Affairs Tourism Transportation Water,
Land and Ocean Resources (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Office of the Legislature)
NEWS FLASH - January 21, 2011 8:15 a.m. HST High Surf Warning Still Up - But Waves On Way Down 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF WARNING for NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI and NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI in effect until 6:00 p.m. today. 2. EFFECTS: Peak surf heights of 22 to 30 feet lowering to 15 to 25 feet along north facing shores of Maui and Molokai. Peak surf heights of 15 to 22 feet lowering to 12 to 18 feet along west facing shores of Molokai. Surf will gradually lower but remain large through at least today. Coastal erosion and wave run-up in coastal areas exposed to the swell. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A HIGH SURF WARNING INDICATES THAT DANGEROUS, BATTERING WAVES WILL POUND THE SHORELINE. THIS WILL RESULT IN VERY DANGEROUS SWIMMING CONDITIONS, AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. AVOID ENTERING THE WATER, AND REMAIN ALERT FOR WAVE RUN-UP IF HEADED TO THE BEACH TO VIEW THE SURF. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 3:28 p.m. and 4:46 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.8 feet is expected between 4:21 a.m. and 5:39 a.m. tomorrow morning. BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 21, 2011 7:40 a.m. HST Sakamoto Pool to Close for Repairs - All Pools To Be Open More WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation, Aquatics Division announced today the temporary closure of Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool due to temporary repairs to the existing pool liners and address any unforeseen repairs caused by water damage. The pool will be closed from January 29 through February 8, 2011. The Department of Parks and Recreation, Aquatics Division also announced that the designated weekly pool closures have been discontinued for all Maui pools and all pools will return to normal hours beginning February 1, 2011. The public is advised to call the Maui County Pools information line at 270-8208 for pool schedules and updates. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 21, 2011 6:50 a.m. HST State Senator Proposes Adding Hawai'i to Multistate Lottery A state lawmaker has unveiled legislation to study the pros and cons of Hawaii joining a multistate lottery. The measure by Sen. Malama Solomon of the Big Island would require the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to examine Hawaii's potential participation in the Powerball and Mega Millions lotteries. She told KITV that Hawaii could add a sweetener for lottery winners, such as a free trip to the state. Hawaii currently bars all gambling, and gambling proposals arise and die in every legislative session. But the state's difficult finances is prodding legislators to examine moneymaking proposals. Rep. Marcus Oshiro, chairman of the House Finance Committee, says he expects serious debate on gambling ideas. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 20, 2011 4:45 p.m. HST High Surf Warning Still Up for Maui, Moloka'i 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF WARNING for NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI and NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday. 2. EFFECTS: Peak surf heights of 20 to 30 feet along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui. Peak heights of 15 to 25 feet along west facing shores of Molokai. Surf will gradually diminish but remain large through at least Friday. Large waves will impact the north and west facing shores, with coastal erosion and wave run-up possible in coastal areas exposed to the swell. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A HIGH SURF WARNING INDICATES THAT DANGEROUS, BATTERING WAVES WILL POUND THE SHORELINE. THIS WILL RESULT IN VERY DANGEROUS SWIMMING CONDITIONS, AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. AVOID ENTERING THE WATER, AND REMAIN ALERT FOR WAVE RUN-UP IF HEADED TO THE BEACH TO VIEW THE SURF. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 3.0 feet is expected between 3:51 a.m. and 5:09 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 3:28 p.m. and 4:46 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 20, 2011 2:45 p.m. HST Congresswoman Hirono Retains Seats on Important Committees Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today announced her committee assignments for the 112th Congress. Congresswoman Hirono will continue to serve on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Congresswoman Hirono has served on both committees since 2007, following her election to her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Republican leadership has reduced the size of committees and minority members (Democrats) obtained far fewer seats than the majority. Hirono has been able to keep both committees because of the seniority she has earned over the past four years. “Jobs and education are two of my highest priorities,” said Hirono. “I feel very fortunate to have retained membership in these two major committees. Education is critical to developing the workforce Hawaii needs to create a more diversified and resilient economy. Investments in transportation and infrastructure provide good jobs, improve the quality of life for our citizens, and strengthen our economy.” During organization meetings today, Congresswoman Hirono was appointed to serve on the following subcommittees: Education and the Workforce • Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education – jurisdiction includes early learning through high school level, Native Hawaiian Education, Head Start, school lunch and child nutrition programs, school safety, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, vocational education and more • Subcommittee on Workforce Protections – includes wages and hours of workers, including the David-Bacon Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, workers’ compensation, Family and Medical Leave Act, and more Transportation and Infrastructure • Subcommittee on Highways and Transit – jurisdiction includes Federal Aid Highway program, public transit programs, highway safety, commercial motor carrier regulation and safety, and more • Subcommittee on Aviation – includes all matters relating to civil aviation, including airport improvement program, aviation security, aviation noise; economic regulation of airlines, Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board • Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation – includes all matters relating to the Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration, including ports, passenger vessels, international maritime activities and intermodal transportation. (Report Provided by the Office of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono) NEWS FLASH - January 20, 2011 1:15 p.m. HST No More Prayers in Hawai'i Senate The state Senate is ending daily prayers before lawmaking sessions. The Senate passed new rules today that delete a sentence requiring an invocation, effectively stopping the practice. Senators said they made the change because they'd likely lose a lawsuit if they were sued, which would cost taxpayers money. The Senate considered allowing prayers if they didn't mention a deity, but religious groups argued that clergy can't be restrained from talking about their higher power. The state House also is considering limiting prayer, but it opened with invocations on both yesterday and today, the first two days of this year's legislative session. The Senate's last prayer was a Hawaiian-language invocation yesterday. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 20, 2011 10:35 a.m. HST New Maui Participating Providers Added to HMSA365 Program The HMSA365 member discount program of the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) has added several new participating businesses on Maui. The innovative program provides discounted services for the health plan’s nearly 700,000 members statewide. Members
on Maui can present their HMSA card for cost savings at these businesses: “Our first priority as a company is to deliver value to our members. HMSA365 fits the bill,” said HMSA Vice President of Community Affairs Elisa Yadao. For additional cost-savings on Maui, members can visit HMSA’s website at hmsa.com/hmsa365 or call 1 (866) 520-6362. The program is managed by Healthways WholeHealth Networks, Inc. Companies interested in participating in HMSA365 should contact Healthways at 1 (866) 520-6362. HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is governed by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large. HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Nationally, HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to more than 100 million members. (Report Provided by Hawai'i Medical Services Association) NEWS FLASH - January 20, 2011 8:45 a.m. HST Waves Not Up to 'Eddie' Standards - No Go Waves at Waimea Bay were “just not up to the ‘Eddie’ standards,” organizers of the Eddie Aikau big wave surfing contest said this morning. But while the ‘Eddie’ isn’t happening today, some of the best big wave surfers in the world are still going into the water to challenge huge, inconsistent sets. Waves this morning are just below the consistent 20-foot ‘local-size’ surf needed to hold the contest. Thousands of spectators streamed into Waimea Bay Beach Park before dawn in hopes that the Eddie Aikau big wave surf contest will be a go today. Bundled in hoodies, blankets and sleeping bags, people packed the lookout areas on both sides of the bay before dawn. Surf early this morning was about 15 to 18 feet, according to the contest website, just shy of the consistent 20-foot ‘local size’ surf required for the competition. Surfers from all over the world have gathered at Waimea Bay and some already went into the water before the official announcement that the contest was off. More than two-dozen surfers were in the lineup as the sun rose. The crowd on and around the beach cheered as the largest sets -- with wave faces of 30 feet or higher -- came in. Sadie Salazar, who is vacationing from Utah with her family, left her Kailua vacation rental at 3 a.m. today to make the long drive to Waimea Bay. “We don’t have waves there,” said Salazar who parked about a half-mile away from the beach. Kailua resident Julie Lee coaxed a co-worker to take the day off from work at the Queen’s Medical Center to watch the surf at Waimea Bay. “It’s fun to be out there whether it goes or not,” Lee said. City officials are asking people thinking of going to the North Shore today to take TheBus to Waimea. Those driving themselves to the North Shore are asked to look out for pedestrians and be patient in the traffic. No public parking is available today at Waimea and workers put up barriers on Kamehameha Highway around the bay to prevent illegal parking. Contest organizers estimated 20,000 people watched the last Eddie Aikau surf event held in December 2009, the 25th anniversary. Greg Long of San Clemente, Calif. won after a perfect score on a wave. The big wave surfing event was first held in 1985 at Sunset Beach in honor of surf legend Eddie Aikau, a fearless and humble waterman who saved many lives as a lifeguard at Waimea Bay. In March 1978, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard to seek help for his fellow crew members after the Hokulea double-hull voyaging canoe capsized in the Molokai Channel. It was the last time Aikau was seen. Crew members were rescued after a Hawaiian Airlines pilot spotted them during a flight. A massive search and rescue effort for Aikau was initiated but he was never found. The surf event in memory of Aikau moved to Waimea Bay from Sunset Beach in 1986. The holding period for this year’s contest runs through next month so there’s still a possibility the ‘Eddie’ will still be held this season. Part of the appeal of the competition is its rarity. Conditions have to be perfect and the contest has only been held eight times in the 25 years since its inception. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 20, 2011 7:55 a.m. HST High Surf Warning Continues for North, West Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF WARNING for NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI and NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday. 2. EFFECTS: Peak surf heights of 25 to 35 feet along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui. Peak surf heights of 15 to 25 feet along west facing shores of Molokai. Surf will be peaking around mid-morning on Molokai and Maui. The swell will gradually diminish after peaking, remaining large through at least Friday. Large waves will impact the north and west facing shores, with coastal erosion and wave run-up possible in coastal areas exposed to the swell. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A HIGH SURF WARNING INDICATES THAT DANGEROUS, BATTERING WAVES WILL POUND THE SHORELINE. THIS WILL RESULT IN VERY DANGEROUS SWIMMING CONDITIONS, AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. AVOID ENTERING THE WATER, AND REMAIN ALERT FOR WAVE RUN-UP IF HEADED TO THE BEACH TO VIEW THE SURF. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.6 feet is expected between 2:39 p.m. and 3:57 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 3.0 feet is expected between 3:51 a.m. and 5:09 a.m. tomorrow morning. BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 20, 2011 6:55 a.m. HST Lead Paint Threatening Albatross Chicks at Midway A federal study estimates it will cost $8 million to $12 million to clean up lead paint that threatens Laysan albatross chicks at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. The study released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wednesday says it will take up to six years to clean up lead-based paint from about 86 buildings at the remote island. Most of the structures were built between 1939 and 1993 when the atoll some 1,200 miles northwest of Honolulu was a U.S. Navy base. Lead-based paint was used on most of the buildings. Midway is now a wildlife refuge home to the world's largest Laysan albatross nesting colony. As many as 10,000 chicks, or up to 3 percent of the atoll's hatchlings, die from lead poisoning each year. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 5:35 p.m. HST Say Retains Retains Seat as Speaker of House Honolulu, Hawaii. The Hawaii House of Representatives today announced that Representative Calvin Say (District 20 – St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki) will remain as Speaker of the House for the Twenty-Sixth Legislature, which includes the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions. The Speaker has been working with the House membership to select a leadership team and make committee assignments, which are expected to be announced tomorrow. “I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and for the opportunity to lead the House for the next two years,” said Speaker Calvin Say. “While our economy is rebounding, we are not out of the woods, and it’s important that we remain focused on our priorities: jobs, the economy and a balanced state budget. We continue to face significant challenges and the House is committed to working collaboratively with the Senate and the Abercrombie administration to meet those challenges and move our state forward on behalf of the people of Hawaii.” Speaker Say was first elected Speaker in 1998 for the start of the 1999 session. The upcoming 2011 session will be his 13th year as Speaker. He was first elected to the House in 1976. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Office of the Legislature) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 3:15 p.m. HST 'Barb's Local Style' Sauces Recalled on Moloka'i, O'ahu Hawaii Business Group Incorporated, Barb’s Favorite Recipes, and Ohana Seafoods are recalling Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce and Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce because of possible health risks due to the potential growth of Clostridium Botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. The sauce was manufactured by First Commercial Kitchen LLC. Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, may cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, abdominal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention. The Black Bean Sauce is sold in 12oz. glass jars and labeled as Barb’s Local Style Black Bean Sauce or Ohana Flavors Black Bean Sauce. The UPC numbers on the product are 6-75981-42491-8 and 7-02003-72739-6. The recalled sauce was distributed on Oahu and Molokai. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem. A routine inspection discovered the problem Consumers may contact Hawaii Business Group Incorporated at 808-676-0880 between 7:30AM and 3PM, Monday through Friday for further information. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Health) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 1:25 p.m. HST Governor Seeking Applications for Boards and Commissions Honolulu – Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced that applications are being accepted for service on the numerous boards and commissions – including the Board of Education – via his website, http://hawaii.gov/gov. The Office of the Governor oversees more than 150 boards and commissions established by the state constitution, statutes, or executive orders. Members of the public may apply themselves or recommend qualified applicants. “We want an open and fair process to identify public servants who are dedicated to advancing our vision of A New Day in Hawaii,” Governor Abercrombie said. “We cannot make positive change in Hawaii alone. It takes many voices from diverse backgrounds to help build stronger communities.” In November 2010, Hawaii voters passed a Constitutional Amendment for a Governor-appointed Board of Education (BOE). This session, which begins today, lawmakers will be working on legislation to determine the BOE appointment process. In preparation, the Abercrombie Administration is including the BOE among the other boards and commissions. Information about all the boards and commissions, and application instructions are posted at http://hawaii.gov/gov/about/boards-commissions.html. (Report Provided by the Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 9:45 a.m. HST Winter Weather Warning Issued for Haleakala 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a WINTER WEATHER WARNING for the SUMMIT and UPPER SLOPES of HALEAKALA in EFFECT UNTIL 6:00 P.M. THIS EVENING. Park officials closed the summit roads due to icy conditions shortly after sunrise today. 2.
EFFECTS: A cold low aloft will pass over Maui on Wednesday
bringing the threat of wintry weather to elevations above 9000 feet.
The primary threat over the upper elevations of Haleakala will be
freezing rain and icing which will make travel to the summit of Haleakala
very dangerous. This wintry mix of precipitation is expected to 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF FREEZING RAIN, SLEET, SNOW AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 9:15 a.m. HST North Shore Waves To Approach 40 Feet Tomorrow 1. EVENTS: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF WARNING for NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI and NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI in effect from NOON today until 6:00 p.m. Friday. 2. EFFECTS: Surf peak heights will build this afternoon and tonight peaking during the day Thursday on Maui. The swell will remain large through at least Friday. Peak surf heights will reach 35 to 40 feet along North facing shores and 25 to 35 feet along West facing shores. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents. Coastal residents should take immediate action to protect life and property as this large swell will coincide with very large high tides which will occur in the early morning hours on Thursday and Friday. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves A high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 1:52 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. this afternoon. BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 8:45 a.m. HST Unstable Air Aloft Keeps Flash Flood Watch Over Maui 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for the Island of Maui through Wednesday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: A cold low aloft will pass over Maui today. Instability associated with the upper low will bring the threat of heavy showers and thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding. The flood threat will diminish by Wednesday night. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 7:55 a.m. HST Fishing Permitted Off Kaho'olawe This Weekend Registered vessels will be allowed to troll in waters around Kaho'olawe this Saturday and Sunday, the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission announced. Registered vessels are also required to file a catch report with the commission when they fish in the reserve, whether fish are caught or not. “Reserve waters” are defined as within two nautical miles of Kaho'olawe. All other fishing, ocean recreation, commercial and/or any other activities are prohibited. Access to the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve waters is severely restricted because of the continued presence of unexploded ordnance, and to protect marine resources within the reserve. However, during two scheduled weekends each month, limited trolling is allowed in reserve waters deeper than 30 fathoms for vessels with permits. To register with the commission, or for more information, contact Dean Tokishi at 808-243-5889, dtokishi@kirc.hawaii.gov, or visit http://kahoolawe.hawaii.gov to download a registration packet. Registration packets are also available at the Division of Boating and Recreation at 210 Imi Kala St., Suite 205, Wailuku and at Maui Sporting Goods at 92 North Market St., Wailuku. (Report Provided by the Haho'olawe Island Reserve Commission) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 7:25 a.m. HST Ma'alaea's Hau'oli Street Culvert Repairs Moving Ahead WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- The contractor completed installation of the culverts and opened Hauoli Street late last night. However, the crossing is still plated since the pavement structure, base course and asphalt concrete pavement, is not yet in place. Remaining work includes inlet and outlet headwalls and wingwalls, concrete channel transition work on the outlet end, base course and AC pavement, and removal of the detour road. Crews hope to get the culvert system completed today, although the pavement structure work is contingent upon availability of a paving crew. Please
be advised that the detour will be utilized whenever full road closure
is required for work on Hauoli Street. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 19, 2011 6:45 p.m. HST Thunder, Snow, Huge Waves in State Forecast Today Coudy skies, possible thunderstorms, freezing rain and snow, and big surf are all in the forecast for Hawaii today. A flash flood watch continues for the Big Island and Maui where cold air in the upper atmosphere is producing unstable weather and the threat of heavy showers, possible thunderstorms and flash flooding. Winter storm warnings are also up for Haleakala on Maui as well as Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, where freezing rain and snow are making travel hazardous. Meanwhile, a large swell is predicted to bring waves surf of up to 40 feet to north shores of Oahu, Kauai, Niihau, Molokai and Maui beginning this afternoon. A high surf warning is in effect from noon today until 6 p.m. Friday. On Oahu, forecasters are predicting cloudy skies with a 50 percent chance of rain in downtown Honolulu with thunderstorms possible this afternoon. Skies should start to clear tomorrow with the usual tradewind weather returning this weekend. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 18, 2011 8:25 p.m. HST Waves Could Reach 20-30 Feet Tomorrow 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a HIGH SURF WARNING for NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI and MOLOKAI in effect from 12 p.m. Wednesday until 12:00 p.m. Friday. A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous battering waves will pound the shoreline. This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents. 2. EFFECTS: Surf will increase rapidly Wednesday afternoon and evening reaching 20 to 30 feet along North shores of Molokai and Maui. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves A high tide of approximately 3.1 feet is expected between 2:48 a.m. and 4:06 a.m. Wednesday morning. The next high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 1:52 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 18, 2011 4:15 p.m. HST Flood Watch Kicks in at Midnight on Maui 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for the Island of Maui from Midnight tonight through Wednesday afternoon. View the latest weather radar loop here. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: A cold low aloft will pass over Maui late tonight and Wednesday. Instability associated with the upper low will bring the threat of heavy showers and thunderstorms capable of producing flash flooding. The flood threat will diminish Wednesday afternoon. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 18, 2011 2:55 p.m. HST Kaiser Rebuffs Liberty Dialysis' Offer as Insincere In a strongly worded response provided today to Maui TV News, Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i Regional VP Joan Danieley rebuffed the offer made earlier today by Liberty Dialysis - Hawai'i LLC Executive VP Jane Gibbons. Read the story about Liberty's proposal here. In Kaiser's response, Danieley said, "Liberty's communication - in which a letter was delivered only after a full-page ad was prepared - doesn't demonstrate a good faith offer. Instead, it appears to be an attempt to influence Reconsideration Committee members. "We are unable to consider this a sincere proposal, due both to its dubious timing and to Liberty's prior irresponsible and inappropriate actions. "We believe that Liberty's action may breach SHPDA (State Health Planning and Development Agency) rules and perhaps State law as well. "Kaiser Permanente and Rainbow Dialysis will not engage in this disrespectful conduct. Our number one priority throughout this process has been to bring Maui's dialysis patients quality and affordable dialysis care. This is about the patients we serve, and to that end, we will continue to honor the Certificate of Need process and its rules in our efforts to improve access and quality of services for the residents of Maui County." Maui TV News will have more on the latest in the war of words between the organizations in this week's broadcast edition of Maui TV News - in high definition, available this Friday here on this website, and statewide on Oceanic Time Warner News on Demand on digital channel 953. (Information Provided to Maui TV News by Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i) NEWS FLASH - January 18, 2011 1:45 p.m. HST Public Meetings Set for New FEMA Flood Maps WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- Important information on the new flood insurance rate maps developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be discussed at upcoming meetings in Maui County. Property owners are urged to attend these meetings to get the latest information on how the flood map changes, scheduled to take effect sometime during the last quarter of 2011, will affect them. Options that are available to those whose homes are in a flood zone will be discussed. Among the areas that will be significantly impacted by the flood map changes are: properties adjacent to Kaunakakai Stream and Iao Stream; Hana, and the southern shores of Lanai, Maui and Molokai. The public information meetings are scheduled as follows:
Federal, State and County personnel will be available to answer questions and assist property owners with determining their flood risk. Also, personnel from the County’s Department of Planning will be on hand to answer questions for property owners who are considering developing in newly mapped, high-risk flood zones. The public may also preview the new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DIRMs) by visiting the Hawai'i Flood Hazard Assessment Tool website, www.gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat/ For more information, please contact Francis Cerizo or Carolyn Cortez at francis.cerizo@co.maui.hi.us or carolyn.cortez@co.maui.hi.us or by phone at (808)270-7253. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 18, 2011 12:35 p.m. HST Liberty Dialysis Offers Binding Proposal to Kaiser for Services, Space Liberty Dialysis, Maui's only provider of dialysis services since assuming the operations of Saint Francis Dialysis, has made an offer to provide cooperative services to Kaiser Permanente. A communication was made available today to Maui TV News from Liberty Dialysis - Hawai'i LLC, that was also sent to Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i Regional VP Joan Danieley. The purpose of the communication is to underscore the seriousness of Liberty's proposal - made last week to Kaiser Permanente - to provide space and infrastructure to meet the demands of Kaiser Permanente's dialysis patients. The letter, from Liberty Hawaii's Executive VP Jane Gibbons, stated "...we have heard indirectly that there is some concern as to the sincerity of the proposal. I want to assure you that our offer is very sincere..." The communication includes a binding Letter of Intent, describing the Liberty Dialysis proposal in detail. Read the entire document here. In separate telephone interview with Maui TV News today, Gibbons stressed that her organization wants to push past any negative comments and feelings that surfaced during state hearings on Maui the first week of this month to review the Certificate of Need issue surrounding Kaiser Permanente's proposal to establish their own in-house dialysis services under a corporation called Rainbow Dialysis. Gibbons added that the goal of the proposal is to serve the people of Hawai'i who need dialysis services on the island of Maui, and to do so in a spirit of cooperation and not of contention. No response has yet been received from Kaiser Permanente. (Information Provided to Maui TV News by Liberty Dialysis) (Back to Top)
NEWS FLASH - January 18, 2011 11:55 a.m. HST Delinquent Trash Accounts Will Be Closed WAILUKU, Maui, HI -- The County of Maui Solid Waste Division would like to inform all residential customers who are delinquent in their semi-annual refuse payments to please submit your payment by February 7, 2011. Any account that is not paid in full by this date will be closed. Payments were due by December 31, 2010. As of January 18, 2011 there are approximately 3,400 delinquent accounts. Delinquent notices were sent out on January 18, 2011. Payments can be made by dropping it off at the Refuse & Landfill Accounts office located at One Main Plaza, Suite 200. If you have any questions, please call 270-1731. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 18, 2011 6:45 a.m. HST Maui Under Flood Watch Late Tonight 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for the Island of Maui from Midnight tonight through Wednesday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.
3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 17, 2011 9:25 a.m. HST High Surf Advisory Cancelled 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CANCELLED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MAUI COUNTY. 2. EFFECTS: Although surf will remain elevated along north and west facing shores of Maui County, it will be below advisory levels. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO REMAIN CAUTIOUS OF THE DECLINING SURF. 4. INFORMATION: This will be the last Maui County Civil Defense notification on this event. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 17, 2011 8:15 a.m. HST High Surf Advisory Still Up 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MAUI COUNTY in effect until noon today. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: The west northwest swell will produce larger than normal surf along north and west facing shores of Maui County. Surf along north facing shores will be 10 to 15 feet, and 6 to 12 feet along exposed west facing shores. Surf will remain elevated through the morning then decrease this afternoon. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.3 feet is expected between 12:14 p.m. and 1:32 p.m. this afternoon. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 17, 2011 7:25 a.m. HST Arson Suspected in Fire at Old Kihei School KIHEI - Authorities say a fire that scorched two classrooms at the old Kihei School late Friday may have been deliberately set. Acting Battalion Chief Allen Duarte told The Maui News that investigators suspect arson because of graffiti on the walls and evidence the school was broken into. The fire scorched about 2,400 square feet of that was used as the 4th- and 5th-grade classrooms when the campus was in operation. Damage to the building was estimated to be $100,000 for the structure and $50,000 for its contents Firefighters responding from Kihei, Wailea and Kahului needed about three hours to put the fire out. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 17, 2011 6:45 a.m. HST Big Waves and Snow in State Forecast Big waves and snow on Big Island summits are in the forecast today as a mild storm front makes its way down the island chain and storms west of the island generated a high surf warning. The cold front that passed over Oahu, Kauai and Maui overnight generated relatively minor problems with falling trees closing roads on Oahu. On Kauai, ighting closed the county landfill and a landslide that closed part of Kuhio Highway near Lumahai for a time yesterday.. It was over the Big Island this morning. The weather service says there's a slight chance of thunder showers there and a winter storm warning is in effect for Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa because of snow, sleet and freezing rain. The cold front should move east of the Big Island and dissipate today. Tradewinds should return on Wednesday and be with us through the weekend. The swell should start declining and the high surf warning is expected to be downgraded to a high surf advisory this afternoon. Waves of 20 to 30 feet are predicted along north and west facing shores of Kauai and Niihau. Wave heights of 20 to 25 feet are expected on Oahu's North Shore and 15 to 20 foot faces are forecast for Leeward Oahu. A high surf advisory is in effect for north and west facing shores of Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kahoolawe and west coasts of the Big Island. Another large northwest swell is expected on Wednesday. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 16, 2011 9:05 a.m. HST Mortgage Fraud Propels Hawai'i Foreclosures to 11th Highest in Nation Mortgage fraud helped propel Hawaii's foreclosure rate to 11th highest in the nation this year, and it is still augmenting filings, according to investigators and real estate industry watchers. Last year, lenders began the foreclosure process or completed it on a record 12,425 Hawaii properties, according to the latest data released this week from California-based research firm RealtyTrac. Some of these were related to fallout from the rampant mortgage fraud that took place from 2004 to 2007 during Hawaii's housing boom, said FBI Special Agent Tom Simon of Honolulu's field office. While mortgage fraud has existed since loans became available, it exploded during this period, Simon said. "In the past it was always up to the borrower to romance the lender into giving them a loan," he said. "This era turned the dynamic on its head. When lenders and sellers began to push buyers, it was a recipe for disaster on a fraud level and a national economic level." The FBI's Honolulu office has charged 37 people with various crimes related to mortgage fraud over the last three years, Simon said. More charges are expected to be filed in 2011 as a five-year statute of limitations for cases involving nonfederally insured financial institutions nears, he said. "We've only gotten to the tip of the iceberg," he said. The July 2010 edition of the CoreLogic Mortgage Fraud Trends Report estimates that 1 in 200 loan applications could contain misrepresentations that lead to default. The company arrived at this conclusion by analyzing data samples from 80 million loan applications made in 2005 to 2009. The report found that fraud risk and defaults are correlated. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which supervises national banks, also reports that its mortgage-related complaints are growing. The OCC collected 17,717 mortgage-related complaints through June 2010 as compared with 19,669 for the whole of 2009. "Mortgages have increased as a proportion of all complaints," OCC spokesman Bryan Hubbard said. Local fraud cases run the gamut, Simon said. Cases have been found where buyers or real estate industry workers made false statements on loan applications, he said. Some lied on loan applications or claimed nonexistent assets, Simon said. Investigations are complex, he said. "The issue is so commingled with people making poor decisions on good faith," Simon said. "How much is fraud, and how much is bad economic decision making?" Fraud also involved those who claimed investment or vacation homes as primary residences, he said. And, in some cases, straw buyers were used so that properties could be flipped or equity skimmed, Simon said. "The perception that the collateral value would grow made it easy to rationalize fraud," he said. "They felt that even in the worst-case scenario that the value of the home would protect everyone from losses." However, Hawaii's market rise didn't last, and some of these bad loans ended in foreclosure, Simon said. "A legitimate buyer is not going buy a home for more than it's worth," he said. Sadly, it's not just the borrower or the lenders that pay when mortgage fraud is committed, he said. Foreclosures are frequently eyesores, "with broken windows and grass up to the chin," Simon said. "Foreclosed homes erode values, particularly on an island where they create the impression among the community that real estate has no value," he said. The Salt Lake neighborhood in Honolulu has been particularly hard hit by fraud and flipping, he said. Total costs of mortgage fraud are unknown; however, CoreLogic estimates that nationwide, $14 billion in fraudulent loans originated in 2009. As more defaults turn into foreclosures, rescue scams will become the next wave of mortgage fraud, Simon said. Reach Allison Schaefers at aschaefers@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 16, 2011 7:05 a.m. HST Miss Hawai'i Places Third in Miss America Pageant Miss Hawaii Jalee Fuselier placed third Saturday night at the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas. Fuselier won $20,000 for being named second-runner-up. The 22-year-old is an international relations student at Hawaii Pacific University. She is a native of Louisiana. Teresa Scanlan, a 17-year-old aspiring politician from Nebraska, captured the Miss America crown after beating 52 other young women from across the United States. Scanlan won a $50,000 scholarship and a yearlong run with the crown at the competition at the Planet Hollywood casino-resort in Las Vegas, giving the Cornhusker State its first-ever win at the pageant. "And I never passed up a cookie on my journey here," Scanlan said. She's the youngest Miss America since the pageant implemented age limits in 1938. Rosemary LaPlanche was runner-up in 1940 and easily won the crown in 1941 despite being one month too young to compete, according to the pageant's website. Scanlan said age didn't matter as the pageant celebrated its 90th birthday, though she thought her age might have made her an underdog. "We were on an even playing field," she said. "From 17 to 24, that can be a huge age range. But with these girls, they are all at the highest level imaginable. Scanlan captured the hearts of seven judges after a night of playing the piano, walking across a Las Vegas stage in a white gown and black bikini, and saying security trumps the public's right to knowledge when it comes to government leaks. She said she'll register to vote as an independent after turning 18 next month, and work toward her goals by going to law school and perhaps becoming a prosecutor, then judge. "At this point, attorneys and politicians are looked down on and have terrible reputations for being greedy and power hungry and I really think it's important for people who have their heart and mind in the right place get into those powerful positions," Scanlan told the AP. "When I talk to kids my age, I don't find very many who are interested in that, because many are just turned off to the idea," she said. "I think it's important that we get a lot more of my generation willing to step up and go into those positions." Scanlan beat out 52 beauty queens from other U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 15, 2011 6:15 p.m. HST 'All Clear' On Upcountry Water Effective January 15, 2011, the Department of Water Supply has cancelled the boil water advisory for Ulupalakua and Kanaio. Bacteriological tests show NO positive results for total coliform for these areas. The
boil water advisory for Upper Kula was cancelled on January 14. The
8-inch transmission main which broke earlier this week may have compromised
water quality; however, after the line was repaired, DWS personnel
flushed the line and took water samples. These water samples show
that the water is free of bacteria and boiling is no longer needed.
(Report Provided by the Maui County Department of Water Supply) NEWS FLASH - January 15, 2011 4:55 p.m. HST South Kihei Road Should Open This Evening WAILUKU,
Maui, Hawaii -- County work crews are getting ready to reopen South
Kihei Road to the public this evening. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 15, 2011 9:45 a.m. HST Big Waves Coming, Advisories Too 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MAUI COUNTY in effect from 6 p.m. this evening until noon Monday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Incoming west swell will produce larger than normal surf along the shores of the Kihei area. High surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing strong rip currents, localized beach erosion and some local coastal flooding along west facing shores, especially during high tide. Surf will increase to heights of 12 to 18 feet along north facing shores, and 6 to 12 feet along exposed west facing shores. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 2.6 feet is expected between 1:16 a.m. and 2:34 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 1.2 feet is expected between 11:13 a.m. and 12:31 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 15, 2011 6:55 a.m. HST Humpback Whale Sanctuary Names New Director Hawaii's humpback whale marine sanctuary has a new superintendent. The federal Office of National Marine Sanctuaries on Thursday said Malia Chow has been appointed to the post. Chow has worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the past 10 years. She's currently the sanctuary's management plan review coordinator. Chow was raised on Oahu. She received a bachelor's of science degree from the University of Washington and a doctorate in cellular biology from the University of Pennsylvania. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was created by Congress in 1992 to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii. It's run by NOAA and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 14, 2011 8:05 p.m. HST Small Kine Cleanup Remains in South Maui WAILUKU,
Maui, Hawaii -- Public work crews will be very busy Saturday trying
to open up what remains of the flooded roadways in South Maui and
in other areas. -
Hauoli Street in Maalaea near Island Sand Condominium. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 14, 2011 4:15 p.m. HST Crew Sets Goal of Opening South Kihei Road Today WAILUKU,
Maui, Hawaii -- County public works crews are determined to clean
and clear South Kihei Road by the end of the day today. Due
to flooding along South Kihei Road, crews were not able to pick-up
refuse between Kaonoulu Street and Waipuilani Street, and side streets
with access only to Kihei Road. Crews will pick-up those accounts
on Monday, the next scheduled pick-up day. Most
other parks that were closed yesterday such as Keokea and Kanaha have
reopened, however all South Maui parks remain closed. In a separate news release officials at Haleakala National Park affirmed that the park has completely reopened after debris cleanup. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 14, 2011 11:25 a.m. HST Update: Upper Kula Clear, But Ulupalakua and Kanaio Must Still Boil Water Effective January 14, 2011, the Department of Water Supply has canceled the boil water advisory for Upper Kula residents in Waiakoa, Alae, Naalae Road, Waipoli, Polipoli, Waiohuli, and Keokea. Recent bacteriological tests show no positive results for total coliform for these areas only. The Department is continuing to advise Ulupalakua and Kanaio residents and businesses to boil water as a precautionary measure. The
broken waterline earlier this week may have compromised the water
quality in the water system. Until water lines in Ulupalakua and Kanaio
are completely flushed and laboratory staff can analyze samples to
ensure the safety of the water, customers should boil water before
consumption. The Department of Water Supply will inform customers
when tests show no bacteria and boiling is no longer needed. A potable water tanker remains at Ching Store for customers to fill their own containers. For more information, please contact the DWS Laboratory at 270-7550 during regular working hours. The DWS 24-hour service line is also available at 270-7633 for water service problems. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791. (Report Provided by the Maui County Department of Water Supply) NEWS FLASH - January 14, 2011 6:45 a.m. HST South Maui Bus Service Still Affected By Mud, Puddles WAILUKU,
Maui, Hawaii -- Maui Bus officials are operating South Maui buses
today, but are using an alternate route due to flooded areas from
yesterday's heavy rain. The National Weather Service has allowed the statewide Flash Flood Watch to expire. However, heavy rain could still happen unexpectedly due to unstable atmospheric conditions. Another front is expected over the islandfs by Sunday. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 4:40 p.m. HST OK, Flash Flood Watch Extended for Entire State 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all Hawaiian Islands through late tonight. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: Scattered heavy showers and possible thunderstorms will linger into tonight. The saturated ground from the recent heavy rains will increase the potential for additional flooding from any heavy showers tonight. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 4:20 p.m. HST Storm Update Covers Closures, Outages and Watches Maui road crews and Police have been busy long since the rain started - and stopped. Hana Highway in Pa'ia reopened early this afternoon as did Honoapi'ilani Highway between Ma'alaea and Luinopoko. South Kihei Road is closed in several places, essentially between McDonalds and the old Suda Store. Police are at marked closures, allowing local traffic only. County workers also have made temporary repairs to allow Hau'oli Styreet in Ma'alaea to reopen - but are limiting traffic to vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Water Department crews have completed repairs on the eight-inch water main that broke during Monday's deluge in Kula. However, they advise affected residents to continue to use bottled water, or to boil (then cool) water prior to consuming it until tests on water quality reach an "all-clear." Three condominiums on South Kihei Road remain without power as a result of flooding that occurred early this morning. Some of the equipment affected is still partially under water. Parts of Haiku in the area of Awalau Road and Ulumalu Road lost power at 7:46 AM when a tree branch fell across power lines on Kaupakalua Road. Power was restored at 9:50 AM once debris was cleared and lines were repaired. Approximately 400 customers were affected. At approximately 7:50 AM, parts of Kekaulike Highway lost power when a tree came down on power lines area. Customers were brought back online at 10:50 AM. At 7:55 AM, customers on Lower Nahiku Road lost power due to trees in power lines. Approximately 44 customers were affected for five hours. Shortly before 2:00 PM, a coconut tree frond contacted power lines on North Kihei Road cutting off power to parts of Kihei. Approximately 1100 customers were affected for 18 minutes. And, while the Flash Flood Watch for Maui and/or the state has not been extended - at least not yet - conditions are ripe for additional substantial rainfall, so residents should remian alert. And, as fate would have it, our Internet access at Maui TV News was unavailable for several hours this afternoon. Great timing, yeah? Thank you for your web visits and for your email inquiries. (Information Provided to Maui TV News from Maui Police Department, County Information Office, Civil Defense and Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 1:20 p.m. HST Most of Haleakala National Park Closed Today (Kula and Kipahulu) All operating districts of Haleakala National Park will remain closed for the remainder of Thursday, January 13. This closure affects the summit and Kipahulu districts of the park. Significant flooding and debris kept Crater Road to the summit closed today. Park staff took advantage of a temporary improvement in weather conditions to safely begin clean-up operations, but were interrupted by another strong cell of severe weather. This prompted the Superintendent’s decision to close the park for safety reasons until the conditions improve to allow safe clean-up and recovery operations. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the remainder of January 13, thus maintaining the threat of more heavy showers and thunderstorms. Park officials anticipate normal operating hours and conditions on Friday, January 14. (Report Provided by the Haleakala National Park Service) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 11:15 a.m. HST Cruise Ship at Ma'alaea Due to Road Closure A cruise ship tied up off Ma'alaea this morning caused a number of phone calls and email inquiries to Maui TV News. U.S. Coast Guard personnel identify the vessel as the Golden Princess. The reason for the unusual mooring site was - in fact - the storm, but not what many might think. The ship normally travels between California and Hawai'i. During a scheduled stop at Lahaina Harbor last night, the ship was refused moorage because TSA security personnel were unable to provide clearance. Coast Guard officials said the securtity officer was unable to reach the Lahaina Harbor office due to road closures in the area. Ironically, Ma'alaea is usually calmer waters than Lahaina Roads. Last night's storm was focused southwest-to-northeast putting the ship directly in its path. (Information Provided to Maui TV News by the U.S. Coast Guard) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 10:50 a.m. HST Storm Cleanup Could Be Hazardous to Your Health WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- State Department of Health officials are advising that residents take precaution when cleaning up after this big storm. Leptospirosis is a rare, severe and contagious bacterial infection which can be found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine. Because of the recent heavy rains, health officials feel there is a good chance that infected water from the mountain areas where wildlife is abundant may be in the mud and water surrounding residential neighborhoods. For this reason, residents are urged to wear rubber gloves and rubber boots to avoid exposure as the disease can enter through breaks in the skin and mucous membranes. If anyone feels flu like symptoms (fever, headache, muscle ache) they are urged to see a doctor immediately. Otherwise Maui County Civil Defense is standing down to a level three which means they are monitoring the weather situation at this time. National Weather Service radar shows another storm system coming towards the county however it may not be as intense as the weather which hit this morning. Mayor Alan Arakawa in the meantime urges everyone to use caution when they drive and when they are cleaning up. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 10:10 a.m. HST Mud in Tunnel Keeps Honoapi'ilani Highway Closed WAILUKU,
Maui, Hawaii — State crews are still cleaning up along Honoapiilani
Highway. Right now they say there is mud in the tunnel that still
needs to be removed before they can allow vehicles to pass. While the instability in the atmosphere will likely churn up more showers across the state today, a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the entire state through this afternoon. Radar images (click here) show a line of thunderstorms heading towared the central part of the state. Rainfall totals over the past 24 hours include 6.66 inches at Pu'u Kukui in Kahalawai, 4.18 inches in Kihei, 4.03 inches at Mahinahina, 4.01 inches at Kula Branch Station, 3.62 inches at Lana'i City and 3.6 inches at Kaunakakai on Moloka'i. Elsewhere in Hawai'i, the largest storm total was Palehua, O'ahu with 9.96 inches of rain in the past 24 hours; 7.62 inches at Makaha Stream, O'ahu and 3.68 inches at Koke'e, Kaua'i. (Information Provided by the Maui County Office of Information and Maui TV News) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 9:40 a.m. HST MECO Crews Working Dilligently to Restore, Maintain Power Maui Electric Company crews were - to put it mildly - busy as a powerful thunderstorm raked the island of Maui overnight. This morning the company provides the following updates: Customers in Kula, specifically in the areas of Waiakoa Road and Polipoli Road, were brought back on-line at 9:13 P.M. last night. At 3:48 AM, parts of Wailuku town lost power for about an hour. The cause is undetermined at this time, but likely to be weather-related. At
5:46 A.M., flooding cut off power to 1000 customers in Kihei. Power
was restored at approximately 6:15 AM. (Report Provided by Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 9:10 a.m. HST Latest Storm Update Adds More Closures WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii — Public works officials have closed off Hauoli Road in Maalaea after the road partially collapsed under the weight of a county vehicle. Public works has deemed the road impassable. More information will be released once engineers complete their inspection. State work crews have announced that they have been making good progress at clearing the rockslide off of Honoapiilani Highway. However the highway remains closed. South Kihei Road is still flooded almost completely from Suda Store to Wailea. Police are asking that motorists please stay away from this area. There are two American Red Cross shelters available to help residents, one at the Kihei Community Center and the Lahaina Civic Center. Maui Economic Opportunity has also opened up a 3rd shelter at Eddie Tam Gym. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 9:05 a.m. HST Pa'ia Traffic Slowed By Baldwin Avenue Flooding Maui Police say Baldwin Avenue in Pa'ia is flooding and will only allow local traffic through. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 8:55 a.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Continues Across State 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all Hawaiian Islands through this afternoon. The National Weather Service has CANCELLED the High Wind Advisory for the summit of Haleakala. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: Remnant moisture and instability will favor more heavy showers and thunderstorms today. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 8:11 a.m. HST County Officials Update Closures, Advisories WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii — Maui police have extended the closed area of Honoapililani Highway from Maalaea Harbor to the Laniapoko area. State crews continue to work at clearing a rockslide which was reported at 5:23 a.m. South Kihei Road is still closed in many areas, the worst being reported near Kalama Park. Police are asking that residents do NOT use South Kihei Road at all. It is completely impassable. Police are also urging residents who have had to evacuate their homes to go to the two emergency shelters set up by the American Red Cross. One at the Kihei Community Center and the other at the Lahaina Civic Center. The Department of Education has closed four schools, Kamalii, Kula and Kihei elementary and Lokelani Intermediate. Montessori School of Maui in Pukalani has announced it is closed as well. UHMC campus is open as of 8:25 a.m. However, three large lecture classrooms in the science building have been flooded -- classes in those rooms for today are canceled. The following is a list of road closures according to County public works officials: -
North Kihei Road is blocked by a large tree that has fallen across
the roadway. Police are alternating traffic and waiting upon state
highway crews for removal. The following parks are are also closed: Kepaniwai, Waiehu Golf Course, Kanaha Beach Park and Kamaole Beach Park 2. All Molokai parks are also closed. Central Maui Landfill and EKO Compost is closed due to inclement weather. This is in addition to Refuse collection today on Maui postponed to tomorrow or Saturday. The satellite landfills (Hana, Molokai and Lanai), and Olowalu Transfer Station are closed. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 7:05 a.m. HST Flooding, Mud, Fallen Trees Close Several Roads At 5:30 this morning Hana Highway was claosed - eastbound - at Maliko Gulch. Traffic was being alternated on the westbound lane. By 6:40 the onbstruction was cleared and traffic began flowing again. At 6:18 this morning Police closed the length of South Kihei Road from North Kihei Road to Welkahao due to flooding. As of 7 a.m. - the closure was reduced from North Kihei Road to Pi'ikea. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 6:40 a.m. HST Some County Schools Closed by Weather School Closures for Thursday, January 13, 2011 as of 6:38am School Closures Maui District (as of 6:38am): The following schools will be closed today - Kamalii Elementary, Kihei Elementary, Lokelani Intermediate, Kihei Public Charter School and Kula Elementary. The public and media should refer to this posting at http://doe.k12.hi.us under "School Closures" for the official list of daily school closures. (Reload page to be certain of having the most current list/information.) All other public and charter schools are open. (Report Provided by Maui School District) NEWS FLASH - January 13, 2011 4:30 a.m. HST Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Prompt Flood Warning Extension for Maui 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the Island of MAUI, now in effect until 6:45 a.m. This Warning may need to be extended beyond 6:45 a.m. if flash flooding persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 3:35 a.m., radar showed very heavy rain over
a large portion of Maui, including West Maui from Kahakuloa to Napili
to Lahaina. Heavy showers were also affecting south Maui, and portions
of windward Maui. Additional heavy showers and thunderstorms were
approaching Maui from the west and south. This Flash Flood Warning replaces the Flood Advisory that was in effect for the Island of Maui. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLASH FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING IN STREAMS, ROADS AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND NOW, DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 11:20 p.m. HST Fallen Trees Causing Headaches for Police, Crews At 11 p.m. Police and road crews were tending to two fallen tree situations on Maui. A large tree fell across North Kihei Road around 10:45 p.m., Wednesday. Police were alternating traffic while the tree is removed. Only moments after that, Maui Electric Crews were called to tend to a power pole - affected by a fallen tree - along Hana Highway in Pa'ia. Police are alternating traffic through the area via the Kahului-bound lane. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 7:45 p.m. HST Flood Advisory For Maui Extended Until 9:30 Tonight 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flood Advisory for the Island of MAUI, now in effect until 9:30 p.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 9:30 p.m. if heavy rain persists. 2. EFFECTS: Radar showed areas of moderate to heavy rain moving over Maui from the southwest. The area of rain has spread from central Maui into east Maui. The showers have been falling on saturated ground that may quickly cause minor flooding in streams and on roads. This Advisory covers the entire Island of Maui. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: STAY AWAY FROM STREAMS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND LOW LYING AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING. RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 6 p.m. HST Only Small Pockets of Power Outages Remain At 4:19 PM, high winds caused power lines to blow together resulting in loss of power from Makawao to Hana. Hana town was restored within minutes of the outage with generators. Customers in Makawao and Haiku were brought back online at 4:57 PM. Remaining customers from Huelo to just outside of Hana town were restored at 5:13 PM. At 1:30 PM parts of Wailuku and Kahului lost power when high winds caused lines to blow together near Wailuku bridge. Power was restored at 1:58 P.M. Areas in Kula, Keokea and Ulupalakua that were affected by a fallen tree on Waiakoa Road at noon today have been restored as of 5:30 PM. There are a few customers on Waiakoa Road still without power due to additional repairs being made at this time. Crews continue their work on Polipoli Road where a tree came down earlier this morning causing extensive damage to power lines and equipment. (Report Provided by Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 5:55 p.m. HST Weather Forces Closure of Portions of Haleakala Park (Kula) Recent and continuing severe weather have caused hazards which forced park staff to temporarily close access to portions of Haleakala National Park. Early this morning, a large boulder collapsed and slid onto the roadway of Crater Road just beyond the 15 mile marker effectively closing the road to traffic. Park staff and sunrise visitors at the summit above the slide were temporarily prevented from descending down Crater Road until park staff cleared the debris by approximately 8:30 a.m. and safely monitored traffic through the area. Additional geologic instability in the same area continued to pose unacceptable risks which forced park staff to re-close Crater Road due to the high rock slide hazard. All visitor traffic (including commercial use traffic) is stopped at the Headquarters Visitors Center until further notice. Campers at Hosmer Grove campground were encouraged to evacuate the campground in response to local flood warnings in adjacent streams and storm drain swales. Severe weather reported by park staff working in the summit valley also prompted Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum to temporarily close the backcountry of the park. Multiple trails and the park’s popular backcountry cabins are affected by the temporary closure. As of this report, the National Weather Service has issued multiple hazardous weather conditions including Flash Flood Warnings, Flash Flood Watches and Flood advisories which apply to the park. Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum added, “The conditions in the park pose unacceptable risks to visitors and park staff. Public and park staff safety is of primary concern under these conditions.” While no damages or injuries have been reported or recorded within the park, park officials will continue to monitor conditions in the park. (Report Provided by the Haleakala National Park Service) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 4:35 p.m. HST Upper Kula Water Advisory Still in Effect
In addition, customers are without water or have very low water pressure on Kawehi Place, Oluolu Place, parts of Koheo Road, Pilikino Place, and Polipoli Road to the intersection at Middle Road. DWS personnel are working on the repair and water should be restored by Wednesday (weather permitting). Customers from Waiakoa to Kanaio should not drink the water from the tap before boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The Department of Water Supply will inform customers when tests show no bacteria and boiling is no longer needed. Potable water tankers are stationed near Ching Store and on Middle Road below the DWS Waiohuli Tank for customers to fill their own containers. For more information, please contact Jacky Takakura at 270-8046 during regular working hours. The DWS 24-hour service line is also available at 270-7633 for water service problems. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791. (Report Provided by the Maui County Department of Water Supply) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 4:25 p.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Continues for All Islands Through Tomorrow 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all Hawaiian Islands through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service has CANCELLED he Flood Warning for the island of Lana'i. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: A cold front approaching from the northwest will bring another round of heavy rain and thunderstorms to the Islands tonight. The front will gradually weaken on Thursday, and the threat of heavy rainfall will begin to diminish during the afternoon. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 4:05 p.m. HST Wind Advisory to Remain Through the Night 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT and MAUI COUNTY in effect until 6:00 a.m. Thursday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: Strong southwest kona winds will last through much of the night, with localized wind gusts continuing to exceed 50 mph. The strongest gusts are expected on ridges and in areas where winds will blow downslope from nearby mountains. The winds will begin to ease by daybreak Thursday. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. VISITORS TO THE SUMMIT SHOULD PREPARE FOR WINDY AND COLD CONDITIONS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 3:15 p.m. HST New Flood Advisory Replaces Warning on Maui 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Advisory for the Island of MAUI, in effect until 5:15 p.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 5:15 p.m. if heavy rain persists. The National Weather Service has CANCELLED the Flood Advisory for Moloka'i. 2. EFFECTS: Radar data showed moderate showers moving over central and west Maui from the southwest. These showers were moving northeast at 30 mph. The showers will be brief but will fall on saturated ground that may quickly cause minor flooding in streams and on roads. Other locations in the Advisory include but are not limited to Wailea, Maalaea, Kihei, Wailuku, Kahului, Pukalani, Lahaina, Makwao and Paia. This Flood Advisory replaces the Flash Flood Warning that was in effect for Maui. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: STAY AWAY FROM STREAMS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND LOW LYING AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING. RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 2:55 p.m. HST MECO, HELCO Reward Customers Who Use Less Residential customers at Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) and Maui Electric Company (MECO) will be rewarded for energy conservation through a new tiered rate structure approved recently by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC.) The new rate structure will be effective for MECO today, January 12, 2011. It will become effective for HELCO on Friday, January 14. Designed to encourage energy conservation, tiered rates will reward customers with lower electric rates for lower kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. Customers who use more energy will pay higher rates for the higher increments of energy used. “This tiered rate design offers our customers an incentive to use energy efficiently. The less you use, the more you save,” said Jay Ignacio, HELCO president. “We firmly believe that energy conservation plays a critical role in helping our state reach its goal of energy security and less dependence on oil,” said Ed Reinhardt, MECO President. The PUC has also approved the concept of tiered rates for Hawaiian Electric Company, but must still issue an order to implement them for electric customers on Oahu. The tiered rate structure consists of three tiers for electric rates. The amount of electricity a customer uses each month determines how many of the tiers apply. Customers with lower monthly electricity usage will pay lower rates per kWh than those who use more electricity. The majority of customer bills fall into the first and second rate tiers.
The rates shown above cover portions of the cost of providing electric
service, such as the operation of power plants and maintenance of
the electric system. In addition, the total customer bill amounts
include the costs of fuel used to generate electricity, power purchased
from independent power producers, and surcharges such as a PUC-directed The PUC also approved the utilities’ request to allow the total amount of electricity used by qualifying low-income customers to be billed only at the lowest rate tier. This exception will be available to customers who provide a copy of their qualification letter for the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The PUC authorized development of the innovative rate structure as part of final decisions on HELCO’s 2006 rate case and MECO’s 2007 rate case. Customers can find tips on saving energy in their homes at www.helcohi.com and www.mauielectric.com. The estimated typical bill impacts for Hawaii Island also reflect the impact of the PUC’s interim decision on HELCO’s 2010 rate request, issued on January 7. In its interim decision, the PUC approved a 1.74% increase, or $6 million. The increase will help pay for system upgrade projects including an efficient steam generating unit at Keahole placed in service in 2009 and two major completed West Hawaii transmission line upgrades, as well as increasing operations and maintenance costs for the island’s electrical system. The
increase reflects a settlement agreement with the State Division of
Consumer Advocacy. HELCO originally filed its request in December
2009, requesting an overall increase of 6% or $20.9 million. (Report Provided by Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 1:50 p.m. HST Heavy Storm Cell Prompts Flood Warning for Lana'i Until 3:15 p.m. 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the Island of LANAI, in effect until 3:15 p.m. This Warning may need to be extended beyond 3:15 p.m. if flash flooding persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 12:08 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over Lanai.
Another area of very heavy rainfall will move over east lanai, to
include the Manele Bay and Resort area. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLASH FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING IN STREAMS, ROADS AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND NOW, DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 1 p.m. HST Another Tree Falls in Kula, Cutting Power At approximately 12:00 PM in Kula, another fallen tree, this time on Waiakoa Road, cut off power once again to customers in Kula, Keokea and Ulupalakua. Crews are on the scene. MECO requests the public’s patience as we work to restore power as safely and as quickly possible. We caution drivers to proceed slowly and carefully on our roadways. If anyone sees a fallen power line or utility pole, stay clear and call 911 or MECO immediately at 871-7777 on Maui, or 1-877-871-8461 on Lanai and Molokai. (Report Provided by Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 11:55 a.m. HST Moloka'i Flood Advisory Extended to 2:45 p.m. 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flood Advisory for the Island of MOLOKAI in effect until 2:45 p.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 2:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 11:29 a.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rainfall
over east Molokai. Stream gauges were showing elevated water levels
at Kawela Gulch and Halawa Stream. More heavy rainfall is expected
to move over Molokai from the southwest. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: STAY AWAY FROM STREAMS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND LOW LYING AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING. RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 11:50 a.m. HST Flood Warning Extended for Maui to 2:15 p.m. 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the Island of MAUI, now in effect until 2:15 p.m. This Warning may need to be extended beyond 2:15 p.m. if flash flooding persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 11:05 a.m., heavy rainfall was occurring over
Upcountry and Central Maui. Additional heavy rainfall was expected
to move over Maui from the southwest over the next several hours.
Flash flooding will occur quickly on the already saturated ground. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLASH FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING IN STREAMS, ROADS AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND NOW, DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 10:50 a.m. HST Fallen Tree Cuts Power in Kula At 9:21 this morning, MECO’s Kula substation relayed open cutting off power to customers in Keokea, Ulupalakua and parts of Kekaulike and Kula Highway. Power was restored to customers on Kula and Kekaulike Highway at 9:50 AM. Remaining customers were brought back on line at 10:44 AM after a tree was cleared from power lines on Kula Highway. At this time, customers on Polipoli Road are without power as crews work to remove a fallen tree and repair downed power lines. (Report Provided by Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 10:20 a.m. HST 'Brown Water Advisory' in Effect for South Maui State health officials on Tuesday issued a warning for the public about brown water lingering in beach areas on Maui -- a remnant of Monday's heavy rains. The advisory is in effect for Maalaea to Kihei, from Haycraft Beach Park to Kalama Park. Brown water results from flood waters and storm water runoff draining into beach areas that can contain contaminants from overflowing cesspools and sewer manholes. It also can carry pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, chemicals, flood debris and water borne diseases. (Report Provided by KITV.com) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 9:50 a.m. HST Flood Advisory for Moloka'i Extended to 11:45 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the Flood Advisory for the Island of MOLOKAI in effect until 11:45 a.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 11:45 a.m. if heavy rain persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 8:24 a.m., radar showed heavy rain 15 miles southwest
of Maunaloa, moving northeast at 35 mph. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: STAY AWAY FROM STREAMS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND LOW LYING AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING. RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 9:35 a.m. HST Flash Flood Warning Issued for Maui Until 11:15 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the Island of MAUI, in effect until 11:15 a.m. This Warning may need to be extended beyond 11:15 a.m. if flash flooding persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 8:19 a.m., radar showed heavy rain along a line
extending from 8 miles west of Lahaina to Ulupalakua, or along a line
extending from 22 miles west of Kahului to 19 miles south of Kahului,
moving northeast at 20 mph. Additional heavy showers extend 30 miles
offshore to the southwest. This Flash Flood Warning replaces the Flood Advisory that was in effect for Maui. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: A FLASH FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLASH FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING IN STREAMS, ROADS AND LOW LYING AREAS. MOVE TO HIGHER GROUND NOW, DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 8:55 a.m. HST Flash Flood Advisory for Lana'i Extended Until 11:15 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the Flood Advisory for the Island of LANAI, now in effect until 11:15 a.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 11:15 a.m. if heavy rain persists. 2. EFFECTS: At 8:05 a.m., radar showed moderate rain across the Island of Lanai. An area of heavy rain was located 25 miles southwest of Lanai City, moving northeast at 35 mph. This advisory covers the entire Island of Lanai. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: STAY AWAY FROM STREAMS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND LOW LYING AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING. RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 8:40 a.m. HST Maui Home Prices Slide, Sales Climb Maui housing prices continued their slide last year despite stronger sales, according to data released by the Realtors Association of Maui. The median price for single-family homes on the Valley Isle slid 8 percent last year to $460,000 from $498,106. It was the third consecutive annual decrease since the median price peaked in 2006 at $690,000. For condominiums the median price fell 16 percent to $377,500 from $450,000. The condo price peak was $550,000 in 2007. Maui's extended slump was generally consistent with housing market performances on the Big Island and Kauai but not Oahu. Hawaii's neighbor island residential real estate markets tended to be fed by a higher proportion of vacation home development and buying during the last boom, and have suffered a more intensive drop during the market slowdown over the last few years. By comparison, Oahu's housing market rebounded last year with a median price gain of 3 percent that ended two years of decline, and a flat condo median price that halted a one-year decline. Market observers, including local economist Paul Brewbaker, say that while the recovery on the neighbor islands is slower than on Oahu, a bottom in the neighbor island markets appears to be forming with significantly stronger sales. The number of Maui single-family home sales rose 17 percent last year to 814 from 693 a year earlier. The rise reversed two consecutive years of declines. There were 1,147 Maui condo sales last year, a 39 percent jump from 826 a year earlier. The gain was a second straight annual increase after three years of falling sales. One caveat to Maui's home sale figures is that the Realtors Association of Maui data represent sales of previously owned homes and new homes. Oahu's data is limited to previously owned homes in part because new homes are typically pricier and can elevate median prices. Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 8:30 a.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Continues Through Tomorrow for All Islands 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all Hawaiian Islands through Thursday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: Increasing southerly flow, associated with a cold front approaching from the northwest, will bring a round of heavy rain and thunderstorms to most Islands this morning. More heavy rain will accompany the front, which is expected to move over the Islands later today into tonight. The front will gradually weaken over the Islands on Thursday, and the threat of heavy rainfall will diminish then. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 12, 2011 6:15 a.m. HST Maui, Moloka'i Under Flood Advisory 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a Flood Advisory for the Islands of MAUI and MOLOKAI, in effect until 8:45 a.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 8:45 a.m. if heavy rain persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 5:51 a.m., radar showed moderate to heavy rain
moving over Maui from the south, with an extensive area of rain extending
well south of the island. Although the rain will initially focus along
south and west Maui, the area of rain will spread to other portions
of Maui this morning, and the entire island is included in this advisory. Other locations in the Advisory include but are not limited to Molokai Airport, Kepuhi, Kalaupapa, Hoolehua and Halawa Valley. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: STAY AWAY FROM STREAMS, DRAINAGE DITCHES AND LOW LYING AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING. RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 4:30 p.m. HST Surf to Stay BigTomorrow 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: A series of strong lows over the western and central Pacific have created rough seas and swells that will affect the Islands through Wednesday. Surf along north facing shores will be 15 to 20 feet. Surf along west facing shores will be 10 to 15 feet. Surf will remain elevated through Wednesday, then gradually diminish Wednesday night and Thursday. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 9:17 p.m. and 10:35 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 5:45 a.m. and 7:03 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 4:20 p.m. HST Wind Advisory Posted for Tomorrow, Too 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT and MAUI COUNTY in effect from noon Wednesday to noon Thursday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected 2. EFFECTS: Winds will increase on Wednesday ahead of an approaching cold front. South winds of 25 to 30 mph, with localized gusts up to 50 mph, are expected by Wednesday afternoon. The strongest gusts expected to be along the usual windward side of each island, where winds will blow down slope from the mountains. Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph expected to begin by midday Wednesday atop Haleakala. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. VISITORS TO THE SUMMIT SHOULD PREPARE FOR WINDY AND COLD CONDITIONS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 4:20 p.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Already In Place for Tomorrow 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all Hawaiian Islands from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: A cold front approaching from the northwest will bring the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The western portion of the state will see the greatest flood risk Wednesday and Wednesday night. The front will slow down over the state on Thursday with a continued threat of heavy rain statewide. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 3:40 p.m. HST Lana'i Ferry, Another Vessel Run Aground in Lahaina in Monday Night Storm HONOLULU – The Coast Guard is investigating the grounding of two vessels in Maui after one was pushed onto a shoal and another broke free of its mooring and hit a reef during heavy weather, Monday. Coast Guardsmen at Marine Safety Team Maui received a call at approximately 5 p.m. that the Expeditions IV, a ferry that runs between Lahaina and Lana’i, briefly grounded while transiting the Lahaina Harbor channel. The master of the Expeditions IV reported that the vessel grounded on a shoal after being lifted by a swell. The crew was able to navigate the vessel back to its mooring. All of the passengers and crew returned to shore unharmed. The vessel is temporarily out of service and will need to undergo a Coast Guard inspection before resuming operations. Watchstanders at Sector Honolulu also received a report at 6:30 p.m. that a 46-foot, catamaran broke loose from its mooring at Lahaina Small Boat harbor, drifted approximately 100 yards and grounded on a reef. There was no one aboard when the vessel grounded. No pollution has been reported as a result of the grounding. A member from MST Maui is currently overseeing the salvage of the vessel and the removal of potential sources of pollution. Boom has been placed around the vessel, although no sheen has been observed. A vessel salvage and fuel removal plan is being developed between the owner and the Coast Guard Incident Management Division. “The National Weather Service is predicting that another front will sweep through the Hawaiian Islands later this week. To help avoid potential incidents, all boaters, harbor facility personnel, and professional mariners should take time out to ensure their vessels and harbors are prepared for heavy weather operations,” said Cmdr. Jason Neubauer, Sector Honolulu chief of prevention. During times of heavy weather the Coast Guard recommends mariners take additional steps to secure vessels while in port by doubling-up, lengthening and adding additional mooring lines. Mariners should ensure automatic bilge pumps are operational and that all loose items are secured or removed. Mariners should always check local weather and sea conditions prior to getting underway and should avoid operating in heavy weather when possible. When operations are necessary, the Coast Guard recommends filing a float plan with the harbor master or a responsible adult prior to departure. The plan should include the date and time of departure, the estimated date and time of return and the intended destination. A detailed float plan helps to ensure that search and rescue assets are dispatched in a timely manner when boaters fail to return on schedule. More information on float plans and boating safety can be found at the following link: http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/float_planning.aspx. (Report Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 3:10 p.m. HST Residents, County Workers Still Coping With Monday Night Rain Damage WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii --Maui residents and county workers are still dealing with lingering problems from last night’s heavy rains. The most urgent problem is the possible health threat posed by a broken waterline near Kawehi Place in Kula. Water Supply officials advise that until the water can be tested residents of Alae, Naalae Road, Waipoli, Polipoli, Waiohuli, Keokea, Ulapalakua and Kanaio should all boil their water as a precautionary measure against possible contamination. Also county work crews are continuing to clear up a culvert near Poli Poli Road. Workers said debris caused the culvert to overflow onto a nearby road. Roads are still being cleared of mud near the Island Sands condominium in Maalaea. Although county crews cleared most of the 6 to 8 inches of mud that flowed into that area last night a county water truck was expected to spray the remaining mud away today. Maui police dispatch received numerous calls last night, most of them involving flooding and downed trees. Dispatchers said they did receive one downed tree call this morning near the top of Olinda Road but otherwise received no other weather related calls today. Also the Maui Planning Commission has decided to hold off more than a dozen site inspections that they were going to have in West Maui tomorrow due to the threat of heavy rains. The commission had lined up 14 different site inspections in what was to be their most aggressive one day agenda ever but will instead hold the inspections on February 3rd. Mayor Alan Arakawa was part of the county team that kept a close watch on weather related incidents Monday night in the Maui County’s Civil Defense Agency, and said he was proud of how everyone worked together to safeguard lives and property. “We responded quickly to emergencies and tried to be as prepared as we could ahead of time,” Arakawa said. “But I ask that residents please be cautious out there, as the heavier rainfall has yet to hit.” The National Weather Service predicts showers should start tonight and could grow into thunderstorms by tomorrow. A flash flood watch is now in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. Forecasters advise that residents monitor the situation and be prepared to take action should an actual flash flood warning be issued. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 2:40 p.m. HST DLNR, FEMA Offering Free Training on Flood Issues Across State HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and FEMA Region IX are offering a valuable four-hour training opportunity in February for engineers, architects, surveyors and community officials that deal with floodplain development in high risk coastal zones. The workshop is free but seating will be limited, so early registration is encouraged by January 19, 2011. Currently
all four counties are undergoing mapping revisions to update coastal
flood risk maps based on FEMA's recently completed Hurricane Flood
Insurance Risk Study. Topics
will include: Speakers will be: Sarah Owen, Natural Hazard Specialist, FEMA Region IX, Oakland California, and Carol Tyau-Beam, State NFIP Coordinator, DLNR. Workshop
dates and locations are: Honolulu County - 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at the Ala Wai Golf Clubhouse, 4040 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu Maui County - 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Pacific Disaster Center, 1305 North Holopono St., Kihei Kauai County – 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, Feb. 11 at Kauai Civil Defense Emergency Operating Center, 3990 Kaana St. #100, Lihue. Registration forms may be downloaded at www.hawaiinfip.org. Mail completed application form to DLNR Engineering Division Attn: Ms. Kristen Akamine, P.O. Box 373, Honolulu, HI 96809. For more information call Kristen Akamine at 587-0281 or Jerome Acadimia at 587-0254. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 10:25 a.m. HST Waterline Washout in Kula Prompts Boiling Advisory Due to the heavy rains last night, approximately 60 feet of 8-inch waterline washed out near Kawehi Place in Kula. As a result, the Department of Water Supply is advising Upper Kula residents and businesses from Waiakoa Road to Kanaio to boil water as a precautionary measure. The affected area includes Alae, Naalae Road, Waipoli, Polipoli, Waiohuli, Keokea, Ulupalakua and Kanaio. The broken waterline may have compromised the water quality in the water system. Until water service is restored and laboratory staff can collect samples to ensure the safety of the water, customers should boil water before consumption. In addition, customers are without water or have very low water pressure on Kawehi Place, Oluolu Place, parts of Koheo Road, Pilikino Place, and Polipoli Road to the intersection at Middle Road. DWS personnel are working on the repair and water should be restored by 6:00 p.m. today. Customers from Waiakoa to Kanaio should not drink the water from the tap before boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. The Department of Water Supply will inform customers when tests show no bacteria and boiling is no longer needed. Portable water tankers will be stationed at the intersection of Kula Highway and Lauie Drive, and at Kula Hospital at approximately 11:00 a.m. today for customers to fill their own containers. For more information, please contact Jacky Takakura at 270-8046 during regular working hours. The DWS 24-hour service line is also available at 270-7633 for water service problems. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1(800) 426-4791. (Report Provided by the Maui County Department of Water Supply) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 9:35 a.m. HST MECO Offers Tips to Manage Power During and After Storms Monday's rains brought heavy downpours in isolated areas. The mudslide that closed a portion of Honoapi'ilani Highway cut off central from West Maui for more than an hour. A new Flash Flood Advisory has been posted for Wednesday. During today's "calm between the storms," while Maui County prepares for heavy rains and possible thunderstorms, Maui Electric Company asks customers to take the following safety precautions: Turn off and unplug unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics which could be damaged by a power surge. Turn
your refrigerator and freezer to their highest settings. If power
goes out, keep the fridge and freezer closed as much as possible and
food will stay fresh longer. (Make sure to turn the settings back
to normal levels after the storm If your power goes out: -
If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it is in a well-ventilated
area, preferably outside. Don’t plug the generator directly to your
household electrical outlets; this can cause power to flow back into
power lines causing a - Use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps which can pose a fire risk. Be especially careful with cooking flames indoors as a gust of wind could start a fire. - Don’t use charcoal or other fossil fuels to cook indoors as they can create deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Cook only in well-ventilated areas. - Leave one light on so you’ll know when your power returns. If you see a downed power line: - Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires or anything such wires may be touching; assume every wire is still energized and dangerous. Stay clear of puddles where downed lines may have landed. Stay away and warn others to stay away. Call the Maui Electric Trouble Line at 871-7777 on Maui or 1-877- 871-8461 on Molokai and Lanai. Call 911 for immediate emergency help. - If a power line has fallen on a car that you are in, stay inside the car if possible and wait for help. If you can, try to break contact with the line by driving the car away from it. If you need to get out of the car right away because of some other pending danger like fire, jump so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. Do this to avoid having your body become an electrical path from the car to the ground. (Information Provided by Maui County Civil Defense and Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 6:55 a.m. HST Flash Flood Advisory Picks Up Again Wednesday 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all Hawaiian Islands from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued 2. EFFECTS: A strong cold front approaching from the northwest will bring the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The western portion of the state will see the greatest flood risk Wednesday and Wednesday night, with a continued threat of heavy rain Statewide on Thursday. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 11, 2011 6:35 a.m. HST High Surf Advisory Still Up for North, West Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: A series of strong lows over the western and central Pacific have created rough seas and swells that will affect the Islands through Wednesday. Surf along north facing shores will be 15 to 20 feet. Surf along west facing shores will be 10 to 15 feet. Surf will remain elevated through Wednesday, then gradually diminish Wednesday night and Thursday. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 9:17 p.m. and 10:35 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 1.7 feet is expected between 5:45 a.m. and 7:03 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 10, 2011 6 p.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Issued for All Hawaiian Islands 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for all the Hawaiian Islands from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Please monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: Heavy rains possible for Hawaii starting Wednesday morning. A strong cold front approaching from the northwest will bring the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The western portion of the state will see the greatest flood risk Wednesday and Wednesday night, with a continued threat of heavy rain on Thursday. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: RAINFALL AND RUNOFF WILL ALSO CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS DUE TO PONDING, REDUCED VISIBILITY AND POOR BRAKING ACTION. DO NOT CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE OR ON FOOT. TURN AROUND...DON’T DROWN. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEW FOR 2010: Maui TV News Breaking News stories are now being archived. Each month (or more frequently if needed) we will save an archive of all the Breaking News stories covered to date on this page. And you can use the search box in the upper right corner of this page to locate a specific story or topic. Now available:
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MISSING
- Maui Police are looking for this woman who they say
may be living witrh her boyfriend on Maui in a camouflage Dodge
van. (MPD Photo)