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NEWS
FLASH - BREAKING NEWS FROM MAUI COUNTY - ARCHIVES
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NEW
FOR 2010: Maui TV News Breaking
News stories are now being archived. Click here
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NEWS FLASH - January 10, 2011 12:45 p.m. HST Winds Cut Power To Parts of North, East Maui At approximately 10:21 this morning, MECO’s Pukalani substation relayed open when a power line broke near Pauwela Cannery due to high winds, cutting off power to customers from Makawao to Hana. Hana generators restored power to Hana town at 10:27 AM and Makawao town was restored at 10:47 AM. Customers on Kokomo Road and Haiku were brought back on line at 10:55 AM. At this time, power is still out in parts of Haiku, Huelo, Kailua, Keanae and just outside of Hana Town. Estimated time of restoration is 3:00 PM. An update will be provided at 4:00 PM. (Report Provided by Maui Electric Company) NEWS FLASH - January 10, 2011 8:15 a.m. HST Waves Predicted to Reach 20 Feet Today 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a 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 storms moving across the western and central Pacific have generated large west-northwest swells that will arrive tonight and last through Wednesday. Rough surf created by a mix of long and short period swell will increase further Tuesday night, possibly pushing surf to warning levels. Waves along north facing shores will increase to 15 to 20 feet. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves A high tide of approximately 1.4 feet is expected between 6:54 p.m. and 8:12 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 1.9 feet is expected between 5:44 a.m. and 7:02 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 7:05 a.m. HST Flags Ordered to Half-Staff for Arizona Shooting Victims HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie today ordered that all Hawaii flags at all State offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard are to be flown at half-staff alongside U.S. flags until sunset, January 14, 2011. President Barack Obama ordered that all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims of the shooting in Tucson, Arizona. The Presidential Proclamation states: “As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on Saturday, January 8, 2011,in Tucson, Arizona, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 14, 2011. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.” (Report Provided by the Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie) NEWS FLASH - January 9, 2011 7:15 a.m. HST High Winds Still Blowing at Summit 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has EXTENDED the WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT now in effect until 4:00 p.m. today. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: Cold west winds will continue across Haleakala summit into this afternoon. Westerly winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 50 mph. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 8, 2011 10:05 a.m. HST Former Rep. Djou Comments on Colleague's Shooting Former
Hawaii Republican Congressman Charles K. Djou released a statement
on the shooting of Arizona Democrat Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford. (Report Provided by the Office of Former U.S. REecpresentative Charles Djou) NEWS FLASH - January 8, 2011 8:15 a.m. HST Wind Advisory Issued for Summit 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT in effect until 6:00 a.m. Sunday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: Cold west winds continue across Haleakala summit through tonight. Westerly winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts to 50 mph. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 8, 2011 7:05 a.m. HST HECO Inks Deal with Castle & Cooke for Lana'i Wind Farm A planned large-scale wind farm on Lanai that would deliver electricity to Oahu via an undersea cable took a major step forward yesterday with Hawaiian Electric Co. reaching agreement with developer Castle & Cooke on a tentative price it will pay for power generated by the project. The two sides also agreed on a "community benefits package" for Lanai residents, including a commitment to provide electricity to Lanai at the same rate paid on Oahu. The agreement, which will require approval by the Public Utilities Commission, sets a price target of about 13 cents per kilowatt-hour for a project with 200 megawatts of production capacity, and 11 cents per kwh for a 400-megawatt wind farm. That price does not include costs to transmit the electricity to Oahu, which would add another 8 cents per kwh. The combined price of 21 cents per kwh for electricity from a 200-megawatt facility, including the transmission costs, would be on par with the 21.8 cents per kwh HECO has agreed to pay other developers for solar electricity under the recently enacted feed-in-tariff program. It is slightly higher than the 19.9 cents per kwh HECO will pay First Wind for power generated by the company's new 30-megawatt wind farm on Oahu's North Shore. When Castle & Cooke CEO David Murdock first proposed the wind farm in 2007, he envisioned it as a 300- to 400-megawatt project. However, after First Wind announced plans to pursue a similar project on Molokai, a consensus emerged with state officials, HECO and the two companies that each project should be around 200 megawatts. The target price agreed to by HECO and Castle & Cooke is designed to set a reference point and could change as the project moves forward, HECO said. The two sides will eventually set a fixed price under a 20-year power purchase agreement to be negotiated later. "These low prices will help protect Hawaii from the expected rise in the price of oil and reduce the risk to our economy and way of life from the possible disruptions in oil supplies," said Robbie Alm, HECO vice president. The proposed wind farms on Lanai and Molokai are in the early planning stages, and no dates have been set for groundbreaking. Castle & Cooke, which owns 98 percent of Lanai, has identified roughly 13,000 acres at the far west end of the island where it would locate 56 wind turbines with a generating capacity of 3.6 megawatts each, according to a Castle & Cooke website devoted to the project. The state of Hawaii began work last year on an environmental impact statement for the planned $1 billion cable that would carry the electricity from the neighbor islands to Oahu. The community benefits package announced yesterday is designed to address the impact the project will have on Lanai residents, according to a joint press release from Castle & Cooke and HECO. In addition to providing electricity to Lanai residents at a discount, the community benefits package includes: » A commitment from Castle & Cooke to maintain employment at today's level. » Establishing a Lanai Community Benefits fund with proceeds equaling 1 percent of the wind farm's gross revenues. » Giving priority to qualified Lanai residents for construction jobs associated with the wind project. » A donation of $50,000 a year from HECO's shareholders to the Lanai Community fund for the life of the power purchase agreement. » Improvements to the island's electrical grid. Reach
Alan Yonan at ayonan@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 7, 2011 9:05 a.m. HST Maui, Kaua'i Mayors Anticipating Budget Surpluses Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho wants to end county worker furloughs six months early and the Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said he's hopeful the Valley Island can do the same. That's because Kauai and Maui are experiencing budget surpluses, while Oahu and the Big Island predict budget shortfalls this year. Maui County is in the best financial shape, according to projections from Arakawa, who said Maui predicts a surplus -- also called a carryover -- of about $60 million when its fiscal year is over June 30. That amounts to about 11 percent of the county’s annual budget, which is roughly $524 million. "A lot of it is how you manage your money. And I'm not looking at a shortfall because we're not going to allow our departments to overspend," said Arakawa, who took office on Maui this week. Arakawa said Maui County workers were supposed to continue on two-day-a-month furloughs through the end of June, but now furloughs might be over before that. "I have a very strong suspicion that we will be able to work toward the ending of the furloughs fairly soon. But until we are conclusive on the evidence, with the evidence, we're taking a cautious approach,” Arakawa said. Kauai had a $43 million budget surplus this year and a county spokeswoman said it's too early to predict what its fund balance will be in six months. That’s a large percentage of the annual operating budget of approximately $146 million. But Carvalho has asked the county council to eliminate furloughs six months early and add funds to provide public bus service during the evenings and Sundays, according to Beth Tokioka, communications director for Kauai County. The funding bills moving through the Kauai County Council total roughly $8 million, and also would be used to spend more money on visitor promotions and provide funds to upgrade the county’s radio system, she said. Tokioka said the county saved money by leaving funded positions vacant, putting off equipment purchases and restructuring debt. In the past year, Kauai imposed a vehicle registration fee for the first time ever and increased the drivers license fee for the first time in 23 years. The Big Island predicts a budget shortfall for the third year in a row. At the end of June, Hawaii County officials expect the county will have a $40 million shortfall, the biggest deficit in county history. The expected shortfall amounts to more than 10 percent of Hawaii County’s annual budget of $376 million. On Oahu, Mayor Peter Carlisle said in November the city could face a shortfall of around $100 million, out of a yearly operating budget of $1.8 billion. Hawaii’s counties and the state are required to pass balanced budgets, meaning that lawmakers, mayors and governors must come up with a mix of budget cuts, tax and fee hikes and other solutions to make up any expected shortfalls. All the counties are still estimating how much money they will have in six months, when their fiscal years end, so these projections will change, at least slightly, depending on whether landowners are successful in appealing their property tax assessments, how many people pay their property tax bills on time, whether the legislature takes a larger share of the hotel room tax from counties, and other factors. State government budget officials are predicting a shortfall of nearly $850 million in the state budget over the next two and a half years. (Report Provided by KITV.com) NEWS FLASH - January 7, 2011 7:15 a.m. HST North Shore Surf Advisory Won't Go Away 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 a.m. Saturday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Waves along north facing shores will be 14 to 18 feet today and continue through Friday night. 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 3:57 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.5 feet is expected between 4:53 a.m. and 6:11 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 6, 2011 3:45 p.m. HST Surf Back on the Rise Along North Shores 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 a.m. Saturday. 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 briefly subside this evening then increase late tonight. Waves along north facing shores will increase to 14 to 18 feet late tonight and continue through Friday night. 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 4:29 a.m. and 5:47 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 3:57 p.m. and 5:15 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 6, 2011 1:15 p.m. HST Ogilvy Withdraws from Hyundai Tourney After Swimming Accident Two-time defending champion Geoff Ogilvy withdrew from the Hyundai Tournament of Champions today because of a cut he suffered on his right index finger late Monday afternoon. The Australian said in a release today that he tripped in shallow water and grazed his finger on a reef. The cut required 12 stitches and is causing him discomfort to bend or place any pressure on the finger. "I do not feel as though I can make a full swing without making some compensation to both my grip and to the way in which I would normally swing a golf club," Ogilvy said in a statement. "Therefore I do not believe that I can play anywhere near to my full capabilities and would not be doing justice to the event by competing." Jonathan Byrd is the early leader in the PGA Tour's season-opening event. He is 7 under through 10 holes and holds a three-shot advantage over Heath Slocum. Ogilvy will still earn $53,000 in unofficial money, but will not receive any FedEx Cup points. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 6, 2011 7:20 a.m. HST High Surf Advisory Still Up 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 levels have peaked but will remain above the advisory threshold before decreasing slowly tonight. Waves along north facing shores will be 12 to 16 feet today. 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 3:16 p.m. and 4:34 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 2.7 feet is expected between 4:29 a.m. and 5:47 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 5, 2011 11:50 p.m. HST 'Five-0' Books People's Choice Top Award "Hawaii Five-0" was declared the best new drama on television at tonight's People's Choice Awards. "Five-0" star Daniel Dae Kim immediately posted a thank-you to the show's fans on his Twitter feed. People's Choice winners in all categories are chosen by the public through online voting. Overall, the film "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," the TV show "House M.D." and rapper Eminem were top winners with four awards apiece. Fans picked "Twilight" as their favorite overall movie and favorite drama. Stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner were their favorite on-screen team, and Stewart also won actress honors. Johnny Depp was fans' favorite actor, Jackie Chan won for action star, Adam Sandler won for comedic star, and "Toy Story 3" was voted favorite family movie. "House M.D." was TV's top winner. The show was fans' favorite television drama, and stars Hugh Laurie and Lisa Edelstein were the favorite actor and actress in the drama category. Laurie's character, Gregory House, was named favorite TV doctor. "Glee" was voted top TV comedy, and star Jane Lynch was the favorite comedy actress. Neil Patrick Harris won comedy actor honors. Eminem dominated the music category. He was fans' favorite hip-hop artist and male musician, and his song with Rihanna, "Love the Way You Lie," won favorite song and music video. Katy Perry was a double winner: Favorite female artist and favorite online sensation. Rihanna, Usher and Taylor Swift were named favorite pop, R&B and country artist, respectively. Fans chose the winners in all categories. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 5, 2011 1:50 p.m. HST Giant Tuna Fetches $396,000 in Japan TOKYO — A giant bluefin tuna fetched a record 32.49 million yen, or nearly $396,000, in Tokyo on Wednesday, in the first auction of the year at the world's largest wholesale fish market. The price for the 754-pound (342-kilogram) tuna beat the previous record set in 2001 when a 445-pound (202-kilogram) fish sold for 20.2 million yen, a spokesman for Tsukiji market said. "It was an exceptionally large fish," said the official, Yutaka Hasegawa. "But we were all surprised by the price." The massive tuna was bought and shared by the same duo that won the bidding for last year's top fish: the owners of Kyubey, an upscale sushi restaurant in Tokyo's Ginza district, and Itamae Sushi, a casual, Hong Kong-based chain. Reporters thronged Hong Kong entrepreneur Ricky Cheng after his big win, which reflects the growing popularity of sushi around the world, particularly in Asia. "I was nervous when I arrived in Tokyo yesterday, but I am relieved now," he said after the auction, which began shortly after 5 a.m. The giant tuna, caught off the coast of northern Japan, was among 538 shipped in from around the world for Wednesday's auction. The record-setting price translates to a whopping 95,000 yen per kilogram, or about $526 per pound. Japan is the world's biggest consumer of seafood, with Japanese eating 80 percent of the Atlantic and Pacific bluefins caught. The two tuna species are the most sought-after by sushi lovers. Fatty bluefin — called "o-toro" here — can sell for 2,000 yen ($24) per piece at high-end Tokyo sushi restaurants. Japanese wholesalers, however, face growing calls for tighter fishing rules amid declining tuna stocks worldwide. In November, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas voted to cut the bluefin fishing quota in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean from 13,500 to 12,900 metric tons annually — about a 4 percent reduction. It also agreed on measures to try to improve enforcement of quotas on bluefin. The decision was strongly criticized by environmental groups, which hoped to see bluefin fishing slashed or suspended. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 5, 2011 1:30 p.m. HST Maui Accountant Turns Himself In for Sentencing A Maui man who previously pleaded guilty to violating state financial securities laws in connection with his operation of a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme pleaded guilty in federal court this morning to mail fraud and bank fraud. As part of his agreement with the federal prosecutor, Lloyd Y. Kimura, 61, of Wailuku, was to turn himself in this afternoon pending sentencing in June. Kimura pleaded guilty today to four counts of mail fraud, two counts of bank fraud and three counts of theft of employee pension benefits. “I took money from people I knew and did not pay them back,” he said. Kimura faces maximum 20-year prison terms for the mail fraud and bank fraud and five-year prison terms for the theft when a federal judge sentences him in June. He faces a mandatory 20-year prison term for securities fraud when a state judge sentences him next month. State and federal prosecutors have agreed that Kimura will serve his state and federal sentences at the same time in federal prison. Kimura has agreed that the people who “invested” money with him lost between $7 million and $20 million. His lawyer, Philip Lowenthal, said the U.S. Bankruptcy Court is doing the accounting to determine exactly how much each investor lost and expects to have a total figure by this summer. U.S. District Court officials will do their own research to determine how much Kimura owes in restitution, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren said. The government said Kimura persuaded people to invest with him or his Maui Industrial Loan and Finance Company from 1986 to last year under the false pretense that he was going to use their money to issue high-interest loans to others. In return he promised returns of 8 and 12 percent. He instead used the money from new investors to pay off earlier investors, according to federal court records. His loan and finance company was never licensed by the state to accept deposits. Kimura is the brother of Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kimura. Reach Nelson Darancing at ndarancing@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 5, 2011 9:40 a.m. HST 'Aloha Airlines' Name Sold - But Not to Competitors Aloha Airlines' name has been sold, but go! Mokulele won't be able to use it. Los Angeles-based Yucaipa Cos., the former majority shareholder of Aloha, won federal Bankruptcy Court approval last week to buy the Aloha name and other intellectual property for $1.5 million with a stipulation that it not resell the name to Mesa Air Group, the parent of go! Mokulele. In 2009, Mesa sought to re-brand its go! planes as Aloha. But federal Bankruptcy Judge Lloyd King stopped the name change, following impassioned pleas from former Aloha Airlines employees who largely blamed Mesa for Aloha's demise. Aloha ceased operations in April 2008, leaving more than 2,000 workers without jobs. The purchase of the intellectual property was mostly a noncash transaction. In exchange for the intellectual property, Yucaipa will reduce the amount the Aloha estate owes Yucaipa by $1,428,571. Yucaipa also will pay the estate $71,429 in cash — 5 percent of the purchase price — that will be used to pay attorney and other professional fees. In a May 2009 ruling, King wrote that "Mesa succeeded in inflicting great harm, not only upon the Aloha corporate entities, but also upon thousands of Aloha employees and their families. Now, through Yucaipa, Mesa seeks to perfect its wrongdoing by becoming Aloha. It is difficult to imagine a court overlooking what Mesa has done and putting its stamp of approval on Mesa's subsidiary, go!, becoming Aloha." In last week's ruling, King wrote that "the trustee has demonstrated a sound business purpose and justification for the sale" and that the buyer is "a good faith purchaser." Yucaipa spokesman Frank Quintero declined to say what the company intends to do with the name. Mesa Chairman and Chief Executive Jonathan Ornstein said recently he was no longer interested in trying to obtain the Aloha name. But a former Aloha pilot, who asked to remain anonymous, said yesterday he was still wary of Mesa. "If somehow Mesa and Ornstein want to use the name Aloha Airlines on those go! flights, they're going to find some legal maneuver around it," the ex-Aloha pilot said. Aloha bankruptcy estate trustee Dane Field said he has "no idea" what Yucaipa intends to do with the name. "It's not a concern of mine," Field said. "When I sell assets, I usually don't tell people what to do with the assets. If I sell a house, I don't tell somebody what to do with the house. My job is to get the most value for the estate for the assets I'm administering." The sale of the Aloha name created an uproar among employees in May 2009 after Yucaipa reached a settlement in a lawsuit with Mesa that allowed Aloha's one-time rival to license the Aloha name for 10 years for a minimum of $6 million. Reach David Segal at dsegal@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 5, 2011 7:50 a.m. HST Waves Heights Could Top 20+ Feet Through Tomorrow 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. Thursday. 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 large west-northwest swell will peak tonight. This swell was generated this past weekend by a large low pressure system west of the international dateline. Surf along north facing shores will be 18 to 24 feet through 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 2:38 p.m. and 3:56 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.8 feet is expected between 4:03 a.m. and 5:21 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 5, 2011 6:50 a.m. HST President May Head Back to Island in November for APEC President Barack Obama and family have returned to Washington, but his next visit to Hawaii may be sooner than the end-of-the-year holiday season. The president is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in mid-November. Leaders of several other countries will join Obama in Honolulu. Obama arrived in Washington yesterday after a nearly two week vacation in Hawaii, where he was born and mostly raised. On his vacation, the president golfed several rounds, went to the beach, worked out and spent time with his friends and family. On his Air Force One flight night back to the nation's capitol, Obama told reporters that he'll return for the APEC gathering. He said, "That'll be a big event. Everybody's pretty excited about that." (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - January 4, 2011 4:40 p.m. HST North Shore Waves Could Top 20+ Feet Tonight 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Thursday. 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 large west-northwest swell will build this evening and tonight, and peak on Wednesday. This swell was generated this past weekend by a large low pressure system west of the international dateline. Surf along north facing shores will rise to 18 to 24 feet tonight. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 2.9 feet is expected between 3:35 a.m. and 4:53 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 2:38 p.m. and 3:56 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 4, 2011 1:45 p.m. HST Fireworks Smoke Lower this Year - Especially in Kihei HONOLULU - The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), Clean Air Branch monitored Hawaii’s air quality during the New Year’s fireworks and compared it with the national ambient air quality standards. As expected, the heavy use of fireworks during the annual holiday celebration significantly increased the amount of smoke in the air; however, particulate levels recorded were lower than last year. The DOH tracks the air quality particulate levels through air monitoring stations located at four sites on Oahu, and one site on Maui consisting of Honolulu, Pearl City, Sand Island, Kapolei, and Kihei. Fireworks smoke consist primarily of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which can penetrate into the lungs and aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Compared to last year, the DOH recorded lower levels of fine particulates overall for this New Year’s fireworks celebration, but still exceeded the PM2.5 standard at Pearl City. The PM2.5 national standard is 35 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over 24 hours. Pearl City recorded 40 µg/m3 on December 31, 2010 and 36 µg/m3 on January 1, 2011. The highest levels recorded last year were 62 µg/m3 at Honolulu and 45 µg/m3 at Pearl City. The levels began to increase around 9:00 p.m., peaked after 12:00 a.m., and continued to improve returning to normal by 4:00 a.m. The differences in the recorded levels between this year and last year may be attributed to the light trade winds that Oahu experienced during the evening hours. The use of fireworks during the New Year’s celebration will always have an impact on the air quality, but the degree of impact for any location is greatly influenced by the weather conditions such as the wind and rain, the amount of fireworks burned in the area, and the configuration of the land. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Health) NEWS FLASH - January 4, 2011 12:25 p.m. HST Kaiser Donates $10,000 for Fresh Food Program at Maui Food Bank WAILUKU, HI – January 4, 2010 – Kaiser Permanente Hawaii today presented $10,000 to the Maui Food Bank to support the Fresh for All Program which purchases fresh produce from local farmers and distributes it to needy families. “Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy family,” said George Talbot, MD, Kaiser Permanente physician leader Maui. “This program not only brings fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need, it also supports local farmers so it is a great contribution to the overall health of our community.” The Maui Food Bank helps the hungry in Maui County by collecting and distributing food through community partnerships. More than 100 member agencies from faith based and community service organizations shop at the Maui Food Bank. These agencies provide direct service to the needy by distributing food through pantries, serving meals at soup kitchens, shelters, homeless drop-in centers and mobile outreach programs. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii also recently donated $4,500 to the Maui United Way for general community program support. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided total health to the people of Hawaii for more than 50 years. Care for members is focused on their total health being guided by their personal physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Expert care and medical teams are supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Its physicians are members of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, the largest and most experienced multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. Visit kp.org for additional information (Report Provided by The Maui Food Bank) NEWS FLASH - January 4, 2011 10:05 a.m. HST Moloka'i Ranch Seeks 'Iimportant Ag Land' Designation for 5,000 Acres Molokai's largest landowner is seeking to designate nearly 5,000 acres of property mostly used for cattle ranching as important agricultural land that would qualify the owner for state benefits. Molokai Properties Ltd., better known as Molokai Ranch, has applied to the state Land Use Commission to preserve 4,919 acres for agricultural use under a 3-year-old state law that provides financial incentives for preserving ag land. Cheryl Corbiell, a director for the nonprofit Molokai Land Trust, said that while details of the case have yet to be determined, in general the idea of preserving agriculture land from development is good. "I think any kind of conservation in the state is good news," she said. Molokai Properties' application to preserve the land, filed Nov. 30, became the third case to use the new law, but it is the first attempting to protect land better suited for cattle than crops. Alexander & Baldwin Inc. received commission approval in 2009 to protect 27,105 acres on Maui used by subsidiary Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and 3,773 acres on Kauai used mostly by subsidiary Kauai Coffee Co. The law provides incentives for dedicating land for agriculture in perpetuity. Incentives include $7.5 million in annual tax credits for investments in agriculture facilities, a $2.5 million loan guarantee program, expedited ag processing facility permits and allowance of employee housing on prime ag land. There is also a controversial benefit that allows owners of prime agricultural land to urbanize land equivalent to 15 percent of the acreage protected for other uses, including housing. But like A&B, Molokai Properties in its application waived any rights to claim the benefit for urbanizing land. A Molokai Properties official could not be reached for comment yesterday. Some longtime opponents of Molokai Properties question whether a company should derive benefits from preserving what they see as low-quality ag land. Others say helping sustain ranching will benefit Hawaii's most economically depressed neighbor island, where unemployment is about double the state average. In its application, Molokai Properties said the benefits of the law will help secure and expand ranch operations on an island where ranching has historically been important both culturally and economically. "The protection and preservation of Molokai's cattle ranching heritage and tradition is a vital goal of this petition," the company said in the filing. The company said ranching on Molokai dates back to 1833 when about 200 longhorn cattle were introduced by Kamehameha III. Molokai Ranch was formed in 1897 on about 100,000 acres. Disease threats devastated the industry in the 1980s. Then three years ago, after much rebuilding effort, Molokai Properties quit ranching. The company shut down operations — including a luxury hotel — after failing to win enough community support for a plan to finance investments in its strained resort and ranch operations by developing 200 lots for luxury oceanfront homes at Laau Point. The development plan included conveying 50,000 acres to a community land trust for perpetual protection, but opponents said the trade-off was not worth it. The company laid off about 120 employees and shuttered most of its business. But cattle operations were turned over to longtime ranch manager Jimmy Duvauchelle. Duvauchelle, a fourth-generation Molokai cowboy, established Pohakuloa Ranch and manages about 500 cows on about 3,000 acres leased from Molokai Properties. The operation is the largest ranch on Molokai, but Duvauchelle said the last two years have been rough. "I'm doing the best I can now, but I'm too small," he said. "In the cattle business, volume helps. Without the volume, it's not working as far as making money." Much of the difficulty for Pohakuloa Ranch, according to Duvauchelle, is that it ships most young cattle to the mainland to be fattened up and slaughtered. Rising shipping costs and falling cattle prices have hurt operations. Duvauchelle said he wants to keep more cattle on Molokai for Hawaii consumption, but to do that he needs more land for grazing and has to invest in other improvements. His goal is to double the number of cows and export only half his animals for fattening and slaughter on the mainland. Under the expansion plan, Pohakuloa Ranch would lease more Molokai Properties land and take over another ranch, Diamond B Ranch, which Duvauchelle manages for a Maui owner. Diamond B operates on about 1,000 acres leased from Molokai Properties. Molokai Properties in its application said it will grant Duvauchelle a 20-year lease for roughly 5,000 acres and grant a 99-year easement to Molokai Land Trust to ensure the land is restricted for agricultural use. Molokai Properties also said the land holds future potential for large-scale crop production, perhaps for biofuels or seed corn, if sufficient water could be provided. Presently, the water supply to the land comes from mountain streams and can sustain cattle but not crops, though pineapple, a dry-land crop, was once grown on much of the land. Molokai Properties said breakthroughs in technology such as desalination combined with wind power could create an economical water supply for the land to sustain crops. Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes @staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - January 4, 2011 7:20 a.m. HST Four-Car Accident Slows Traffic Along Pi'ilani Highway in Kihei (Editor's Note: Accident Cleared and Highway Reopened at 7:57 a.m.) Maui Police say traffic is moving slowly along Pi'ilani Highway in North Kihei. A four-car accident has snarled travel near the highway's intersection with Kaonoulu Street. Traffic is being rerouted down Kaonoulu Street to South Kihei Road. The accident happened shortly after 7 a.m. today. No word on the cause of the accident or the exrtent of any injuries. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - January 4, 2011 6:45 a.m. HST New High Surf Advisory Issued for North Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Thursday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Another large west, northwest swell will build today, eventually peaking late tonight and Wednesday. This swell was generated this past weekend by a large low pressure system west of the international dateline. Surf along north facing shores will rise to 18 to 24 feet. Surf will increase Tuesday, reaching advisory levels Tuesday night, and continue through Thursday. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.4 feet is expected between 1:59 p.m. and 3:17 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.9 feet is expected between 3:35 a.m. and 4:53 a.m. tomorrow morning. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or 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 3, 2011 4:55 p.m. HST Wind Advisory Continues to Blow at Summit 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: A wind advisory remains in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. Northeast winds will be 25 to 35 mph, with locally higher gusts. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or 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 3, 2011 7:45 a.m. HST New County Council To Be Sworn In Today Click Here to View Exclusive Maui TV News Video of Today's Inauguration WAILUKU -- The Inauguration of the Maui County Council for the 2011-2013 term will take place at 10 a.m. today in the Council Chamber, Chair Danny A. Mateo announced. On November 2, 2010, the people of the County of Maui elected Gladys Coelho Baisa, Robert Carroll, Elle Cochran, Donald G. Couch, Jr., G. Riki Hokama, Danny A. Mateo, Joseph Pontanilla, Michael P. Victorino, and Mike White for a two year term. Maui
attorney Anthony P. Takitani will be the Master of Ceremonies. Judge
Blaine Kobayashi will administer the oath of office to the Council
members-elect. State Senate President Shan Tsutsui will deliver the
keynote address. The Council Chamber is located on the 8th floor of the Kalana O Maui building (200 S. High Street) and will open to the general public promptly at 9:30 a.m. Limited two hour parking may be available in front of the County building. Additional parking will also be available at 2307 Main Street. Signs will be posted near the turn off point on Main Street, before the Bailey House Museum. Council staff will direct cars to the appropriate parking area between 8:45 and 9:45 a.m. At 2 p.m., the Council will hold its organizational meeting in the Council Chamber. At the meeting, the Council will elect officers, establish standing committees, adopt rules, and appoint staff. Both the Inauguration ceremony and the organizational meeting are open to the public and will be broadcast live on Akaku: Maui Community Television. Akaku programming of Council events may be viewed on Channel 53 on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. For more information about the Inauguration ceremony, call the Office of Council Services at 270 7838. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - January 3, 2011 6:35 a.m. HST High Winds Still Expected at Summit 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT to remain in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: Beginning early this afternoon, EAST winds up to 30 to 35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 2, 2011 8:45 p.m. HST Hundreds Gather to Greet Mayor Arakawa - Again Two standing ovations and lots of smiles greeted the dawn of Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa's second term as the county's chief executive. In the ceremony this afternoon at War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku, after a multi-denominational blessing and three renditions of "Hawai'i Pono'i" joined in by the crowd of several hundred, Maui Second Circuit Court Judge Rhonda Loo administered the oath of office to Arakawa's new Cabinet - then to the mayor. Justice Loo also administered the first "official hug" of the Arakawa administration. Members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Mayors from Kaua'i and Honolulu, County and State legislators and citizens of Maui County interrupted the Mayor's remarks with applause five times. In his remarks, Arakawa promised an open door policy, smaller government and a business-friendly environment. (Report Compiled by Maui TV News) NEWS FLASH - January 2, 2011 9:05 a.m. HST North Shore Waves Could Reach 20+ Feet Today 1. EVENT: National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI and WEST FACING SHORES of LANAI in effect until 6:00 a.m. 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: Surf will peak this morning and and peak later today before gradually diminishing starting late tonight and continuing through Monday. Surf along the North facing shores will build to heights of 18 to 24 feet, while surf along West facing shores will build to heights of 12 to 18 feet. 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 2, 2011 6:55 a.m. HST High Winds Buffeting Summit 1. EVENT: January 2, 2011 - 9:00 a.m.The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: Beginning early this afternoon, EAST winds up to 30 to 35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - January 1, 2011 4:50 p.m. HST North, West Shores Expecting Big Waves 1. EVENT: National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and MAUI and WEST FACING SHORES of LANAI in effect from 10:00 p.m. Saturday evening to 6:00 a.m. 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: A large West-Northwest swell will build tonight and Sunday generated a couple of days ago by a powerful low far Northwest of the Islands. Surf along the North facing shores will build to heights of 18 to 24 feet, while surf along West facing shores will build to heights of 12 to 18 feet. 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 1, 2011 10:35 a.m. HST Land Trusts Merge to Protect Thousands of Acres Statewide Wailuku, Maui, Hawai`i---Four existing conservation land trusts representing all counties within the state are combining to form the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT), a new statewide land conservancy. Official on January 1, 2011, the merger creates an organization with the sustainability and resources to safeguard existing protected lands and dramatically grow conservation lands in Hawai`i. Participating in the collaboration are Kaua`i Public Land Trust, O`ahu Land Trust, Maui Coastal Land Trust and Hawai`i Island Land Trust. Driving the decision to merge were shared missions and a combined vision for a cohesive and sustainable approach to land conservation in Hawai`i. “Our passion is preserving land, our promise is to protect it forever,” says HILT Executive Director Dale Bonar, former ED of Maui Coastal Land Trust. “By joining forces we are a stronger and more professional organization capable of sustaining that commitment of perpetuity.” Each organization’s conservation easements and fee lands are now securely held by Hawaiian Islands Land Trust. Combined, HILT oversees 15, 229 acres of conservation land across the state, including: 188 acres on Hawai`i Island; 11,810 on Maui; 3,057 on Moloka`i; and 174 on Kaua`i. Fundamentally, the merger boosts the organization’s capacity to save more land. Because of its statewide scope, HILT is in a better position to attract the broad financial support and resources needed to significantly increase local conservation lands. Collaborative and non-partisan by nature, Hawaiian Island Land Trust’s strength is its ability and willingness to work with a host of governmental agencies and other conservation nonprofit organizations. Currently in active negotiations with landowners on Kauai, O`ahu, Maui and Hawai`i I sland, HILT expects to announce thousands more conservation acres within the first quarter of 2011. The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust central office is based initially on Maui. To continue to best serve the communities in which they work, island offices will be maintained by existing Island Directors on O`ahu, Kaua`i and Hawai`i Island. All employees have been retained by HILT, creating a staff of ten. “In some cases, entire operations of an island were falling on one person. A tremendous benefit of our collaboration is that now each staff member can be more highly specialized within his or her skill set,” adds Bonar. From its inception, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust has national accreditation. A mark of distinction in land conservation across the nation, the status was originally earned by Maui Coastal Land Trust in 2009 and conveys to the new organization. In Hawai`i, land is our most important and valuable resource. Its conservation helps ensure clean air and drinking water, food security, scenic landscapes and views, recreational places, and habitat for a diversity of ecosystems. Land conservation in Hawai`i is especially imperative due to the added significance of inseparable cultural relationships and our intrinsic space limitations. Hawaiian Islands Land Trust is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization with the mission of acquiring, preserving and protecting conservation lands across Hawai`i for the benefit of the natural environment and current and future generations. For more details on the organization and its protected lands, call (808)244-5263 or visit www.hilt.org. (Report Provided by the Hawai'i Islands Land Trust) NEWS FLASH - January 1, 2011 10:15 a.m. HST Coast Guard Rescues 20 After Boat Sinks Near Martial Islands HONOLULU – Twenty mariners have been rescued 90 miles northwest of Majuro, Republic of the Martial Islands, Friday after their vessel sank and an emergency distress signal was transmitted to the Coast Guard, setting off a multinational search for the crew. At approximately 6:44 a.m. yesterday Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu received a distress signal from a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. Less than one hour later JRCC received a second emergency beacon transmission from the same area. Neither distress signal verified the source. An aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point launched an HC-130 Hercules aircraft at 11 a.m. to search for the source of the distress signals. Watchstanders at the JRCC were contacted by the Military Liaison Representative of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who verified the distress signals were from the motor vessel Jeljelet Ae. The vessel and its 20-person crew departed Majuro Thursday and were transporting construction materials to Likiep Atoll, approximately 200 nautical miles north of Majuro. At approximately 2:50 p.m. an Air Marshall Islands aircraft spotted two life rafts in the water. Several
vessels set off from Majuro to search for the life rafts and crew.
One of which was a Sea Patrol boat Lomor, which was coordinated and
facilitated by the Australian technical adviser to the Republic of
the Marshall Island’s Sea Patrol. A 30-foot sport fishing boat reached
the life rafts at approximately 6 p.m. and reported it had rescued
all 20 crewmembers. The Hercules aircrew reached the search area at
the same time and escorted the boat back to Majuro. The condition of the passengers is not known at this time. The Jeljelet Ae is reported to be gunmetal gray with orange, blue, and white markings. The vessel is believed to have sunk during heavy weather, which caused the crew to abandon ship. The success of this operation was made possible by the use of EPIRBs. EPIRBs are portable radio beacons designed to alert multiple agencies, to include the Coast Guard, of a vessel's position in the event of an emergency. “Fortunately, this vessel had two operating EPIRBs which notified JRCC Honolulu when the vessel was in distress and allowed us to prepare and launch a C-130 directly to the scene,” Klein said. For more information on this news release or the use of EPIRBs contact the 14th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 808-535-3230. (Report Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard) NEWS FLASH - January 1, 2011 7:05 a.m. HST Neighbor Island Techs Flown to O'ahu to Help Hawaiian Telcom Get Back 'On' Hawaiian Telcom says a few isolated pockets remain where customers have been without phone service for several days, but that crews are working 10- to 12-hour shifts through the holidays to restore lines. “We are still responding to trouble situations that were reported to us as a result of the heavy rains,” Scott Simon, executive director of corporate communications for Hawaiian Telcom, said Friday. “The vast, vast majority of our cabling system is working just fine. What we’re dealing with now are isolated pockets, even individual customers where the cable has somehow been infiltrated with water.” Simon said he did not have figures on how many people were affected. The company has brought some technicians from the Neighbor Islands to help. Customers who have questions or need help should call Hawaiian Telcom’s 24-hour repair number at 643-6111. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 31, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST 'Spirit of Lahaina' Runs Aground On Route to Dinner Cruise HONOLULU – The Coast Guard is investigating the grounding of a passenger vessel in the vicinity of Lahaina Harbor, Maui at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday. Watchstanders at Sector Honolulu were notified at approximately 7:30 p.m. that the crew of the Spirit of Lahaina, a 65-foot catamaran carrying 60 passengers, was navigating the vessel out from its harbor for a dinner cruise when it ran aground at approximately 5:30 p.m. No injuries were reported and a Good Samaritan vessel evacuated all passengers. No pollution was observed as a result of the grounding. Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Maui responded aboard a 45-foot Response Boat Medium and arrived on scene to monitor the situation. A Coast Guard investigator from Marine Safety Team Maui is on scene. The cause of the grounding is under investigation. (Report Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard)
NEWS FLASH - December 30, 2010 1:45 p.m. HST USCG Reminds Mariners 'Flares Are Not Fireworks' HONOLULU – The Coast Guard reminds mariners that red and orange flares are recognized as marine and aviation emergency signals, and are to be used only during emergency situations. If a flare is used in a non-emergency situation, or fired by mistake, it should immediately be reported to the Coast Guard to prevent assets and personnel from searching for someone who is not in distress. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Honolulu suspended a search based on a report of two parachute flares seen in the vicinity west of Captain Cook, Big Island, Tuesday. Watchstanders received a report of two flares at approximately 7 p.m. Monday. An aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter and conducted a 35-minute search, followed by an hour-long search by a Coast Guard Auxiliary aircrew Tuesday morning. One fishing vessel was found in the search area, but showed no signs of distress. The search was suspended after no signs of any vessels in distress were seen or heard over the radio. This was the third search in a series of flare reports within the past four days. Thursday evening four orange flares were reported in the vicinity of Banyan Beach, south of Kailua-Kona, Big Island. This was later determined to be a false alert. Friday evening, the Coast Guard received a report of one red flare in the vicinity of Kailua-Kona, Big Island, prompting a three-hour air search with a helicopter and a fixed-wing airplane. No mariners were found in distress in this case, and only one vessel was located in the search area. Title 14 U.S.C. 88 (c) makes it a class D federal felony, punishable up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a monetary fine, for anyone who knowingly and willfully communicates a false distress message to the Coast Guard or causes the Coast Guard to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed. The statute also provides for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 and holds the individual liable for all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of the individual’s actions. The cost of operating a Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter is approximately $9,855 per hour; the cost of operating an HC-130 Hercules aircraft is approximately $15, 202 per hour. In addition to the monetary cost, false alarms can also delay Coast Guardsmen and assets from responding to actual emergencies, should any arise. (Report Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard) NEWS FLASH - December 30, 2010 11:40 a.m. HST Light Winds in Forecast for New Year's Eve The
tradewinds are back today, but a new weather system approaching the
islands from the northwest will bring a change in winds tomorrow and
a slight chance of thundershowers on New Year's Day. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 29, 2010 4:55 p.m. HST Would-Be Bank Robber Creates Bomb Scare Maui Police report that today at about 11:30 a.m., a white male, approximately six feet tall, slim build, wearing a camouflage jacket and camouflage pants, entered into the First Hawaiian Bank, located at 20 Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului, approached the teller and handed the teller a note demanding that money be placed into a bag. The
male did not get any money, however, he fled the bank leaving a suspicious
device on the counter. The male had mentioned something about "...blowing
the place up..." The bank was closed. Explosive Ordnance Disposal
personnel arrived and rendered the device safe. (Report Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - December 29, 2010 1:55 p.m. HST Obamas Extend Hawai'i Vacation Until January 3 The White House says Obama will now depart Hawaii late in the evening on Jan. 3, arriving in Washington the following day. The Obamas have already pushed back their departure once, changing their return from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2 after the president delayed his arrival in Hawaii to stay in Washington while Congress wrapped up the legislative year. Obama spokesman Bill Burton says the president is trying to squeeze in more time with his family before returning to the nation's capital. The delayed departure means Obama's daughters will miss at least two days of school. Classes resume at Sidwell Friends, the private school they attend, on the 3rd. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 29, 2010 1:35 p.m. HST Expert Driving by Moloka'i Police Saves Motorist and His Car On December 18, 2010 just before 10 a.m., the Molokai Police Dispatch Center received a emergency 911 call from Gaig Yap, a 19 year old Kaulapuu resident, who stated that he was traveling east on Maunaloa Highway and that he was unable to slow his vehicle down. Yap stated that he could not shift the vehicle out of the current gear, the brakes and emergency brakes were not effective in slowing the vehicle down. Molokai Patrol District Officers were dispatched and the first officer in the area, Officer Stafford Caparida, had witnessed the vehicle passing him in the opposite direction in the area of Kalamaula. A second officer, Officer Kyle Bishaw-Juario, was able to maneuver his vehicle in front of Yap’s vehicle, as the both vehicles were traveling at speeds of 70 to 80 miles per hour. Officer Bishaw-Juario allowed the runaway vehicle’s bumper to touch his bumper as he then applied the brakes to his patrol vehicle. Yap’s vehicle continued to push the patrol vehicle over a hundred yards before the engine shut down and came to a complete stop fronting Paddlers’ Restaurant. Just before the final stop, both vehicles were approaching Kaunakakai Town, and there was concern for the public’s safety as the intersection of Maunaloa Highway and Alamalama Avenue was congested with other motorist and pedestrians. Yap and Officer Bishaw-Juario sustained no injures as a result of this incident. Although,Yap appeared to be quite shaken from the incident, as he was expecting the worse to happen to him. Yap’s
vehicle, a 1993 Honda Civic sustained a cracked front grill and scratches
to the bumper. The officer’s patrol vehicle sustained scratches to
the rear bumper. Sergeant Randy Esperanza was the supervisor on duty,
who was positioned further in front of Officer Bishaw-Juario’s vehicle.
He was alerting motorist and clearing the highway for the out of control
vehicle. Molokai Radio Telephone Operator Chris Neuhart received the
911 call and handled the radio (Report Provided by the Maui County Police Department) NEWS FLASH - December 29, 2010 9:45 a.m. HST Wailuku Accountant Gets 20 Years for Securities Violations WAILUKU - Wailuku businessman Lloyd Kimura pleaded guilty to four counts of securities violations in 2nd Circuit Court on Tuesday morning. Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza accepted a plea agreement by which Kimura will be sentenced to two 20-year terms and two five-year terms, to run concurrently. However, it was revealed in court that Kimura also plans to enter a plea to as-yet unannounced federal charges in U.S. District Court in Honolulu on Jan. 5. Cash-only bail of $110,000 was imposed but deferred until Jan. 6, to make it simpler for Kimura to travel to his federal arraignment. Kimura's Maui Industrial Loan & Finance Co., also known as Maui Finance, failed this year. He filed for business and personal bankruptcy, listing liabilities of about $23 million. It took about 40 minutes for Kimura to plead guilty, but he had to speak only a few words: "yes" and "guilty" as Cardoza read through the formalities to make sure he understood the charges and waived his right to have his case presented to a grand jury or to have a trial. Kimura, 61, spoke in a low, even tone. After it was over, he said he had no comment. He pleaded guilty to two charges of making false or misleading financial statements about Maui Finance to state regulators in 2007. By a plea bargain, Cardoza will impose maximum sentences of five years and a fine of $5,000 on each charge. Kimura also pleaded guilty to two more-serious charges of prohibited securities practices. These were detailed as obtaining more than $100,000 by means of a fraudulent security, $590,655.32 from Barron and Rosaline Souza in 2007 and $235,000 from Ron and Carol Riccio in 2007 and 2008. Kimura will get the maximum of 20 years and a $50,000 fine for each. Supervising Deputy Attorney General Christopher Young said: "This is a good first step in finding justice in this case . . . I think an open-ended 20-year sentence is appropriate. "It was a good thing for him that he was cooperative," he added. However, Young did not hold out hope for much recovery of the missing millions. That is usually the case, Young said, in certified public accountant fraud cases. People trust their accountants, and leave their money with them for long periods. Part of Kimura's sentence is to surrender his CPA license. Cardoza said that would not preclude disciplinary action by the Board of Accountancy. The sentence also includes restitution. Since there are three actions, state, federal and federal bankruptcy, by agreement between Kimura's attorney, Phil Lowenthal, and Young, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court will determine the losses and recoveries, and that information will be used to determine restitution when Kimura is sentenced in the criminal courts. Lowenthal said that determination should be final in 2011 but probably would not be done by the scheduled date of sentencing in Cardoza's court, Feb. 24. Lowenthal said he anticipates that Kimura will be taken into presentence custody after his appearance next month in U.S. District Court. Kimura has been an accountant since the 1960s and was a partner in Maui Finance from about that time. He also had other businesses, including Wailuku Tire Co. He increased his share of Maui Finance and by around 1980 was sole owner. About that time, the law was changed so that industrial finance companies could no longer act as banks by taking deposits. The business could have converted, but that would have required expensive deposit insurance, Young said. Kimura continued taking deposits without making the required changes to his business. In various lawsuits, clients alleged he told them that their deposits were insured. In fact, there was nothing behind Kimura's promissory notes. This year, in depositions for the bankruptcy trustee, Kimura admitted he had run a Ponzi scheme. He would take in money, promising to invest it and pay interest to "depositors" or investors, whatever they understood they were. Although he did make some loans, it appears he mostly just churned the money in and out. According to statements from clients, some people took out their interest quarterly, others left it to accrue. Thus, although his personal bankruptcy listed liabilities of about $23 million (which duplicated his Maui Finance bankruptcy in most items), the amount of cash he took in was less, perhaps $6 million, Young said. The bankruptcy trustee has sued 25 Maui Finance clients, seeking return of amounts they received as interest in excess of their total deposits. The legal reasoning is that, since Maui Finance was not making loans and therefore not earning interest, the money paid out as interest was not a real business transaction. The effect of these suits for recovery, if successful, would be to spread the losses out more evenly, since almost all Kimura's creditors were unsecured. Kimura promised to pay interest up to 12 percent, at a time when bank certificates of deposit were earning 1 percent or less. It sounded too good to be true, Young said, and it was. How Kimura managed to continue taking deposits for more than 20 years has not been explained. Young said the state Department of Financial Institutions spotted the fraud during a regular audit, because Kimura was filing IRS 1099 forms showing interest paid out. The auditor realized that, since Maui Finance was not supposed to be taking deposits, it wasn't supposed to be paying out interest. In November 2009, Nick Griffin, the commissioner of financial institutions, ordered Maui Finance to cease taking deposits. Tung Chan, the state securities commissioner, said the state frequently partners with federal prosecutors in securities cases. "We don't have criminal jurisdiction, so there are lots of good reasons to partner with other agencies, both federal and state," Chan said. "We worked with the attorney general and achieved a good result," she said. Kimura's business fell apart within a few weeks, although he had been missing payments on debts in some of his businesses since June or July 2009. Tuesday, Griffin deferred comment on the case to the Department of the Attorney General. Kimura was sued by banks for unpaid loans and by Goodyear for $240,000 owed for tires, although a different action alleged that he had pledged $200,000 worth of tire inventory for a loan. About 14 of his Maui Finance creditors met with Kimura last December, when he promised that he had assets and would be able to pay them when he got his affairs straightened out. Instead, he filed for bankruptcy in February. Lowenthal said he had been discussing a plea "for months." The state filed its four-count complaint Dec. 20. The federal complaint remains under seal, and its existence was not revealed until the matter of the bail postponement was raised Tuesday. The state charges relate only to Maui Finance. Civil suits also allege irregular and self-dealings by Kimura. For example, the owners of the Maui Three business condominium, which Kimura developed and sold, claim he and his wife, Jennie, retained the management of the property, which meant they should have paid the developer-manager's share of common fees. According to the suit, Kimura didn't do so, and also did not register a condo association, as required. In his bankruptcy deposition, Kimura said he transferred money among his various enterprises as needed, without clearly separating his enterprises or, in the case of the condo fees, the Maui Three suit alleges, segregating them in a recognized depositary, as required. He and his wife also lent money, about $1.5 million, to Maui Finance. Harry Eagar can be reached at heagar@mauinews.com. (Reported By The Maui News) NEWS FLASH - December 29, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST Government Offices to Close on New Year's Eve WAILUKU - Government offices will be closed Friday in observance of the New Year's Day holiday. This year, New Year's Day falls on a Saturday. The holiday will affect curbside trash collection on Molokai and in Hana. For Molokai, the regular Friday pickup will be done today. For Hana, Friday pickup will be on Thursday. The schedule for other residential trash collections will be unchanged for the rest of the county. All county pools will be closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. For pool schedules, call 270-8208. A recorded message is updated at 9 a.m. daily. The Waiehu Golf Course will be closed Saturday. On New Year's Day, the Central Maui Landfill will be open from 6 a.m. to noon. The Hana, Molokai and Lanai landfills will be closed. On New Year's Eve, two Maui libraries will be open - the Kihei and Lahaina libraries. All public libraries will be closed on New Year's Day. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - December 28, 2010 12:35 p.m. HST Maui-Bound Flight from Portland Diverted to Seattle SEATTLE — A Seattle-Tacoma International Airport spokesman says a Hawaiian Airlines flight diverted to Sea-Tac Tuesday morning and landed without incident. Spokesman Perry Cooper says the Boeing 767 was flying from Portland, Oregon, to Maui when the flight crew received a warning of a possible aircraft trim problem. He says procedures call for the plane to divert to the nearest airport, which was Sea-Tac. Cooper says the plane landed at about 11:10 a.m. and went to an airport gate where it was being checked out. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 28, 2010 11:45 a.m. HST Maui Leads State as Tourism Continues Rebound HONOLULU
– Total spending by visitors who came to Hawai‘i in November 2010
rose 30.4 percent, or $227.8 million, from November 2009, to $976
million. Total expenditures for the first 11 months of 2010 were $10.3
billion, a 16 percent increase compared to the same period last year,
according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawai‘i For the third consecutive month (since September 2010) total visitor spending increased by double digits on all islands. The growth in visitor spending for November 2010 was due to higher average daily visitor spending (+10.5%), and an 18.2 percent increase in total arrivals to 577,540 visitors. Total arrivals by air grew 17.6 percent from November 2009 to 560,588 visitors. Canada (+28.2%), U.S. West (+23%) and U.S. East (+18.1%) showed double-digit growth, while arrivals from Japan rose 3.3 percent from last November. Arrivals by cruise ships increased 43.5 percent to 16,952 visitors. For the first 11 months of 2010, total visitor days for all visitors increased 8.9 percent compared to year-to-date 2009, and total arrivals rose 8.6 percent, to 6,450,795 visitors. Maui Continued to lead the state's tourism recovery - posting the largest gain in tourist arrivals at 18.9 percent higher than November, 2009. (Report Provided by the Hawai'i Tourism Authority) NEWS FLASH - December 28, 2010 11:20 a.m. HST Hiromoto Succeeds Krieg as County Director of Personnel Services WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- The County of Maui Civil Service Commission announced that current Deputy Director of the Department of Personnel Services, Lance T. Hiromoto, will succeed Lynn G. Krieg as director upon her retirement, effective December 31, 2010. David J. Underwood has been named Deputy Director. The Civil Service Commission, at its meeting of November 3, 2010, accepted Krieg’s letter of retirement and her letter recommending that her deputy, Lance Hiromoto, succeed her upon her retirement. The commission unanimously agreed and appointed Hiromoto as the Director of Personnel Services effective December 31, 2010. Mayor Charmaine Tavares thanked Krieg for her many years of public service. “We’re very grateful for Lynn’s many years of service,” Mayor Tavares said. “She has helped guide the County through important contract negotiations and as our community’s largest employer, Lynn’s leadership and knowledge has been a tremendous asset. “I commend the commission on its selection of Lance Hiromoto as the department’s new director and David Underwood as deputy director. They are both dedicated and committed professionals - we’re very fortunate to have them take the reins of a crucial department.” Krieg will be retiring from government service having served 10 years with the former State of Hawaii Department of Social Services (now known as Department of Human Services) before transferring to the County Department of Personnel Services, where she served for 25 years, the past 8 years as department director. Krieg said she is grateful for the support of a very dedicated Civil Service Commission and credited a competent and well-focused staff for maintaining a united effort to bring improved service to the public and other departments and agencies, including the police department’s “One Stop Fast Track” recruiting, introduction of direct self-service electronic personnel processing, implementation of a leave-sharing program, and electronic interfacing with the State of Hawaii Employee’s Retirement System. “Right now I’m just looking forward to playing with my grandson,” Krieg said. Hiromoto, 52, is a 1976 graduate of Maui High School and 1980 graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He received his Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree with a major in Management. Hiromoto joined the County of Maui’s Department of Personnel Services in 1988. He has been the Deputy Director for the last 7 years. Hiromoto resides in Kahului with his wife Lynne and twin daughters Kaitlyn and Kelby. Underwood, 48, graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He relocated to Maui in 1990 and worked in the visitor industry before joining the County in 1993. He lives in Makawao with his wife Susan and children Alexandra and Drew. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - December 28, 2010 11:15 a.m. HST Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Tomorrow for Late Judge King HONOLULU – Governor Neil Abercrombie has ordered the Hawai‘i state flag to fly at half-staff at all State offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard on Wednesday, December 29, from sunrise to sunset, in honor of United States District Judge Samuel Pailthorpe King, who passed away on December 7, 2010. Judge King dedicated his life to the cause of justice in the State of Hawai‘i for over six decades, including being the District Magistrate for the City and County of Honolulu; Judge at the First Circuit Court of Hawai‘i; and U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai´i. (Report Provided by the Office of Governor Neil Abercrombie) NEWS FLASH - December 28, 2010 8:05 a.m. HST Health Department Warns of Smoky New Year's Eve HONOLULU - The Hawai‘i State Department of Health’s (DOH) Clean Air Branch will be monitoring Hawaii’s air quality during New Year’s and comparing it with national ambient air quality standards. The heavy use of fireworks during the annual holiday celebration can significantly increase the amount of particulates in the air, especially on Oahu. The Clean Air Branch is encouraging the public to be properly informed and prepared for the upcoming New Year’s fireworks celebrations as well as possible temporary increases in vog levels. Firework
smoke consists primarily of particulate matter that can aggravate
conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Those
who suffer from any of these lung conditions may want to take certain
precautionary measures. The DOH offers some of the following guidelines:
While these suggestions are intended primarily for persons with respiratory or chronic lung disease, they are also useful for healthy persons during air pollution episodes such as particulates dust, brush fires, firework smoke, or volcanic haze. For further information regarding air quality, contact the Clean Air Branch at 586-4200. To obtain additional information on respiratory health and the New Year’s fireworks, contact the American Lung Association of Hawaii at 537-5966 or visit their website at http://www.ala-hawaii.org
NEWS FLASH - December 28, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST Brown Water Warnings Issued for Maui and Kaua'i The state Department of Health has issued a brown water advisory for Maui from Waiehu Beach Park to Paukukalo and from Kealia Pond to Kalama Park due to heavy rains and flooding. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, chemicals, flood debris, Leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases. If coastal waters are turbid and brown, stay out. On Kauai, officials poted warning signs at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor after the Kikiaola irrigation ditch was opened this morning, allowing storm water mixed with treated wastewater to flow into the harbor. The ditch was opened to prevent flooding from occurring in the Waimea area. Officials estimate that up to 2.25 million gallons of treated wastewater had been stored in the irrigation ditch. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 27, 2010 1:20 p.m. HST More Details Released About Heroes Who Saved Shark Bite Victim Local professional surfer Kai Barger, 21, said he wasn't sure what to think when he and his friends heard a bodyboarder screaming from 20 yards away at the infamous "Ledges" surf spot at Kahului Harbor yesterday. "Usually someone yells 'shark' and everybody freaks out and heads back in," he said. "But we couldn't hear what he was yelling and I wasn't really sure what to think. The waves were pretty good and we wanted to stay in. We weren't sure if it was someone crying 'shark' just to have the spot to himself." Barger's wait-and-see attitude proved potentially life-saving to a 15-year-old boy who suffered foot and leg injuries after being bitten by a 6-foot shark. Officials were advising people to stay out of the water from Kahului Harbor to Paukukalo until at least midday Monday. County lifeguards on personal watercraft were observing ocean conditions, a state Land Department spokeswoman said. On Sunday, Barger and three friends had paddled out to the experts-only surf spot in hopes of catching a prime set of waves generated by a northeast swell. He said two bodyboarders were also out in the water but appeared to have been drawn further out by the tide. Barger said he heard one of the bodyboarders scream but couldn't believe that there was a shark nearby. He watched as the two bodyboarders paddled slowly back toward him and his friends. "I asked them if they had seen a shark and he said that he had been bitten by one," Barger said. "He lifted his leg and his fin was gone and all of the skin on his shin was off. It was really gnarly." Barger and fellow professional surfer Tanner Hendrickson towed the two boys back to shore against the current. "We just told him that he was O.K., that he still had a foot, and that he was going to survive this," Barger said. "We just did whatever we could to keep him calm." On the beach, Barger and Hendrickson used their leashes as tourniquets for the wound while they waited for emergency medical services to arrive. State officials closed the harbor to swimmers and surfers after the 3:45 p.m. incident. Barger, who last year won the Billabong ASP World Juniors Championship, said he was "stoked" that the boy appeared to be in good condition after the attack and that he and his friends were able to help. "It's just the code of the water that you help when someone is in trouble," he said. Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 27, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST 'Birthers' Step Up Pace of Obama Certificate Requests People who do not believe President Barack Obama was born in Honolulu in 1961 have stepped up their requests for proof of his birth this month, in the hopes that the new gubernatorial administration will offer more information. The state Department of Health says it has received 27 requests for information about Obama's birth certificate this month, compared with 16 in November. There were 16 requests alone in the first half of this week, although most came from a single person. Since 2008, "birthers," who believe Obama was born in Kenya and thus ineligible to be president, have been requesting information from the state about his birth. The requests continued despite Obama's camp releasing a copy of his certificate of live birth and reports of Obama's birth announcements published in 1961 in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and The Honolulu Advertiser. Three weeks into his term, newly elected Gov. Neil Abercrombie told The New York Times that with regard to the birthers, he is "going to take care of that." He said he is talking with the state attorney general's office and the director of the Health Department to see how he can release more information about the president's birth. The confidentiality of birth records is protected by state law. "It's an insult to his mother and to his father, and I knew his mother and father; they were my friends, and I have an emotional interest in that," Abercrombie told the Times. "It's an emotional insult. It is disrespectful to the president; it is disrespectful to the office." Abercombie was quoted by the Chicago Tribune as saying, "What bothers me is that some people who should know better are trying to use this for political reasons," he said. "Maybe I'm the only one in the country that could look you right in the eye right now and tell you, 'I was here when that baby was born.'" Dr. Neal Palafox, Abercrombie's pick for state health director, declined to be interviewed until after his confirmation by the state Senate. Despite the spike in requests, questions about Obama's birth certificate have largely been subsiding. In May, then-Gov. Linda Lingle signed a law to allow the state to ignore repetitive requests from the same person. Earlier this year the state was receiving about 50 requests a month, but that started to decline before Lingle signed the law, state officials said. The Health Department has used the law about six times, a department official said. Some birthers, however, have skirted the law by changing their names in their requests or going online and asking blog readers to send in requests. Fielding questions about Obama's birth still takes a toll on the Health Department's communication and vital-records offices, which are required by law to respond within 10 days. At least two staffers spend an hour a day handling requests for Obama birth records, a department official said. They also have to interpret unclear or perplexing requests, sometimes seeking opinions from attorneys at the attorney general's office and the state Office of Information Practices. For example, some requests ask the state to provide a copy of the seal used on Obama's certificate of live birth, said Cathy Takase, an Office of Information Practices attorney. The Health Department has responded by sending a pencil shading of the embossment, rather than the seal, which officials say could be misused for fraudulent purposes. Takase said many questions about the seal come from one blogger with several aliases. This month the blogger asked the office to hold off on some of her requests because she was going to send a new request to the new Health Department director, Takase said. "If you look at all the cases that we had, they were really only a handful of people, but they just made a lot of requests and very lengthy and ongoing kinds of requests," Takase said. Reach Rob Shikina at rshikina@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 26, 2010 8:35 p.m. HST Kihei Teen Suffers Apparent Shark Bite in Kahului Harbor This afternoon, shrtly after 3:30, a 15 year-old Kihei resident, while body boarding at a popular surf spot known as "Ledges" which is located near the mouth of the Kahului Harbor, sustained lacerations to his lower left foot, ankle, and leg. The juvenile male was taken to the Maui Memorial Medical Center emergency room for treatment. Per the attending emergency room physician, the injuries were consistent to a shark bite. The 15 year-old male was listed as stable with non-life threatening injuries. DLNR and County Water Safety Officers closed off a one-mile radius of the ocean while they conducted their investigation. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - December 26, 2010 7:55 p.m. HST Crews Clear South Kihei Road Completely Maui Police confirm that Public Works crews have cleared all mud and debris from South Kihei Road and the entire thoroughfare is now open. Only a portion of Kaonoulu Road mauka of South Kihei Road remains closed due to mud and standing water. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - December 26, 2010 5 p.m. HST Portions of South Kihei Road Still Closed Public works crews continue to clear South Kihei Road of mud and debris. South Kihei Road remains closed between Wailana Place and the Whale Sanctuary. South Kihei Road is also closed between Waipuilani Road and Namauu Place. Maui Police ask for the public's continued cooperation in avoiding the closed areas, and using Pi'ilani Highway for the most expedient access into and out of South Maui. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)
NEWS FLASH - December 26, 2010 7:30 a.m. HST Bus Transports Trapped Residents fropm Kihei Flood Zone As a precaution, a 37-passenger bus was made available on scene to help transport residents of the Maalaea Surf condominium and nearby properties who were impacted by flooding to an American Red Cross shelter opened at Kihei Community Center. As of 5:30 a.m. there were no occupants at the shelter and the flooding was reported to be subsiding. Conditions were compounded by high tide affecting drainage in the near shore roadways. Flooding in some low-lying areas was ere reported to be waist-high. Fire crews from the Kihei, Wailea and Kahului stations responded to provIde assistance to residents and businesses in the area. County Public Works crews used heavy equipment to clear culverts and South Kihei Beach Road is expected to remain closed until roadways are safely cleared of mud and debris. No injuries are reported. Motorists are advised to stay out of the area. Some of the Maui Bus routes were impacted by the road closure of South Kihei Road to Welakahao Street. Road closure updates are available at 986-1200. Next update can be expected at 10 a.m. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - December 26, 2010 5:20 a.m. HST Early Morning Floods Trap Kihei Residents KIHEI, Maui, Hawaii-- Emergency personnel are assisting residents in the South Kihei Road area who are affected by flooding conditions caused by heavy rains. The American Red Cross is currently establishing a shelter at Kihei Community Center to assist residents requiring evacuation. At 12:55 a.m. Maui Police closed a portion of South Kihei Road from Kaonoulu Street to Ohukai Road due to flooding caused by overflowing culverts and gulches. The County opened the Emergency Operating Center around 3:30 a.m. to coordinate efforts between responding agencies providing assistance to flooded residents and businesses in the area and to assess the situation in surrounding areas that may also become impacted. No injuries are reported at this time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and call 986-1200 for updated road closure information. No other information is available at this time. Next update is expected to be released around 7:00 a.m. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) Mele Kalikimaka!
Fugitive's 'Escape Route' Detours Past Presidential Compound Police today arrested a 39-year-old man who, while allegedly trying to elude officers seeking to arrest him on warrants, drove into the Kailua neighborhood where President Barack Obama is vacationing. The man drove back out and was eventually arrested in Waimanalo, police said. At no time did the vehicle enter the secured area at the president's vacation compound on Kailuana Place, police said in a news release. The activity was unrelated to the president's visit, according to a White House press pool report quoting Edwin Donovan of Secret Service public affairs. Obama was golfing at the Klipper Golf Course on Marine Base Hawaii at the time of the incident, the pool report said. The Honolulu Police Department issued a statement that police went to a Kailua home about 2:20 p.m. today to arrest the 39-year-old Kailua man, who was wanted on five outstanding warrants, including four for traffic violations and a bench warrant. "Upon seeing the officers, the man fled in a vehicle," the statement said. "He drove past a residential checkpoint that was set up near the President's vacation home, turned around and then drove back out. At no time did the vehicle enter the secured area." The
man apparently panicked at seeing the presidential security apparatus
and bolted, said Honolulu Secret Service Special Agent-in-Charge Al
Joaquin. The driver then got back onto the H-3 heading toward Kaneohe and ended up on Waikupanaha Street in Waimanalo. The Secret Service was not involved. The chase ended at Puuhonua O Waimanalo at the end of Waikupanaha Road, a village founded by Hawaiian activist Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele’s Nation of Hawaii. Kanahele said a man drove his truck past the front gate of the village, and that Kanahele and a nephew of his tried to convince the man to get out of his vehicle. The man had met his nephew once, Kanahele said. “The guy came driving inside here, and of course the cops were chasing him,” Kanahele said. When the man refused to get out, HPD had the village gate closed, he said. Police said the suspect refused officers' command to get out of the vehicle, and that officer used a Taser to arrest him. He was taken into custody about 4 p.m. and taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries, polcie said. It wasn’t clear if the man was trying to seek refuge in the village, on land occupied by the Nation of Hawaii under a 55-year lease from the Department of Land and Natural Resources in 1993. Many have tried to seek refuge from the law in the village, Kanahele said. “Anybody in his right mind knows that if you’re doing something real bad, especially going through one blockade of the president, you’re going to get in trouble, I don’t care where you run,” Kanahele said. “If you’re screwing up with law, brah, and you’re coming inside here trying to hide from them, we’re not going to stand for those kinds of things.” (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 23, 2010 4:40 p.m. HST Maui County Council Inauguration Set for January 3, 2011 WAILUKU -- The Inauguration of the Maui County Council for the 2011-2013 term will take place on Monday, January 3, 2011, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Chair Danny A. Mateo announced today. On November 2, 2010, the people of the County of Maui elected Gladys Coelho Baisa, Robert Carroll, Elle Cochran, Donald G. Couch, Jr., G. Riki Hokama, Danny A. Mateo, Joseph Pontanilla, Michael P. Victorino, and Mike White for a two year term. Maui
attorney Anthony P. Takitani will be the Master of Ceremonies. Judge
Blaine Kobayashi will administer the oath of office to the Council
members-elect. State Senate President Shan Tsutsui will deliver the
keynote address. The Council Chamber is located on the 8th floor of the Kalana O Maui building (200 S. High Street) and will open to the general public promptly at 9:30 a.m. Limited two hour parking may be available in front of the County building. Additional parking will also be available at 2307 Main Street. Signs will be posted near the turn off point on Main Street, before the Bailey House Museum. Council staff will direct cars to the appropriate parking area between 8:45 and 9:45 a.m. At 2 p.m., the Council will hold its organizational meeting in the Council Chamber. At the meeting, the Council will elect officers, establish standing committees, adopt rules, and appoint staff. Both the Inauguration ceremony and the organizational meeting are open to the public and will be broadcast live on Akaku: Maui Community Television. Akaku programming of Council events may be viewed on Channel 53 on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. For more information about the Inauguration ceremony, call the Office of Council Services at 270 7838. (Report Provided by ther Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - December 23, 2010 3:15 p.m. HST Moloka'i, Hana Residents Reminded of Holiday-Related Changes in Refuse Collection WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii— The Department of Environmental Management reminds residents on Molokai and in Hana that due to the New Year’s holiday next week, the refuse collection schedule will change as follows: Molokai:
Regular Friday pickups for 12/31 will be picked up on WEDNESDAY 12/29. There will be no change in the residential refuse pickup schedules for the rest of Maui Island. As previously announced, all County of Maui offices will be closed Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31, 2010 in observance of the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays. The Waiehu Golf Course will be closed Saturday, December 25, 2010 and Saturday, January 1, 2011 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. All County pools will close at noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and remain closed for both holidays. Pools will return to a normal schedule on Sunday, January 2. For current pool schedules, call the Maui County Pools information line at 270-8208; the recorded message is updated by 9 a.m. daily. All satellite offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing (DMVL) will be closed on Thursday December 23; the Service Center at Maui Mall will be open that day for normal hours. On Thursday, December 30, all offices will be open for normal hours. All DMVL offices will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve along with all other County offices in observance of the two holidays. County
landfills will operate as follows on the actual holidays: Saturday,
January 1, 2011 (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - December 23, 2010 2:45 p.m. HST County Christmas Tree Recycling Locations, Days Announced WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, announced the following locations and schedules for recycling Christmas trees: CENTRAL
MAUI WEST
MAUI MOLOKAI The Solid Waste Division also reminded the public that leaving trees at any other location is considered littering. For more recycling information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/recycle or call (808)270-7880. Toll-free from Molokai: (800)272-0117 and request extension 7880. Toll-free from Lanai: (800)272-0125 and request extension 7880. (Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information) NEWS FLASH - December 23, 2010 9:45 a.m. HST President Begins Hawaiian Vacation With Workout at Marine Gym President Barack Obama began his Hawaii vacation with what's become a morning routine -- a gym workout via motorcade. About eight hours after arriving in Hawaii, Obama's motorcade left the Kailua compound where he is staying for the Marine Corps Base Hawaii gym. Pool reporters traveling with the president said the motorcade left at 8:16 a.m. and arrived on base at 8:23 a.m. Honolulu police blocked traffic to allow the caravan to move uninterrupted to the nearby Marine base. He ducked into the gym without being spotted by cameras. The motorcade left the base at 9:26 a.m. and returned to the vacation home at 9:33. A man in the neighborhood where the president is staying told reporters that first dog Bo was seen on the beach earlier in the morning. The president arrived in the islands late last night, joining his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha who arrived on Saturday. The president is due to stay through New Year's. This is the third straight year Obama, his family and friends have stayed at the same group of rented homes on Kailua Bay. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 23, 2010 7:25 a.m. HST Young Brothers Says 24 Percent Rate Hike Needed to Handle Competition Young Bros. Ltd., Hawaii's regulated interisland ocean cargo transportation firm, says it needs to raise average rates 24 percent -- the highest increase in at least 30 years. Young Bros. filed an application yesterday with the state Public Utilities Commission seeking the rate increase, saying it is necessary to provide the company a reasonable profit as cargo volume declines and competition from Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines is expected to soon end the regulated monopoly Young Bros. has held for decades. A hike is subject to approval by the commission, which often grants increases that are less than what regulated companies seek. If approved, the increase is expected to take effect in August, and would follow a 13.5 percent rate increase the PUC approved for Young Bros. effective August 2009 based on a 19 percent rate hike request. Any increase in interisland shipping rates would follow an estimated 10 percent increase Matson Navigation Co. is putting into effect Jan. 2 for shipping cargo between the West Coast and Hawaii, which is an unregulated market. Mark Teruya, chairman and chief executive officer of Armstrong Produce Ltd., which ships much of its product between islands, said any increase in shipping costs hurts businesses and consumers, given the shape of the economy. But the proposal by Young Bros. would be extra painful in the context of the Matson increase and the previous Young Bros. increase. "Thirty-seven percent over a few years -- that's kind of huge," he said, referring to the prior and proposed increases by Young Bros. Mike Jones, president of the local Schuler Division of home builder DR Horton, said companies in many industries will feel the pinch of higher interisland shipping rates. "Everybody's trying to keep their costs down," he said. "Any increase puts a damper on keeping prices low." Rate increases proposed by Young Bros. vary by commodity. For instance, rates for automobiles, livestock and general cargo in 40-foot containers would rise about 15 percent. Lumber, cement and canoes would cost about 35 percent more to ship. A pallet of canned soup would cost $68.68 to ship from Honolulu to Kauai, representing an extra $17.80, or 35 percent. The price for shipping 2,000 pounds of cabbage from Maui to Honolulu would rise by $26.49, or 35 percent, to $102.20. Young Bros. said it needs to raise rates to maintain service and earn a reasonable return on revenue. Under PUC regulation, the company is entitled to a roughly 11 percent rate of return, but actual returns have been around or below 1 percent this year and last year. Increasing rates by an average 24 percent is projected to raise revenue for Young Bros. next year from an estimated $60 million to $74.4 million, and raise the company's return from 1.23 percent to 14 percent, according to the rate petition. Roy Catalani, vice president of strategic planning and government affairs, said the company sought to minimize its planned rate increase by factoring in projections for modest volume increases in 2012 and 2013 instead of only a weaker projection for next year. If the rate increase were based only on 2011 projected volume, the requested increase would have been 29 percent. "Young Bros. is doing what it can to keep costs stable and reasonable," he said, calling the three-year average volume calculation a significant concession on behalf of the company. The company said its rate request would have been lower, but still necessary, if the PUC hadn't granted approval in September for Pasha to operate a more limited and lucrative service. Pasha plans to begin transporting cargo between Honolulu, Kahului and Hilo every two weeks. No stops are possible on Molokai or Lanai because the harbors there are too small for Pasha's ship, the Jean Anne. The Jean Anne is limited to carrying cargo that can be driven onto its decks. Livestock and refrigerated cargo won't be carried. The competitor, which already transports cargo to Hawaii from San Diego, previously said it aimed to begin interisland service by the end of the year. The PUC approved Pasha's rate schedule on Tuesday. Young Bros. operates 12 weekly shipments to neighbor island ports, and contends that Pasha is cherry-picking more profitable trade segments, which will take away valuable business from Young Bros. In its rate petition, the company said three-quarters of its requested increase (18 percent) is needed to counter a sharp drop in cargo volume caused by the poor economy since 2008. The other quarter of the proposed rate increase (6 percent) is to counter expected business lost to Pasha. Without higher rates, Young Bros. said it would have to cut service. "The company is clearly at a point where either rates have to increase or service frequency has to decrease," said Glenn Hong, president. "Our commitment has been to continue providing frequent, reliable service while controlling costs so that we can maintain reasonable rates for our customers." Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 23, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST Unemployed in Hawai'i Get Benefits Extension Through Holidays HONOLULU – President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 on December 17, 2010, which extends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program through January 3, 2012. The Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) estimates that up to 18,000 unemployed individuals in Hawaii may receive a total of $340 million dollars in benefits due to the extension of EUC. "The extension of this program will help thousands of Hawaii's residents provide for their families during the holiday season," Governor Abercrombie said. "This infusion of federal dollars will help accelerate Hawaii's economic recovery. Moreover, these dollars will help support local businesses who face ongoing challenges during these tough economic times. While we welcome this respite from the hardship of job losses, the object of our Administration is to get everyone back to work as quickly as possible." DLIR has mailed out 2,349 notices and forms for individuals that have exhausted their regular, state funded benefits. For claimants to receive their check in a timely fashion the department requests that individuals complete and return enclosed EUC application form and multiple weekly claim certification form to their claim offices for processing. They are not to use Hawai‘i Tele-Claim or the online system. For the individuals who exhausted their Tier I and Tier II benefits and were not eligible to move up to the next Tier, the Department increased their maximum benefit amount to the next Tier and mailed out 600 revised monetary determinations on December 21, 2010 and December 22, 2010. After receiving their revised monetary determinations, these individuals can retroactively file their bi-weekly claim certifications by calling Hawai‘i Tele-Claim or using our online filing system at www.hawaii.gov/labor/ui. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations) NEWS FLASH - December 22, 2010 3:15 p.m. HST President Due to Land Tonight for Hawai'i Christmas Vacation President Barack Obama departed Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility in Maryland at 1:53 p.m. Hawaii time on his way to Honolulu to begin his Hawaiian vacation. The president departed the White House at 6:34 p.m. after wishing a Merry Christmas to staff and media gathered for his departure. Obama, wearing a long black coat to ward off the frigid Washington, D.C., temperatures, was accompanied by personal aide Reggie Love and other staffers. Obama is scheduled to arrive at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam late tonight or early tomorrow morning, to rejoin his wife and two daughters who already are staying in their beachfront vacation home in Kailua. His scheduled arrival is at 11:50 p.m. The airspace around Honolulu Airport will likely be shut down to departing and arriving flights when Air Force One lands. When asked what the president is looking forward to in Hawaii, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs initially quipped, "Rain." Then he added, "I think the President is — I think he is, as much as anything, anxious to spend time where he grew up with his family and to see his sister, to see his niece — nieces, I should say. I should get a rundown of which childhood friends. Normally a bunch of them usually come back and it's an opportunity for the president to spend some time with them. I think that's what he's most looking forward to." Gibbs said the president will also be working while he's here. "I anticipate that he'll take a number of things with him and that he'll read a good amount of stuff. He'll have, obviously, his daily intelligence briefing as well as probably a novel or two." The president was not asked about Hawaii during a news conference before he left town. But Obama did mention Hawaii, though not in a flattering way, when asked about taxes. "We're going to have to have a conversation about how do we start balancing our budget," Obama said. "That's going to require us cutting programs that don't work, but it also requires us to be honest about paying for the things we think are important," he continued. "If we say that education is going to be the single most important determinant for our children's success and this country's success, we can't have schools that are laying off so many teachers that they start going four days a week, as they've done in Hawaii," Obama said. While the president is in town, the Federal Aviation Administration will restrict airspace around parts of Oahu until 11 p.m. Jan. 2, when he is expected to leave. Representatives for Gov. Neil Abercrombie were still waiting for details on Obama's arrival before determining whether Abercrombie — a long-time family friend — will greet Obama at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Abercrombie himself will begin a working vacation in Hana, Maui, with his wife on Christmas Day that will last through Jan. 3, spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz said. Mayor Peter Carlisle has no plans to meet with Obama during his vacation. "I wish him nothing but the very best," Carlisle said today. "It's nice to have the president in town. I hope he's given the peace to enjoy himself. I won't be stalking him and if he wants to say hello fine. If not, I hope he has a wonderful Mele Kalikimaka here and I wish him and his family the best." (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 22, 2010 2:55 p.m. HST 'Misleading Attacks' Lead to Demise of 'Akaka Bill,' Senator Claims U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka says "misleading attacks" and "unprecedented obstruction" led to the demise of a measure granting Native Hawaiians self-governance rights. The Democrat from Hawaii made his comments on the Senate floor Thursday, and he said he's committed to pushing the legislation even after newly elected Republicans take office next month. Akaka said opponents of the bill spread misinformation about the bill by claiming it allowed Native Hawaiians to secede, private lands to be taken and gambling to be permitted. He asked his fellow senators to back Hawaii's members of Congress in approving this state-specific measure. The legislation, known as the Akaka Bill, passed the House in February but never received a vote in the Senate. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 22, 2010 2:50 p.m. HST Upcountry Downpours Prompt Flood Advisory on Maui 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLOOD ADVISORY for the ISLAND OF MAUI, in effect until 4:45 p.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 4:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 1:42 p.m., radar showed heavy rains near Makawao
or about 13 miles east of Kahului. The area of heavy rain was nearly
stationary. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for all Islands until late tonight. 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 - December 22, 2010 8:45 a.m. HST Flash Flood Threat Lingers Over Maui County 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY, in effect 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: A moist and unstable atmosphere will continue over the Islands through tonight. Very slow moving or stationary moderate to heavy showers falling on already wet ground will continue the threat for flash flooding over the entire State. 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 - December 22, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST Obama Plans Press Conference - Then Will Jet to Hawai'i WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama plans to make year-end remarks and take questions from reporters as Congress wraps up a busy post-election session. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says officials are watching the congressional schedule to determine the best time Wednesday to have Obama conduct a news conference. The White House is considering a time Wednesday afternoon. After that, Obama plans to join his family in Hawaii for the holidays and would likely arrive sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning. A news conference would give Obama an opportunity to take something of a victory lap after signing a landmark bill that repealed the ban on gays openly serving in the armed forces. Obama also cut a successful deal with Republicans on taxes, and he is on the cusp of winning Senate ratification of a nuclear arms treaty with Russia. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 21, 2010 6:30 p.m. HST No Pacific-Wide Tsunami from 7.4 Quake Off Japan TOKYO — Scores of villagers on a remote Japanese island chain scrambled for higher ground after a major 7.4-magnitude offshore quake early Wednesday sparked a tsunami alert that was later downgraded. Waves of 30 centimetres hit the shores of the Ogasawara islands, an archipelago with a population of about 2,300 some 1,000 kilometres south of Tokyo, near Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean. The tremor, which struck at 2:19 a.m. local time (9:19 a.m. PT Tuesday), jolted people out of bed as loudspeakers blared across the island villages and national authorities warned of the risk of a two-metre-high local tsunami. But the meteorological agency downgraded the alert to a warning of a maximum half-metre wave following the quake, and four aftershocks starting some 20 minutes later that measured between 5.4 and 5.6. "The alert was downgraded but the village continues to advise residents to stay evacuated," Koji Watanabe, a village official on Chichi-shima, one of the Ogasawara islands, told AFP by telephone. "About 120 people are evacuated to higher places on Chichi-shima island and some 50 people on Haha-shima island as of 3:30 a.m.," the official said. Asked about whether there were reports on any damage or injuries, he said: "I'm not aware of any injuries." The quake hit at a shallow depth of 14 kilometres, 153 kilometres east of Chichi-shima. NHK reported a wave of 30 centimetres hit Hachijojima island, part of the Izu island chain that runs south of Tokyo, at 4:01 a.m. The Ogasawara chain, made up of more than 30 subtropical and tropical islets some 240 kilometres north of Iwo Jima, were put under the control of the United States after World War II, and returned to Japan in 1968. The remote islands have preserved their unique biological habitats and have been dubbed the "Galapagos of the Orient." The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said after sounding the initial alert there was no threat of a destructive widespread tsunami and no nearby islands were thought to be in the tsunami danger zone. But it warned in a bulletin shortly after the quake: "Earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within 100 kilometres of the earthquake epicentre. "Authorities in the region of the epicentre should be aware of this possibility and take appropriate action." Around 20 per cent of the world's most powerful earthquakes strike Japan, which sits on the "Ring of Fire" surrounding the Pacific Ocean. In 1995 a magnitude-7.2 quake in the port city of Kobe killed 6,400 people. But high building standards, regular drills and a sophisticated tsunami warning system mean that casualties are often minimal. (Report Provided by Agence France-Presse) NEWS FLASH - December 21, 2010 6:10 p.m. HST Hirono Votes to Endorse High Tech Education Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today reaffirmed her strong support for investing in science and technological innovation in our country by voting in favor of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, H.R. 5116. The House passed H.R. 5116 by a vote of 228 yeas to 130 nays. The legislation now goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature. “Hawaii’s
science and tech companies can benefit from this bill to become stronger
and even more competitive,” said Congresswoman Hirono. “I’ve met with
many innovative and talented inventors in Hawaii who could do far
more with more funding. Some examples include: H.R. 5116 provides innovative technology federal loan guarantees for small- and medium-sized companies to help them access capital to expand and to create jobs and manufacture or commercialize new technology products. The bill also establishes a clean energy manufacturing and construction initiative to create clean energy jobs, promote sustainability in manufacturing, and bolster energy performance and air quality in buildings. Under the reauthorization, Hawaii’s universities will continue to be eligible for numerous grant opportunities, including funding for new majors and undergraduate through postdoctoral research fellowships. The Hawaii State Department of Education will be eligible for grants to support STEM teacher training and Advanced Placement/ International Baccalaureate programs. “Investing in STEM education is one of our nation’s top priorities. Our keiki’s future depends on their ability to compete with their peers around the world. We cannot let them down,” said Congresswoman Hirono. (Report Provided by the Office of U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono) NEWS FLASH - December 21, 2010 4:40 p.m. HST NWS Reissues Flood Advisory for Maui County 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLOOD ADVISORY for the ISLAND OF MAUI, in effect until 6:30 p.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 6:30 p.m. if heavy rain persists. 2. EFFECTS: At 3:18 p.m., radar showed heavy rain over the eastern and southern slopes of Haleakala, from Hana to Ulupalakua to Kula. The area of heavy rain was nearly stationary. Other locations in the Advisory include but are not limited to Nahiku, Kihei and Kipahulu. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the entire State through tonight. 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 - December 21, 2010 3:30 p.m. HST County of Maui Announces Holiday Closures WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii— All County of Maui offices will be closed Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31, 2010 in observance of the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays. The Waiehu Golf Course will be closed Saturday, December 25, 2010 and Saturday, January 1, 2011 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Refuse collection will follow a normal
schedule EXCEPT on Molokai and in Hana: All County pools will close at noon on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and remain closed for both holidays. Pools will return to a normal schedule on Sunday, January 2. For current pool schedules, call the Maui County Pools information line at 270-8208; the recorded message is updated by 9 a.m. daily. All satellite offices of the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing (DMVL) will be closed on Thursday December 23; the Service Center at Maui Mall will be open that day for normal hours. On Thursday, December 30, all offices will be open for normal hours. All DMVL offices will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve along with all other County offices in observance of the two holidays. County landfills will operate as follows
on the actual holidays: Saturday, January 1, 2011 (Report Provided by the Maui County Office iof Information) NEWS FLASH - December 21, 2010 2:10 p.m. HST Preliminary Census Results Show 12 Percent Population Growth in Hawai'i New figures from the U.S. Census Bureau are showing that Hawaii's population has expanded in the last decade by 12 percent, to almost 1.4 million residents. Population figures for the country and individual states were released Tuesday by the agency, which strives to count every resident every decade. The 2000 census indicated Hawaii's population was 1.21 million. The new figures show that number has grown to 1.36 million. In 1960, just after it became a state, Hawaii was home to about 632,000. Heavily Democratic Hawaii is unlikely to increase its current slate of two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. But several Republican-leaning states in the southern part of the nation are likely to gain at least one seat each. (Report Prtovided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 21, 2010 9 a.m. HST East Maui Downpours Prompt Flash Flood Advisory (NOTE: at 10:45 a.m. the Flood Advisory was extended until 2 p.m. today) 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLOOD ADVISORY for the ISLAND OF MAUI, in effect until 11:00 a.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 11:00 a.m. if heavy rain persists. 2.
EFFECTS: At 7:30 a.m., spotters reported heavy rain near
Hana. The area of heavy rain was nearly stationary. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for fall Islands. 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 - December 21, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST Abercrombie Pleads for 'Breathing Room' as Budget Shortfall Looms Asking for breathing room, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said yesterday that the state has a $71.6 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year that ends in June and a substantial $771.9 million deficit over the next two-year budget cycle. The new governor said he would ask the state Legislature in January for emergency money to cover Medicaid and welfare costs through the next six months. He said he would not delay state income tax refunds, as former Gov. Linda Lingle did this year, to get through the fiscal year in the black. Abercrombie said that in the next several weeks he would outline how to close a projected $410.1 million budget shortfall in fiscal year 2012 and a $361.8 million deficit in 2013. The deficit estimates are based on the September forecast by the state Council on Revenues and state spending projections. The council is expected to update its forecast next week, which could alter the estimates. Abercrombie described the two-year budget plan, which is mostly based on Lingle's budget figures, as a work in progress that will be revised during the legislative session that begins next month. He said he would reconfigure state government and pursue additional federal money. He repeated his campaign promises not to increase the state's general excise tax, extend furloughs or order layoffs for state workers, or scoop the counties' share of hotel room taxes. But he did not provide any specific ideas for generating new revenue or cutting state programs to reduce the deficit. "All we're asking for is a little breathing room here to give us the opportunity to allow some of the initiative and the accumulated experience, the institutional memory that's there, as to how these services were delivered in the past and what we can do," the governor said at a news conference at the state Capitol. "Let them bring that out." Overall, Abercrombie is proposing a $10.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2012, a 6.1 percent increase over this year's $10.2 billion in spending, and an $11 billion budget for fiscal year 2013, an 8.2 percent increase from this year's. The general fund portion of the budget, over which the governor and lawmakers have the most control, is $5.5 billion in 2012—a 12.6 percent increase, and $5.7 billion in 2013—a 16.4 percent increase. The governor also requested $483.6 million in capital improvement projects in 2012 and $486.2 million in state construction in 2013. Some of the bond-financed construction includes $12.9 million over two years for health and safety improvements at Aloha Stadium, $15.3 million through two years for safety improvements of irrigation systems, $9 million over two years for improvements at Palolo Valley Homes and $31 million in 2013 for capital renewal and deferred maintenance at University of Hawaii campuses. THE PROJECTED deficit shows the state's tenuous economic recovery. The Council on Revenues has projected 2 percent revenue growth this fiscal year, 10 percent growth in 2012 and 6 percent growth in 2013, largely as a result of a rebound in tourism. But state spending is expected to outpace the increases. The council's last two forecasts were influenced by Lingle's decision to delay income tax refunds, which, on paper, allowed the state to close the fiscal year in June without a larger deficit. Economists on the council explained that the refund delay reduced the revenue growth estimate in 2011 and inflated it in 2012, masking what otherwise would have been consistent 6 percent growth in each of the three fiscal years. Kalbert Young, the state budget director, said the emergency appropriations in the next six months would cover costs in expanded Medicaid and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs. Abercrombie will also request money to operate the governor's and the lieutenant governor's offices, which lawmakers purposely left with little funding during the transition between administrations. The state had been expecting a shortfall in Medicaid, the health care program for the poor, but now has to factor in a recent federal court ruling restoring state health benefits to migrants from Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. Young described the deficit estimates as a "sobering picture" but said there are signs of improvement on revenue and opportunities to reduce costs. Abercrombie appeared exasperated at times when questioned by reporters about exactly how he would reduce the deficit. He said he would be open to further tapping the hurricane relief fund and the state's rainy day fund. Earlier this month, he released money from the two special funds to end teacher furloughs on classroom instruction days and to help social service programs. Lingle had withheld the money because of budget concerns. The news conference was the first time since his election that he had to deliver some bad news. "Take my word for it," he said of his ability to reconfigure government and promote job growth through state construction. "I got elected for a reason. I got elected because people wanted action. If they want action, they want Abercrombie. They got Abercrombie; they're going to get the action." THE GOVERNOR met privately yesterday with state House and Senate leaders to discuss the budget. House Speaker Calvin Say (D, St. Louis Heights-Palolo Valley-Wilhelmina Rise) called the governor's promise not to raise the general excise tax "a Christmas gift" to the people of Hawaii. He said, however, that lawmakers will likely consider lifting tax exemptions and tax credits to help balance the budget. "It's his responsibility to come up with a balanced budget, and we will support him and help him in getting through and finding a way of getting through the budget shortfall," he said. Say also said that Abercrombie would have to negotiate new contracts with public-sector labor unions, which will account for a significant portion of state spending. Existing contracts, which include furloughs, expire at the end of June. He said the governor will have to consider the financial effects of rising worker health insurance and retirement costs. "I don't believe it's vague," Say said of Abercrombie's budget draft. "It's only been two weeks on the job, and you've got to give him a chance to really, you know, find out where things are at. And, personally, I think he's really working his butt off at this point in time, along with the new directors and deputy directors. "They're feeling their way around at this time. But the scary part is how much cuts we've done in the past two years, which really has affected the services of state government." State Rep. Marcus Oshiro (D, Wahiawa), chairman of the House Finance Committee, said many lawmakers want to restore spending to social services that was cut in the past few years during the recession. He said additional cuts would be difficult to make. "I think we're going to have to do two things at once: No. 1, keep the economy going, try and create jobs, keep people gainfully employed, and generate revenues for the state services there," he said. "At the same time, we've got to go and provide money where it's going to go and serve the greatest need: health, human services, education. "I think that's the challenge for all us, doing both things and doing it well." Senate President Shan Tsutsui (D, Kahului) said senators want to keep all options available. "I think at this point, at least in the Senate, we want to keep all the options on the table," he said. "We understand the severity of the budget deficit, and we want to make sure that we don't close any doors now before we're able to deal with the budget deficit in its entirety." Reach Derrick DePledge at ddpledge@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 20, 2010 6:30 p.m. HST Coast Guard To Strictly Enforce O'ahu Security Zones During Obama Visit HONOLULU — Coast Guard law enforcement officers will enforce a temporary security zone in the waters of Kailua Bay beginning as early as Tuesday. The temporary security zone is necessary to ensure the safety of the President of the United States and his official party. The security zone will be in effect from 10 a.m. Dec. 21, 2010 to 8 p.m. Jan. 5, 2011, unless canceled earlier by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Honolulu, Capt. Joanna Nunan. The
Coast Guard is coordinating with the Honolulu Police Department, Marine
Corps Base Hawaii and other Federal, state, and county law enforcement
agencies on patrols of the area under the direction of the U.S. Secret
Service. Yellow buoys will be placed on the water and in the channel for visual references of the zone. Under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (33 CFR 165.33), the temporary law prohibits any unauthorized person or vessel from entering or remaining in this security zone. Any person entering the zone without the permission of the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port is subject to a penalty of not more than $32,500 for each violation or a criminal penalty resulting in imprisonment of not more than 25 years, and a fine of not more than $250,000. Offending vessels may also be seized and held liable for any monetary assessments. “Recognizing the zone may inconvenience residents and recreational users,” said Lt. Cmdr. Marcella Granquist, “we have coordinated closely with the local community to minimize the impact and still meet the security requirements for the President of the Unites States during his stay on Oahu.” Details
of the security zone and a map of the restricted area can be accessed
at the below links: Citizens or media with questions pertaining to the security zone should contact Sector Honolulu's Waterways Management at 808-563-9906. (Report Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard) NEWS FLASH - December 20, 2010 5:55 p.m. HST Arakawa Names Parsons Environmental Director...Again WAILUKU - Maui County Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa announced today his re-appointment of Rob Parsons as the incoming Environmental Coordinator. As Maui County's first Environmental Coordinator, Parsons established close working relationships with entities such as the State Department of Land & Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Maui Invasive Species Council, EPA, watershed protection organizations, and dozens of other community-based environmental groups, and governmental agencies. Through those alliances, Parsons helped to initiate and monitor the "Pump Don't Dump" for Maalaea boaters to protect ocean resources from wastewater dumping, assisted with the coastal acquisition of 277 acres at Waihee and 73 acres at Muolea Point in Hana, began hands-on wetlands restoration efforts at Laie in central Kihei, and helped with rapid-response to the wiliwili gall wasp infestation. Parsons also aided with planning and implementation for the Appliance Recycle weekend that resulted in citizens sending 55 shipping containers to Oahu for processing while Maui struggled with having no state-approved metal recycling facility for two years. During the past four years Parsons worked with national consumer advocate Food & Water Watch as Hawaii liaison on Open Ocean Aquaculture issues and served as a member of Maui County Renewable Energy Alliance on Working Group for Carbon Dioxide and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. He also researched and authored nearly 200 articles on topics including sustainability, renewable energy and biofuels, local food production and ag revitalization. Parsons is well-known for his long-running column, “The Rob Report,” in Maui Time Weekly, and also has contributed to Green Magazine, Edible Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu Weekly, and others. "Rob's excellent people and communication skills, his ability to work with diverse groups and organizations, and passion to helping set environmental goals and making sure that those goals are met were key factors in my re-appointing Rob to this key position," said Arakawa. "I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community again in this capacity and to bring greater focus to our natural resources and those who strive to protect them. A healthy environment enhances everyone's quality of life--visitors, residents, indeed all living species. I encourage everyone to participate, and to offer their input as to where the Arakawa administration's environmental efforts are needed most. This kind out community input and outreach is essential," said Parsons. (Report Provided by the Office of Mayor-Elect Alan Arakawa) NEWS FLASH - December 20, 2010 5:45 p.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Extended Through Tuesday Morning 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has EXTENDED the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY, now in effect until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday. 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 very moist air mass remains over the main Hawaiian Islands. Heavy showers will maintain a risk for flash flooding through early Tuesday morning. 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 - December 20, 2010 9:35 a.m. HST State Labor Department Projects 'Green Job' Growth HONOLULU
–The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR)
today released job projections related to Hawai‘i’s renewable energy
and energy efficiency occupations, or more commonly known as “Green”
Jobs. The
State and Counties will utilize this information to assist job seekers
in finding employment or job training. Key findings include: •Green jobs in the private sector of Hawai‘i are estimated at 11,145, which accounts for 2.4 percent of total private employment. Green jobs are identified in 203 occupations across 19 major industry groups. Sixty-five percent of Hawai‘i’s green jobs are found in three major industries – Construction, Professional Services, and Administrative & Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services. Five occupations — Janitors & Cleaners, Forest & Conservation Technicians, Security Guards, Electricians, and Heating & Air Conditioning Mechanics & Installers — account for 28 percent of the green workforce. •Current green job vacancies are estimated at 670, which represent 1.5 percent of Hawai‘i is total unemployment. Nearly three-quarters of these vacancies occur in three industries – Construction, Agriculture and Professional Services. •Businesses anticipate green employment to grow faster than the overall labor market in Hawai‘i. Between 2010 and 2012, employer worksites project the number of green jobs to increase by 26 percent to 14,048, accounting for 2.9 percent of total employment. Occupations expected to experience the most growth in green jobs during this period are solar and insulation technicians. All counties report an increase in the number of green jobs by 2012, with O‘ahu projecting the largest number (1,885 new green jobs) and Hawai‘i County the highest rate of growth (42 percent). •Community colleges and trade schools fulfill 62 percent of the education and training requirements for reported green jobs. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification was the most commonly cited qualification. •Businesses report an average of 3.5 green practices per worksite, with the largest numbers found in Maui and Kauai counties. Recycling, use of recycled products, and energy-saving light bulbs are the most common practices. Over 90 percent of worksites report at least one green practice. Policy makers, business leaders and the public can utilize this “green” intelligence to help guide their strategic decision-making in areas such as investment, education and workforce development. The results of the survey will also allow State, County and private workforce development agencies to train Hawai‘i’s labor force and place them into employment. The report provides a framework for assessing green jobs in the private sector of the State of Hawai‘i. Survey responses, from a statistical sample of all Hawai‘i businesses, provide data on over 4,000 worksites for the first quarter of 2010. This represents a 44 percent overall response rate. The Hawai‘i Green Jobs Initiative is a partnership between the DLIR, Hawai‘i Workforce Development Council, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges, and the four county Local Workforce Investment Boards. The U.S. Department of Labor funds this program through a competitive grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. For further information, visit www.GreenJobsHawaii.org. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations) NEWS FLASH - December 20, 2010 9:05 a.m. HST Thunderstorms, Tropical Storm Omeka, Snow and Eclipse in Weather News Today Forecasters say heavy rains could continue today and a flash flood watch remains in effect for all islands through this afternoon. Maui County remains under a Flash Flood Watch through this afternoon. A flash flood watch means heavy rains -- even thundershowers -- are possible. Moderate snowfall -- perhaps 5 inches -- is also expected on Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea through Tuesday. People hoping to get a glimpse of the total lunar eclipse tonight may be disappointed, said Matt Foster, a forecaster with the National Weather Service. "We're probably not going to see a whole lot," Foster said. "We're expecting to see the clouds stay around." Oahu got most of the rainfall yesterday and last night. Nearly 9 inches fell in Maunawili in the 24-hour period ending at 5:45 a.m. Other rainfall totals included 8.1 inches in Olomana, 6 inches in Kaneohe, 5.5 inches at Aloha Tower, 4.9 inches in Palolo and 4.5 inches in Manoa. Haunama Bay and the West Loch and Ewa Villages municipal golf courses remained closed today. Warning signs remained posted at the Hawaii Kai Marina, Honolulu Harbor, Palolo Stream, Kaneohe Bay and other waterways because of numerous sewage spills and overflows yesterday. The state Health Department issued a brown water advisory for Oahu and Kauai, warning residents to stay out of most waterways because of contaminated storm runoff. The chance of heavy rain is expected to diminish by tomorrow. But the weather is expected to remain cloudy and rainy through Thursday, forecasters said. Most of the rainy weather is expected to clear by Christmas Eve. But there is still a 30 percent chance of rain Friday and a 40 percent chance of rain on Christmas Day. A rare winter tropical storm more than 1,000 miles west of Hawaii is pulling moist air from the tropics over the islands, forecasters said. Tropical Storm Omeka is moving north east and is expected to dissipate. But a weakening storm front to the north is heading to the islands and may bring rain showers through Thursday. Those showers will most likely happen in windward and mauka sections of all islands. "It's kind of a complex system here. We've got a number of different things in play," Foster said. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 20, 2010 7:15 a.m. HST Flooding Still Possible Today 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY, in effect through this 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 very moist air mass remains over the main Hawaiian Islands. Heavy showers will maintain a risk for flash flooding through at least today. 4. 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 - December 20, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST High Surf Still Hitting North, East Shores 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and EAST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI AND MAUI, in effect UNTIL 6:00 a.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 remain elevated today before lowering tonight and Tuesday. Surf along north facing shores will be 12 to 15 feet today. Surf along east facing shores that are exposed to the north swell will be 8 to 12 feet today. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 1.4 feet is expected between 12:59 p.m. and 2:17 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 3.1 feet is expected between 3:08 a.m. and 4:26 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 - December 19, 2010 7:50 p.m. HST Flash Flood Extended for Maui County 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has EXTENDED the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY, now in effect through Monday 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 very moist air mass moving northeast across the islands from the deep tropics will bring widespread rain, heavy showers. and a risk for flash flooding, at least through the day Monday. 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 - December 19, 2010 8:45 a.m. HST Flash Flood Warning Covers Moloka'i 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the island of WESTERN MOLOKAI in MAUI COUNTY, in effect until 11:45 a.m. this morning. 2.
EFFECTS: At 8:30 a.m. radar showed persistent heavy rain
over the far western portion of Molokai. The area of heavy rain is
nearly stationary. Other locations in the warning include, but are
not limited, to Kepuhi. This warning may need to be extended beyond
11:45 a.m. if flash flooding persists. 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 - December 19, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Issued for Maui County Through Tonight 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY 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: A very moist air mass moving northeast across the Islands from the deep tropics will bring widespread rain, some heavier showers, and a risk of flash flooding…at least through 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 - December 18, 2010 4:30 p.m. HST Waves Rising on North, East Shores of Maui and Moloka'i 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has ISSUED a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and EAST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI AND MAUI in effect UNTIL 6:00 a.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: An intense low centered in the Gulf of Alaska last Thursday has sent north swells toward the Islands. The swells will arrive overnight, peak Sunday and Monday, then slowly lower Monday night and Tuesday. Surf along north facing shores will rise to 12 to 15 feet. Surf along east facing shores that are exposed to the north swell will increase to 8 to 12 feet. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves. A high tide of approximately 2.8 feet is expected between 1:59 a.m. and 3:17 a.m. tomorrow morning. The next high tide of approximately 1.4 feet is expected between 12:16 p.m. and 1:34 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 - December 18, 2010 10:20 a.m. HST 3.8 Quake Rumbles Under Kaho'olawe, No Tsunami Generated 1. EVENT: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach has issued a TSUNAMI INFORMATION STATEMENT for the Hawaiian Islands. 2. EFFECTS: An earthquake has occurred at 10:11 a.m. HST on December 18, 2010 at the island of Kahoolawe with a 3.8 magnitude measurement. No tsunami is expected. This will be the only statement issued for this event unless additional data are received. 3. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - December 18, 2010 7:55 a.m. HST More Details Unveiled for Arakawa's Inauguration WAILUKU - Maui County Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa and his cabinet members’ inauguration will be held on Sunday, January 2, at War Memorial Gymnasium, and will feature entertainment, prayer by various religious leaders, a swearing-in ceremony and light refreshments – all of which will be free and open to the public. Entertainment begins at 4 p.m. Ceremony to follow at 5 p.m. The Mayoral Inauguration Committee, co-chaired by Sandy Baz and Lynn Araki-Regan, announced that the inaugural event was scheduled the day preceding the new administration’s first day of work so that Arakawa and his cabinet can truly tackle all that they need to do from day one. “This is a community inauguration that will celebrate all the faces of Maui Nui and will be for all ages." Baz said. "This is a great start to bring the community together," said Baz. Entertainment will be provided by Hawaiian Music Awards winner “Bradda Francis” Koahou and multiple Grammy Awards and Na Hoku Hanohano Awards winner George Kahumoku Jr. Attendees are asked to RSVP by Dec. 23 by calling 244-6042 ext. 12 or emailing inauguration@arakawa2010.com, and bring non-perishable food which will be donated to Family Life Center, Feed My Sheep, Hale Kau Kau, and Maui Food Bank. "Maui Nui residents are the most giving, caring people in the country,” said Araki-Regan. “We're calling on that generous spirit at the start of the new year to help us provide food to those in need.” (Report Provided by the Office of Mayor-Elect Alan Arakawa) NEWS FLASH - December 17, 2010 3:50 p.m. HST Mick Fleetwood Adds New Beat: MMMCF Board Member WAILUKU, MAUI, HAWAII – (December 17, 2010)-- Mick Fleetwood, legendary drummer and co-founding member of Fleetwood Mac, and a Maui resident, has been elected to join the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation (MMMCF) Board of Directors. “We are thrilled with the addition of Mick to our already illustrious board,” said Saedene Ota, MMMCF Board President. “His creativity and enthusiasm for giving back to our Maui community will be a great asset, for not only the board, but for healthcare on Maui as well.” "I am honored to be elected to the Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board and to serve with such a great group of civic leaders.” said Fleetwood. “MMMC has made great changes and additions recently, and plans more to serve our community. I am committed to help bring awareness and support here, and in my own small way, contribute to bring health-care to the next level on Maui." In addition to Fleetwood, five other new MMMCF board members were also announced. They are: Rian P. DuBach, Vice President, American Savings Bank; Patrick L. Ing, CPA, President & Owner, Patrick L. Ing CPA Inc.; Galen Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Manager of Commercial Banking on Maui, Bank of Hawaii; Kimberly A.B. Sloper, Esq. Deputy Corporation Counsel, Department of the Corporation Counsel - County of Maui and Trevor N. Tokishi, CPA, Executive Vice President, Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union. “We are extremely proud and pleased to welcome all of our new board members to the hospital.” Ota adds. About
the MMMC Foundation About
Mick Fleetwood (Report Provided by the Maui Memorial Medical Center) NEWS FLASH - December 17, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST State Unemployment Rate Unchanged at 6.4 Percent Hawaii's unemployment rate remained at 6.4 percent in November for the fifth straight month, indicating a reluctance on the part of employers to undertake any significant hiring until they are convinced the economic recovery is firmly rooted. Hawaii fared better than the nation as a whole, which experienced an increase in the jobless rate to 9.8 percent in November from 9.6 percent in October. Nonetheless, the Hawaii job market has improvement only modestly since the recession officially ended in June 2009. Unemployment won't begin to fall appreciably until the economic recovery picks up steam, said Bill Boyd, a labor economist at University of Hawaii at West Oahu. And economic growth won't return to pre-recession levels until consumers reduce their debt loads and begin to spend more freely, he added. "Businesses aren't expanding -- they're not investing or hiring because they see that consumer spending is only growing modestly. At some point people will start consuming again, but they have to first work through their debt," Boyd said. Economic theory holds that the economy at the national level will need to grow faster than 3 percent a year when adjusted for inflation to make a dent in the jobless rate, Boyd said. Because of differences in Hawaii's labor market, Boyd estimates the economic growth rate here would only have to hit about 1.3 percent to achieve the same result. Hawaii's economy, which contracted by an inflation-adjusted 1.5 percent last year, is expected to grow by 1.4 percent in 2011 and 1.8 percent in 2012, according to the latest forecast from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The Hawaii and national unemployment rates, which are adjusted for seasonal variations, are derived from a telephone survey of households conducted by the national Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hawaii's labor force totaled 632,900 in November. That included 592,150 who were employed and 40,750 who were unemployed but looking for work. A separate survey of Hawaii businesses showed that employers hired a net 1,200 workers in November. The biggest increases in hiring were in the "leisure and hospitality" and the "professional and business services" sectors. Both increased their payrolls by 300 positions. The financial industry added another 200 jobs, according to the state Labor Department. The category of "trade, transportation and utilities," which includes those employed in retail, lost 1,500 jobs. Positions in education and health services fell by 600, while the number of construction jobs fell by 200. By county, Honolulu's unemployment rate was the lowest at 5.4 percent. The rate was 8.1 percent in Maui County, 8.7 percent in Kauai County and 9.7 percent in Hawaii County. The county data are not seasonally adjusted. Reach Alan Yonan at ayonan@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 17, 2010 6:30 a.m. HST 141 'Earmarks' worth $321M for Hawai'i Lost A total of 141 projects worth $321 million earmarked for Hawaii was lost yesterday after the U.S. Senate abandoned a $1.3 trillion appropriations bill. The huge catch all spending measure combining unfinished budget work included $158 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Facing a deadline of midnight tomorrow, when a stopgap funding measure expires, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would work with Republican leader Mitch McConnell to produce a bill to keep the federal government running into early next year. The 1,924-page bill collapsed after conservatives complained it was stuffed with more than $8 billion in home-state pet projects. Among the 141 earmarks was $300,000 for the Polynesian Voyaging Society, which made No. 1 on Sen. John McCain's list of pork-barrel projects he chose to bash Wednesday. Also cut were: » $1 million for a runway warning status lights project for Honolulu Airport. » $1 million for a weather camera installation program. » $9.084 million for a Navy fire station at West Loch, Pearl Harbor. McCain's remarks on the Polynesian Voyaging Society became a hot topic of discussion nationally and globally. In response, society Chairman Nainoa Thompson was interviewed on National Public Radio yesterday. Thompson told the Star-Advertiser the society and its traditional voyaging canoe, the Hokule'a, has aided the native Hawaiian people to overcome a loss of land, economy, self-determination and hope. "We were on the path ... to extinction," he said, citing not only Western disease but also banning of the Hawaiian language in schools. The canoe's open ocean voyaging to all parts of Polynesia has helped in the transformation of Hawaiians to bring back that pride once lost. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Dan Akaka called the earmark important to Hawaii. "Anyone from Hawaii would recognize it as a valuable organization that perpetuates the culture of Hawaii and also provides educational benefits," said Akaka spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke. Inouye, who heads the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, was not available for comment last night because he was involved in negotiations, said spokesman Peter Boylan. "That was a disheartening session of the Senate," Boylan said. "Hawaii's working families and the country lost out on a lot of good projects and programs this evening. It's very disappointing that thousands of hours of bipartisan effort collapsed in such a sudden fashion." But Rep. Charles Djou, Hawaii's lone Republican congressman, who will leave office at the end of the current session, criticized the Democratic-controlled Congress for wrapping into "one giant bill" the 12 appropriations bills, each of which funds different departments of the federal government "because we are so behind." The House and Senate typically spend months on the 12 annual spending bills, but Democrats did not bring one to the Senate floor this year. The House only passed two of the 12 bills and did not make any of the other 10 public. "Anybody who looks at this has to shake their heads in how Congress has conducted itself this year," he said. "This is not the way to run government." "Polynesian Voyaging Society is one of the 6,000 earmarks," Djou said. "Each earmark has some defenders, but that's the problem." Thompson said the funding would have gone to develop new models of education to build a bridge between culture and science and math and technology, allowing student participation in voyaging. The programs would eventually be used to teach 24,000 students in public and private schools. "McCain said we take rich people on sails outside Waikiki," Thompson said, inviting the senator to Hawaii to see for himself what the society is about. "I think it's disrespectful, and I don't think it's appropriate ... to attack the integrity of our organization," he said. By doing so, he attacks "both the symbolism and the reality to not just the people in Hawaii, but people in society. When he attacks the PVS, he attacks the canoe and attacks a whole race of people." President Barack Obama was expected to leave Washington for Hawaii tomorrow but is putting his Christmas plans on hold until Congress adjourns, Van Dyke said. Rach Leila Fujimore at lfujimori@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 16, 2010 7:50 p.m. HST House Passes Tax Bill, Hirono Voices Displeasure Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement tonight after voting against H.R. 4853. The House passed the bill by a vote of 277 yeas to 148 nays. The legislation now goes to the White House for President Obama’s signature. “Hawaii needs jobs. This bill does not create jobs and it adds to our country’s deficit. What kind of compromise is that? I voted no because it doesn’t provide a fair deal to the middle class and the unemployed. It does, however, provide generous tax cuts to the wealthiest families, and it raids Social Security to provide a ‘payroll tax holiday.’ We needed to fight for a better deal,” said Congresswoman Hirono. (Report Provided by the Office of Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono) NEWS FLASH - December 16, 2010 12:40 p.m. HST Aiona Returns to Alma Mater as Executive VP HONOLULU – Saint Louis School today announced that former Lt. Governor James “Duke” Aiona, Jr., class of 1973, is returning home to the Crusaders as executive vice president of development and recruitment. In his new position, Aiona will work to recruit incoming students, and serve as a spokesperson to improve and enhance the school’s role and image in the community. Aiona will join President Walter Kirimitsu and Principal Patricia Hamamoto in their effort to enhance Saint Louis School as a school of opportunity. “Through his professional career as a family and circuit court judge, the former Lieutenant Governor learned that it is easier to build strong children than to fix broken adults,” President Walter Kirimitsu said. “By returning to the slopes of Kalaepohaku, he will be able to assist in the development and molding of Hawaii’s future leaders and community servants. I am confident in his ability to increase the visibility and enrollment of Saint Louis School and in leading the capital development of his alma mater.” Aiona returns to Saint Louis School following a highly distinguished public service career in the judicial and executive branches of Hawaii government. “We’re thrilled to add to our leadership team a member of Duke’s high caliber and stature in the community,” said Principal Patricia Hamamoto. “His addition immediately provides a big boost to our efforts to improve enrollment and develop the next generation of Hawaii’s leaders.” After graduating from Saint Louis School, where he excelled in everything from academics to athletics, Aiona earned degrees from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, and the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii. He immediately began serving the public as a deputy prosecuting attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. Duke’s strong work ethic and natural leadership style led to his appointment as a Family Court Judge. He was later elevated to the Circuit Court bench, where, in 1996, he made history as the first administrative judge of the highly successful Hawaii Drug Court Program. In 2002, he was elected by the people of Hawaii to serve as Lieutenant Governor, and he was re-elected in 2006 with the largest margin in state history. Aiona has served as a Saint Louis School Board of Trustee since 2001. “Through President Walter Kirimitsu’s and Principal Pat Hamamoto’s leadership, Saint Louis School is well-positioned to provide young men with the opportunity, no matter their background, to acquire the knowledge, skills, and character to excel in the 21st century workforce and secondary education - thus becoming a part of the Saint Louis story,” added Aiona. “It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this team, and I am truly blessed for the opportunity to serve and give back to the Marianist of Saint Louis School.” (Report Provided by Saint Louis School) NEWS FLASH - December 16, 2010 8:20 a.m. HST 'No-Fly Zone' Less Restrictive for President Obama's Christmas Visit Federal authorities intend to impose less onerous temporary flight restrictions while President Obama and his family are vacationing in Kailua. KGMB-TV reported yesterday that the rules will still include a 10-mile no-fly zone centered on Kailua and a less restrictive 30-mile zone beyond that. But the agreement also will allow flight schools and air tour firms to continue operating with certain limitations, including the mandatory screening of pilots, students and passengers, the filing of flight plans and a ban on introductory lessons for foreign students. The pact was reached between representatives of the companies and the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Secret Service. (Report provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 16, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST Abercrombie Promises to Bring Hawai'i Inmates Back to Islands Gov. Neil Abercrombie promised swift action to bring back all Hawaii inmates serving sentences in mainland prisons in light of a new lawsuit alleging their mistreatment by guards at an Arizona facility. Hawaii inmates on the mainland: 1,870 At Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona; 50 At Red Rock Correctional Center in Arizona . "I intend to work as quickly as I can to bring all prisoners back," Abercrombie said yesterday at a news conference in his office. "I don't want to send anybody out of the state." Abercrombie this month named Jodie Maesaki-Hirata, acting warden of the Waiawa Correctional Facility, as head of the Department of Public Safety and said yesterday he would need more time to put together the team to examine the problem. "I will be working with the Department of Public Safety and with the Judiciary and with the Legislature to forge a comprehensive and integrated program to deal with the question of incarceration," he said. Kat Brady, coordinator for the Community Alliance on Prisons, applauded Abercrombie's plan, saying most of the state's inmates are nonviolent offenders or qualify for minimum security. "They should be back in Hawaii preparing to successfully re-enter their communities," she said. "Nobody can successfully re-enter from Arizona. "To me, they've got to come back to Hawaii with a year or two left on their sentences to get in touch with their families and that kind of thing." The Circuit Court lawsuit was filed this week on behalf of 18 island inmates at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Ariz., a 1,897-bed prison owned by Corrections Corp. of America. Saguaro is home to about 1,800 male inmates from Hawaii. About 50 more are at a separate CCA prison in Arizona. The lawsuit filed this week by Honolulu attorneys Michael Green and John Rapp alleges inmates were abused and their families in Hawaii threatened in retaliation for a guard being injured while trying to break up a fight. Inmates were "beaten and assaulted, including by having their heads banged on tables while they were stripped of their underwear and while their hands were handcuffed behind their backs," according to the lawsuit. Guards also threatened to harm the inmates' families, saying they had all of their emergency contact information and knew where to find them, the complaint states. The lawsuit names CCA, the state of Hawaii and the state's contract monitor, John Ioane, as defendants. The Saguaro facility has come under scrutiny before. Earlier this year, the public safety department sent a team to examine practices at the site after deaths of two Hawaii inmates in February and June. Three inmates, all from Hawaii, have been charged in the deaths and could face the death penalty if convicted in Arizona. The lawsuit alleges the latest mistreatment occurred in July. Hawaii spends about $61 million a year to house male inmates on the mainland because there is not enough space for them in prisons here. Last year, after female inmates from Hawaii alleged widespread sexual abuse by guards and employees at a CCA facility in Kentucky, the state pulled all 168 of them from the prison and brought them back to the islands to serve their time. Former Gov. Linda Lingle this year vetoed a bill that called for a financial and management audit of the state's contract to house prisoners at Saguaro, saying the measure would force the auditor to go beyond her duties and make a policy judgment about whether the state should continue to send prisoners to the mainland. Abercrombie called the policy of sending prisoners away "dysfunctional." "It costs money. It costs lives. It costs communities," he said. "It destroys families. It is dysfunctional all the way around -- socially, economically, politically and morally. "We want to do a lot more in the way of intervention. We want to do a lot more in the way of programs." Reach B.J. Reyes at bjreyes@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 15, 2010 12:45 p.m. HST MEO Veteran Lyn McNeff Promoted to CEO The
Board of Directors of Maui Economic Opportunity is pleased to announce
the selection of Programs Chief Lyn McNeff as the organization’s new
CEO. “Lyn was selected by a unanimous vote of the directors,” said MEO Board President Scott Sakakihara. “She is a proven leader who understands MEO’s programs and culture. We are very pleased to welcome her as our new CEO.” McNeff first joined MEO in 1993 as the Head Start Education/Disabilities Coordinator. She was promoted to Head Start Director in 1995 and in 2005 was promoted to MEO Chief Programs Officer.
As Head Start Director, she led the department through three successful
federal monitoring reviews and acted as interim grantee, providing
oversight for the Kauai This was the first and only accredited Head Start program in the state of Hawaii. “Personally I always knew that Lyn would take that natural step as a leader,” Baz said. “She has all the knowledge required to be sitting in the CEO’s chair. I’d like to thank her for all her help over the years and look forward to seeing her lead MEO to new heights.” McNeff is also a federal reviewer and has been a lead consultant for training and technical assistance in the areas of program design, management and management systems. As CPO, Ms. McNeff had direct oversight for all MEO programs focusing on program and fund development. She formed linkages between programs and fiscal management and fostered a team approach to meeting funding requirements and providing quality services to MEO clients. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in Elementary Education. Ms. Mc Neff has served as the president of the Head Start Association of Hawaii and Region IX Head Start Association Board. She currently serves as a board member of the Maui United Way and Maui Non-Profit Director’s Association and serves on the County of Maui Grants Review Committee by appointment. She is a member of the Association of Farmworkers Opportunity Program (AFOP) and is a Rocky Mountain HI board member. “I’d like to thank the board for the opportunity to continue the good work that Sandy has done and to build upon his accomplishments,” McNeff said. “These are tough times because of the economy and more people than ever need MEO’s help, and we will be there to help them.” (Report Provided by Maui Economic Opportunity) NEWS FLASH - December 15, 2010 6:50 a.m. HST Unseated Big Island Councilwoman Files for Unemployment HILO — Former Hawaii County Councilwoman Emily Naeole is seeking unemployment benefits after she lost re-election. Naeole says she submitted an online application Thursday, three days after her final meeting as the council's vice chairwoman. The former Puna representative told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald she has no income and has been volunteering her time to conduct prayer sessions for women experiencing marital problems. Former North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell, who also lost his re-election bid, says he's not sure if he will apply for unemployment, though he says it sounds like a good idea. Former Kau Councilman Guy Enriques, who also was defeated, says he won't file for unemployment because he has other job opportunities. (Report provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 14, 2010 5:40 p.m. HST State Unemployment Fund Running in the Red HONOLULU – The Department of Labor & Industrial Relations (DLIR) began using federal funds to pay for unemployment benefits today due to the insolvency of the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund. The department estimates borrowing $17 million by the end of the year through the U.S. Secretary of Labor, in accordance with the requirements under Title XII of the Social Security Act, to continue to issue unemployment benefits checks. Unemployment
benefits help individuals who have lost their job through no fault
of their own to provide for their Currently, Hawaii pays out $25 million in regular unemployment benefits a month through the trust fund. The DLIR projects borrowing from the federal government all through 2011 and into the first quarter of 2012. Interest payments on the loan are due in September of every year, which may require a very small additional assessment on employers in 2011. The department’s current projections include a $1 million interest payment due next September. Most employers will also see a tax increase in 2011 to replenish the trust fund. Legislation in 2010 mitigated a steep rise in unemployment taxes for employers by fixing the Contribution Tax Schedule in 2010 to D and increasing to F in 2011. However, the amount of wages subject to unemployment taxes will decrease from $34,900 to $34,200. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Depratment of Labor and Industrisl Relations) NEWS FLASH - December 14, 2010 8:25 a.m. HST English Leading Hawai'i Delegation to Taiwan Seven Hawaii state senators are traveling to Taiwan to visit government agencies and businesses. The trip starts Tuesday, and it's sponsored by the Taiwanese government to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. A statement from the Hawaii Senate says the trip comes at no cost to state taxpayers. The senators will visit Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, Department of Rapid Transit Systems, Council of Indigenous Peoples and the Bureau of Energy, electric car manufacturer Luxgen Motor Co. and alternative energy company iWind Energy Co. The delegation to Taiwan includes Sens. Kalani English, Will Espero, Mike Gabbard, Michelle Kidani, Clarence Nishihara, Pohai Ryan and Glenn Wakai. The delegation returns to Hawaii on Monday. (Report provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 14, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST Doctor Slowly Recovering from Accident that Injured Brennan Dr. Theresa Wang, a Big Island family care physician, is slowly recovering from serious injuries she suffered on Nov. 19 in a head-on collision that involved former University of Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, Wang's husband said today at the Queen's Medical Center. Wang is unable to speak because of a breathing device in her throat, but has regained consciousness and can nod her head slightly in response to "yes" and "no" questions, said her husband, David Chen. She suffered four or five broken ribs, fractures to both arms and legs, multiple fractures to her neck, brain swelling and had been in a coma after the accident, said Dr. Caesar Ursic, Queen's medical director of trauma services. Wang's HMSA insurance will not cover other expenses, such as rehabilitation, medevac flights and Chen's mounting costs since he moved to Honolulu following Wang's crash, Chen said. Chen anticipates the un-reimbursed costs will rise to the tens of thousands, if not $100,000 or more. A PayPal link has been set up at www.hulaterri.blogspot.com. Donations are also being accepted at any First Hawaiian Bank branch to savings account number 68-076211. Reach Dan Nakaso at dnakaso@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 13, 2010 7:10 a.m. HST Storm Brings Much-Needed Rain to Parched Kihei Clear skies will give way to haze and increased clouds as weather conditions in the islands return to a more normal late-fall pattern. Forecasters say another chance for rain will come this weekend. Storm totals for the fast-moving front that passed through the islands last week include 1.54 inches of rain at Mahinahina in Kahalawai, 1.32 inches in Kihei, 1.42 includes at Paukukalo and 1.28 inches of rain in Kula. Brown water is being blamed for what officials believe to be a shark bite Saturday morning. Police say an unidentified man felt a "tug" on his leg while in the water at Tavares Bay on Maui's north shore. When he came to shore his leg was sliced and bleeding. No word from Police on the severity of the injury. (Information compiled by Maui TV News sources) NEWS FLASH - December 12, 2010 7:50 p.m. HST Hydrant Blows in Honokawai After Car Accident Maui Police report that flooding has closed a section of Lower Honoapi'ilani Highway in the Honokawai area. The flooding was caused by a car-fire hydrant accident at 7:30 this evening. Lower Honoapi'ilani Highway is closed from Kameeui Street to the Maui Sands Hotel. Crews are on the scene but no word on when the road will reopen, nor if regular water service is affected by the incident. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - December 12, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST Accident Closes Lifeline to Lahaina Maui Police report no serious injuries from an accident that closed Honoapi'ilani Highway in both directions last night. The accident occurred in the area of Ukumehame around 7:30 p.m. After initial clearing, contraflow measures were put into action. The road was completely reopened to traffic at 11:20 p.m. More details will be reported as they are released. (Information Provided by the Maui Police Department) NEWS FLASH - December 11, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST Akaka Bill Apears Headed Nowhere - Despite Obama Endorsement The embattled Akaka Bill stands little chance of seeing new life this year, despite two endorsements from the Obama administration. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar sent a letter Thursday to Sens. Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell, endorsing the Akaka Bill. Jesse Broder Van Dyke, a spokesman for U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, said if the bill can be introduced in the Senate first, it would be in the form of the House version that passed 245-164 in February, and it would be amended with compromises reached with former Gov. Linda Lingle. "However, we're getting toward the end of the year, and the Senate failed to pass a bunch of measures this week," Van Dyke said yesterday. Those measures included a bill that also would have repealed the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for gays in the military, as well as a health and compensation bill for workers who were at Ground Zero of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack. "The Senate hasn't been able to do much while this tax cut debate is raging," Van Dyke said, referring to President Barack Obama's deal with Republicans to continue Bush-era tax cuts and other provisions. When asked what Akaka's plan for the bill might be next year, Van Dyke said the office is "still focused" on 2010. The bill would establish a process for native Hawaiians to form a governing entity and negotiate with federal and state governments on land use and cultural issues. The compromise reached with Lingle would preserve the state's regulatory power over public health and safety during negotiations. The bill was introduced in 1999 and has been before Congress through three administrations. "Of the nation's three major indigenous groups, native Hawaiians — unlike American Indians and Alaska Natives — are the only one that currently lacks a government-to-government relationship with the United States," the letter from Holder and Salazar states. "This bill provides native Hawaiians a means by which to exercise the inherent rights to local self-government, self-determination and economic self-sufficiency that other Native Americans enjoy." Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Walter Heen said Thursday's endorsements will likely not matter in the long run, with Republicans taking control of the House and increasing their ranks in the Senate. "Let me put it succinctly: If they can't get 'don't ask, don't tell' through, how much importance are the Republicans going to place on getting our bill through?" Heen said. "I maintain that the (Akaka) bill has been dead for some time now." Last week, Republican Sens. Jon Kyl of Arizona, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and John Cornyn of Texas issued a statement in response to reports that the Akaka Bill might be revived by attaching it to other legislation. "Legislation as highly complex and divisive as the native Hawaiian bill requires vigorous discussion, debate, and amendments," Kyl said. "An attempt to include it in unrelated legislation to keep the government operating is a breach of process and is an example of what the American people are tired of — back room deals that are inserted in secret packages written behind closed doors." Reach Gene Park at gpark@staradvertiser.com. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 10, 2010 2:05 p.m. HST High Winds at Summit Expected After Front Passes Watch the Latest Animated Radar Loop 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT in effect from 7:30 p.m. Thursday to 6:00 p.m. Friday. A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected. 2. EFFECTS: A strong high far to the north of the State will bring strong and gusty trades to the Islands Thursday and Friday, with winds easing off on Saturday. Winds will be 25 to 35 mph with stronger gusts. We expect the windy conditions to continue into Friday. 3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS. 4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates. NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl. Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. (Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense) NEWS FLASH - December 10, 2010 1:25 p.m. HST Flood Advisory for Maui Extended to 3:45 p.m. Watch the Latest Animated Radar Loop 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the FLOOD ADVISORY for the ISLAND OF MAUI in effect until 3:45 p.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 3:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists. The Flash Flood Advisory for Moloka'i has been cancelled. The Flash Flood Advisory for Lana'i expired at 12 noon. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the FLOOD ADVISORY for the ISLAND OF MAUI in effect until 3:45 p.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 3:45 p.m. if heavy rain persists. 2.
EFFECTS: Radar showed steady moderate to heavy rain across
much of the island of Maui. The ground remains saturated from earlier
rainfall. 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 - December 10, 2010 12:50 p.m. HST Cigarette Sales to Minors in Hawai'i Lowest in 15 Years HONOLULU – Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) survey results show this year’s tobacco sales to minors in Hawai‘i are at the lowest rate of 4.6 percent since the start of the program. The survey is a joint effort between the DOH and the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center to conduct inspections of retail outlets to determine the extent of illegal sales of tobacco products to minors. The survey monitors the state’s compliance with the Synar Regulations of the federal Public Health Services Act of 1993. “Results from the department’s 15th annual survey are promising and reflect the vigilance of the state’s efforts to educate local merchants about illegal tobacco sales to youth,“ said Keith Yamamoto, chief of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the DOH. “Although these findings are encouraging, we need to maintain our efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco.” In 1996, the state’s first survey results showed a noncompliance rate was 44.5 percent. Over the next four years, the rate steadily decreased to 7 percent in 2000 and remained low (under 8%) for seven years. During the last five years the statewide rate of tobacco sales to minors showed a significant increasing trend from 2006-2008 and now a significant decreasing trend from 2008-2010. The 2010 sales rate of 4.6% is the lowest since monitoring began in 1996 and is well below the 10.9 percent federal fiscal year 2009 national weighted average rate of tobacco sales to minors. Of the four counties included in the 2010 statewide survey, the Counties of Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i had no sales, the County of Honolulu had a 5 percent sales rate and the County of Maui had a 9.7 percent rate. Rates for individual counties are not considered statistically reliable. Yamamoto said, “We strongly encourage retail clerks to ask their customers, who look younger than 30, to show their state-issued identification card and to calculate these customers’ age. Store clerks should not sell tobacco to customers who don’t have a valid ID and should not sell tobacco to anyone who is less than 18 years of age.” Hawaii law prohibits tobacco sales to persons under the age of 18 and merchants convicted of selling to minors face a mandatory fine of $500. In the Spring of 2010, teams made up of youth volunteers (ages 15-17) and adult observers visited a random sample of 218 stores in which the youth attempted to buy cigarettes to determine how well retailers were complying with the State tobacco laws. Ten stores (4.6 percent) sold to minors (ages 15-17). Sales to a minor occurred less than 0.5% of the time if clerks asked for ID. An additional background sheet is attached. (Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Health) NEWS FLASH - December 10, 2010 7:45 a.m. HST Winter Storm Delivers As Promised Watch the Latest Animated Radar Loop A line of heavy showers and thundershowers has moved over Maui, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for the Valley Isle between 4 and 7 a.m. Radar showed rain of 2 to 3 inches per hour falling over west Maui as the rain moved over the island. Lanaii also remain under a flash flood warning, but forecasters say the worst of the weather has passed Molokai. Most of the heavy rain passed over Oahu overnight causing power outages across the island including Pearl City, Waipahu, Kailua and Kahaluu. But forecasters say no major problems were reported. The weather service says the storm system is not yet past us and may still bring move heavy rain and gusty winds today and tonight. The entire state remains under a flash flood watch through tonight. Forecasters say the storm will likely bring 2 to 3 inches snow to Big Island summits today and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa remain under a winter weather advisory. The National Weather Service also issued a marine warning for Pailolo Channel, Maalaea Bay, Maui County's leeward and windward waters, and the Kaiwi Channel. A small craft advisory was also issued for the Kaiwi Channel and Kauai's northwest waters. The flash flood warning for Oahu was lifted at about 1:30 a.m. as the line of showers passed the island. On Kauai, the first island to be hit by the heavy showers, police closed the Hanalei Bridge at 7:25 p.m. last night, Kauai County spokeswoman Mary Daubert said. Stormwater was ponding and running across roadways across the island. Electricity was also knocked out in several areas, she said. John Cummings, the Oahu Civil Defense spokesman, said city crews have been cleaning streams in preparation for winter storms and were out again yesterday in the Kailua area. The city opened its Emergency Operations Center in the Frank F Fasi Municipal Building at 10:25 last night and closed it with the cancellation of Oahu's flash flood warning early this morning. The storm is expected to pass the state by Sunday. But there is still a chance of scattered showers for the Honolulu Marathon Sunday morning. The forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 74 and tradewinds of 8- to 13-mph. (Report provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 10, 2010 7:15 a.m. HST Flood Advisory Extended for Moloka'i 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has extended the FLOOD ADVISORY for the ISLAND OF MOLOKAI in effect until 10:15 a.m. This Advisory may be extended beyond 10:15 p.m. if heavy rain persists. Flash Flood WARNINGS for Maui and Lana'i expired at 7 a.m. A Flash Flood Watch continues for the entire state through tonight. 2. EFFECTS: Radar showed moderate to heavy rain across most areas on the island of Molokai. The ground is saturated and ponding. This ADVISORY REPLACES THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING. Locations in the Advisory include all of Molokai. 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 - December 10, 2010 4:40 a.m. HST Heavy Rains Bring Flash Flood Warning to Maui County 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a FLASH FLOOD WARNING for the island of MAUI in MAUI COUNTY in effect until 7:00 a.m. this morning. 2. EFFECTS: Radar showed a line of heavy showers and thunderstorms moving Southeast over the island of Maui. The heaviest rain will initially affect West Maui then spread Eastward to the remainder of the island. Torrential rain within the line will bring the treat of flash flooding as rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour. 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 - December 9, 2010 8:30 a.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Continues for Maui County 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY in effect from 6:00 p.m. this evening through late Friday night. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Everyone, especially campers and hikers, should pay attention to the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: Increasingly unstable air mass coupled with abundant low level moisture will boost the potential for flooding due to locally heavy rainfall and thunderstorms starting this evening. 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 - December 9, 2010 8:25 a.m. HST Waves Dropping Along North, East Shore - Still Plenty Big 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and EAST FACING SHORES of MAUI and MOLOKAI in effect until 6:00 p.m. this evening. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf along north facing shores will be 10 to 18 feet today, while surf along east facing shores will be 6 to 10 feet. Surf heights are expected to drop below advisory levels for the affected shores by this evening. Surf heights will remain steady tonight then gradually diminish throughout the day. 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 3:47 p.m. and 5:05 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. INEXPERIENCED SWIMMERS SHOULD AVOID ENTERING THE WATER ALONG NORTH AND EAST FACING SHORES WHERE DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS CAN OVERPOWER EVEN THE STRONGEST SWIMMERS. 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 - December 9, 2010 8:05 a.m. HST Heavy Rain Is On The Way The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch this morning for Oahu and Kauai and a flood watch will be posted for other islands tonight. "Thunderstorms ahead of a cold front will move over the islands from the south and southwest" forecasters said. "The thunderstorms and heavy showers pose a threat of flooding." Heavy rain and thundershowers as the weather system moves across the islands through tomorrow. The flood watch is in effect for Oahu until late Friday night. The weather service also issued a special marine warning this morning for the Kauai Channel because of gusty winds, higher seas and reduced visibility because of heavy rain. A high surf advisory remained in effect for north and east facing shores until this evening because of a declining swell with wave faces on the north shore of 10 to 18 feet and east shores of six to 10 feet. The weather system should leave the islands before the Honolulu Marathon Sunday morning, forecasters said. Runners can expect normal tradewind weather for the event, and may expect some clouds and showers. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding, and the public should pay attention to the latest forecasts, the weather service said. The Big Island summits may see a mixture of snow and rain as early as tonight and last through Saturday. Precipitation may be heavy at times. (Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser) NEWS FLASH - December 9, 2010 6:45 a.m. HST New Mauna Kea Telescope Postponed The University of Hawaii said Wednesday it expects to delay by about two years the start of a new asteroid-hunting telescope it plans to build at Mauna Kea's summit. University of Hawaii astronomer and Pan-STARRS principal investigator Nick Kaiser said mechanical problems pushed back completion of a prototype built at Haleakala. This then caused a broader plan to install four of these telescopes together at Mauna Kea to be postponed. The snag also caused the institute to use more funds during the initial stage of the project than expected. "We started originally in 2009 and then discovered some mechanical problems, and it took the best part of a year to get over that," Kaiser said. "We've ended up having to spend more money getting the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope going. And the whole project is now a bit behind schedule." The prototype began scanning the sky in April on Haleakala. In September, it found its first potentially hazardous object, an asteroid named 2010 ST3. Pan-STARRS is shorthand for Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System. The university aims to put four separate but identical telescopes under one dome at Mauna Kea. It would be built at the site of the existing 2.2-meter telescope, which dates to 1970 but is due to be demolished. Using the four telescopes together as part of one system will allow researchers to see fainter objects. It will also help them find phenomena like supernova, or exploding stars. The institute hoped to start observing with the new telescope in 2012, but this timeline has been pushed back about two years. The university has so far spent $80 million designing the telescope and developing software for its operation. It expects to spend another $50 million before it's completed. Kaiser said the university has used Air Force funding until now, as technology used in the development of the telescope might have had some military application. Now that researchers are beginning to use the prototype telescope for observations, the university plans to seek funding from NASA and the National Science Foundation. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) NEWS FLASH - December 8, 2010 5:10 p.m. HST EIS Begins for Undersea Power Cable Project HONOLULU--The State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Energy Office has filed state and federal notices of intent to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) for the Hawai‘i Interisland Renewable Energy Program (HIREP). The PEIS will examine the program-level impacts of the development of up to 400 megawatts (MW) of wind energy on Maui County, the transmission of the energy to Oahu via an undersea cable, and the integration of that energy into Oahu’s electrical grid. The PEIS will incorporate a thorough analysis of overall impacts and benefits, but will not grant any development rights or privileges to a specific wind farm project. Instead, it will provide a framework, uniform policies, and a process for comprehensively deciding how project components should be integrated within the framework. A PEIS is often employed on the federal level. It will specify best management practices for the three major HIREP components: •
Transmission of renewable energy via undersea cable to Oahu: The undersea
interisland cable will allow the sharing of renewable energy generated
in Maui County, particularly Lanai and Molokai where resources such
as wind are substantial, with Oahu, where resources are limited and
demand for energy is high. “We are examining large infrastructure investments with considerable impacts on our communities. The PEIS and the subsequent project-specific EIS will increase the opportunities for public input,” said Ted Peck, administrator of the State Energy Office. “We have to seriously study the best way we can use the renewable resources we have so that we can significantly reduce our use of imported oil. “Our Neighbor Islands have the richest renewable energy resources. With an interisland cable, we can share these homegrown resources to reach the State’s goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030.” In 2008, the State Legislature passed a law to create the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) with the goal of 70 percent clean energy by 2030. This can be achieved with a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency and 40 percent new renewable energy development. Wind energy to be studied in this PEIS has the potential of contributing 14 percent to the HCEI goals. The public has a three-month opportunity to provide input through the beginning of March. For more information on how to comment, log on to www.hirep-wind.com. The PEIS is funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and has a scheduled completion date of April 2012. It will be conducted by AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM). AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government with approximately 52,000 employees around the world and approximately 200 professionals living and working in Hawai‘i. (Report Provided by thge State of Hawai'i, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism) NEWS FLASH - December 8, 2010 4:20 p.m. HST Flash Flood Watch Set for Thursday, Friday 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the FLASH FLOOD WATCH for MAUI COUNTY in effect from Thursday evening through late Friday night. A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Everyone, especially campers and hikers, should pay attention to the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued. 2. EFFECTS: While the recent quiet weather over the State will continue through tonight, a more active and potentially dangerous weather situation will start to develop on Thursday. Moist and unstable conditions ahead of an approaching cold front will reach Kauai on Thursday, bringing the threat of flooding rainfall. The threat for heavy rain and flooding will spread to the remainder of the State Thursday night and will persist through at least Friday night. An unstable air mass coupled with abundant low level moisture will increase the potential for locally heavy rainfall and thunderstorms beginning Thursday 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 - December 8, 2010 7:55 a.m. HST North Shore Waves Could Reach 22 Feet 1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and EAST FACING SHORES of MAUI and MOLOKAI in effect until 6:00 p.m. Thursday. A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion. 2. EFFECTS: Surf along north facing shores will increase to heights of 18 to 22 feet, while surf along east facing shores will rise to heights of 8 feet. Surf will rise early this morning, before peaking this afternoon. Surf heights will gradually diminish on Thursday. 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 3:06 p.m. and 4:24 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 2.7 feet is expected between 5:08 a.m. and 6:26 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. INEXPERIENCED SWIMMERS SHOULD AVOID ENTERING THE WATER ALONG NORTH AND EAST FACING SHORES WHIERE DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS CAN OVERPOWER EVEN THE STRONGEST SWIMMERS. 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 - December 8, 2010 6:55 a.m. HST Djou Praises President's Tax Compromise U.S. Rep. Charles Djou is applauding the compromise on taxes reached between President Barack Obama and Republican congressional leaders. In part, the accord would extend for two years Bush-era tax cuts to the wealthy, as well as low- and middle-income wage earners. In a statement Tuesday, the Republican congressman who represents urban Honolulu said he frequently stated his support for extending the cuts for everyone during his re-election campaign. He was defeated in November by Democrat Colleen Hanabusa, who takes over next month. The compromise also would extend unemployment benefits for millions of people, and reduce Social Security payroll taxes for a year. (Report Provided by The Associated Press) 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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