Hawaii Island News, 26 January 2012 through 27 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m following through Friday, 27 January 2012:

Hawaii‘s “Race to the Top“, Paauilo lands close to ag return, Court upholds Mauna Kea management plan.

Sources cited include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, and Stephens Media.

Before I list the following news stories, I am including a special code for the folks at technorati.com, who will help publicize this news site:  WRKYNM5NVTS5.  Thank you for your understanding.

RACE TO THE TOP

(Associated Press).  Hawaii’s public schools superintendent said Wednesday that she hopes the state makes headway on adopting new teacher evaluations by the end of March, when U.S. Department of Education officials are scheduled to visit the islands for an update on the state’s progress with Race to the Top reforms.  Kathryn Matayoshi told lawmakers at the state Capitol that Hawaii is doing well carrying out four other parts of Race to the Top reforms, but it’s lagging on developing teacher evaluations as part of efforts to develop great teachers and leaders.  She noted this area of reform is also the one with the highest profile and gets the most attention.  Matayoshi said it would help if the state and the teachers union reached an agreement on evaluations, or if lawmakers adopted a bill giving the state the authority to implement them.

PAAUILO LANDS MAY SOON RETURN TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  After sitting idle for the last 18 years, 718 acres of land near Paauilo may be close to returning to productive agriculture.  Ken Van Bergen, the county’s property manager, said Wednesday that Hawaii County is soliciting sealed bids from farmers, ranchers, and ohters desiring to leased any of its 16 parcels.  Notices were mailed Monday to about 48 people who submitted proposals before the 14 November 2011 deadline.  Bergen said those submitting paperwork will “be allowed to bid on parcels they proposed on.”  All those who stated an interest in the land agreed to pay a minimum rent of $11.63 per acre to lease any of the vacant parcels the county accepted in a 1994 property tax settlement with a bankrupt sugar cane plantation.  Parcels range in size from 12.8 acres to 110 acres, meaning the upset prices range from a low of $1,489 up to $12,760 for decade’s worth of use.  The southernmost and northernmost lands have paved access via Anone De Luz Road and Paauilo Mauka Road.  Old dirt cane-haul roads, some very steep and bumpy, are use to reach the other sites.

COURT APPROVES MAUNA KEA MANAGEMENT PLAN

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The state appeals court has upheld the approval of a University of Hawaii-developed management plan for Mauna Kea. The Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan is a document that was approved in 2009 to help UH manage the conservation lands on Mauna Kea it leases from the state.  The CMP was opposed by a coalition of Hawaiian and environmental rights activists who believe that UH is the wrong entity to write the management plan for the Mauna Kea summit area. Wednesday’s ruling by the Intermediate Court of Appeals upheld Judge Glen Hara’s ruling, clearing the way for the university to continue its implementation plans.  In its opinion, the appeals court dismissed the points raised by opponents Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, the Royal Order of Kamehameha, the Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter, KAHEA, and Clarence Ching.

“FERRETING OUT A PEST”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  An illegel ferret was captured early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coqui’s Hideaway Restaurant and Sports Bar in Hilo.  Around 1 a.m., a resident saw the ferret emerge from a parked moped and captured the animal.  The ferret was turned in to the Hawaii Island Humane Society and then taken to inspectors at the Hilo office of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture on Monday.  The ferret was flown to Honolulu and is being safeguarded at HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch, where it may be used for educational purposes until it can be shipped out of state.  Ferrets are prohibited as pets under Hawaii law because they are potential carriers of the rabies virus.  Although ferrets have been domesticated as pets outside of Hawaii, there have been numerous instances where these animals have reverted back to their feral state.

HELCO REPORTS POWER OUTAGE

(The Hawaii Electric Light Company).  The Hawaii Electric Light Company experienced a pwer interruption on Wednesday due to a tree that fell on HELCO transmission lines near Manuka State Park along Highway 11.  The interruption began at 8:57 a.m., affecting approximately 1,700 customers.  HELCO switched the circuits at 10:16 a.m. and power was restored to all affected customers.  One lane remained open until the damage was repaired early Wednesday evening.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH 27 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few showers.  Cloudy at night with a couple of showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Mostly sunny and hazy.  Expect a few upslope showers by evening.  Sunrise Friday–6:57 a.m.  Sunset Friday–6:10 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Friday–11 hours, 12 minutes, 47 seconds.  Friday tides for Hilo–high tide at 5:29 a.m./6:10 p.m.  Low tide at 12:05 p.m./11:44 p.m.  Highs near 79.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the east southeast by Friday, 8 to 16 mph.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH FRIDAY, 27 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–1 to 2 feet.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–6 to 7 feet.  Hamakua–5 to 6 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 2 feet.

For the latest in community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  For additional local and state stories, check out the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7 News.”

Thanks for dropping by!

Russ Roberts, editior

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 25 January 2012 through 26 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m following through Thursday, 26 January 2012:

Minimum wage may go up this month; bolstering agriculture in Hawaii;  jobless rate stays above 9 percent;  Laupahoehoe will convert to charter school statues in July.

Sources cited in this summary include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, Stephens Media, and the Hawaii County Police Department.

MINIMUM WAGE MAY GO UP THIS MONTH

(Associated Press).  A bill moving through the state Legislature could increase Hawaii’s minimum wage for the first time since 2007, but opinions are mixed as to whether elevating the wage floor would help or hinder Hawaii’s economic recovery.  According to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the current $7.25 per hour minimum wage is worth 84 cents less than when it was set five years ago because of inflation.  A minimum wage increase would help Hawaii workers recover lost perchasing power and encourage more spending that can contribute to the state’s economic recovery.  However, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii sees serious flaws in the bill.  The organization represents more than 1,000 businesses in Hawaii, 80 percent of which are small business owners with fewer than 20 employees.  Chamber president and CEO Jim Tollefson said a mandated wage increase could mean the difference between continued existence or bankruptcy for some of these small establishements. 

JOBLESS RATE STILL HOVERS ABOVE 9 PERCENT

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Jobs in Hawaii County are coming back, but so are the job-seekers.  Reporter Peter Sur believes that is one possible reason for the island’s stubborn unemployment rate, which was 9.2 percent in December 2011.  The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations released that figure on Tuesday, which wa not adjusted to account for seasonal variations in hiring.  The year 2011 began with a similar unemployment rate of 9.3 percent. There were 60,000 people with wage and salary jobs and 7,700 unemployed.  Hawaii County’s 9.2 percent unemployment rate was higher than the state rate of 6.6 percent and the national rate of 8.5 percent in a month when 37 states recorded falling unemployment.

LAUPAHOEHOE HIGH AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WILL TRANSITION TO CHARTER STATUS IN JULY

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The Hawaii Board of Education cleard the way on Tuesday for the Laupahoehoe charter school to open its doors this July.  The news came in a 10-page decision issued after board members tooka week to make up their minds concerning a related pair of appeals by the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School‘s interim board.  In their decision, BOE members reversed the charter school’s oversight body, the Charter School Review Panel, which had denied the charter school’s decision to hold elections for the permanent board no later than 30 September 2012–a period of time after the school year had begun.  The BOE also instructed the review panel’s members to “use their best efforts to cooperate” with the charter school “in the process of opening the charter school for the 2012-2013 school year.”  In a Tuesday afternoon phone interview, Hawaii Island board member, Brian De Lima, said that the review panel had erred in rejecting Laupahoehoe’s change to the election deadline.  De Lima said, “we’re concerned that the school opens up as scheduled, in the best interest of the students.”  Meanwhile opponents of the charter school conversion criticized the BOE decision, with HSTA Laupahoehoe School representative Bob Beekman saying ” my response to it is, there’s a reason why Hawaii is 50th among all the states in terms of quality of education.”  Beekman also said he was considering “action in court” to the BOE’s ruling, noting tht the decision could be ruinous for the community.

IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER RECEIVES A $1.1 MILLION GRANT

(Associated Press).  The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is getting a $1.1 million grant to take its knowledge on the road with a mobile laboratory.  The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation donated the funds to the center.  UH-Hilo Chancellor Don Straney says the project will allow ‘Imiloa and the university to reach Hawaii Island students and families in rural areas.

HEAD INJURY KILLS PUNA MAN

(Hawaii County Police Department).  An autopsy was conducted Friday on a body found 17 January in the vicinity of Isaac Hale Beach Park in Pohoiki.  Police identified the victim as 62-year-old Dennis Eugene White of Papaya Farms Road in Kapoho.  The cause of death was a head injury.  Although police have not ruled out foul play, the case is currently classified as a coroner’s inquet.  Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are handling the ongoing investigation.  Detectives are also looking for White’s car, described as a black or dark green 1998 Jeep Wrangler with a tan soft top and bearing license plate HDY 926.  Those with leads in this case should call Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2383.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND FORECAST THROUGH THURSDAY, 26 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Some sunshine with a few brief showers.  Mostly cloudy at night with passing windward showers..

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Mostly sunny and hazy.  Expect a few upslope showers by early evening.

Highs near 79.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the southeast by Thursday, 10-20 mph.  Sunrise Thursday–6:57 a.m.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH THURSDAY, 26 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 1 foot.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–7 to 8 feet.  Hamakua–6 to 7 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 2 feet.

For the latest community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  For more state and local stories, go to the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7 News.”

Thanks for checking in!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 24 January 2012 through 25 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m tracking through Wednesday, 25 January 2012:

Governor Abercrombie says it’s time to “seize the moment”; Hawaii Island could gain a fourth state senate seat; hunters protest land restrictions.

Sources cited include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, Stephens Media, and the Hawaii County Police Department.

GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE FOCUSES ON JOBS AND EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

(Associated Press).  Governor Neil Abercrombie told the state Legislature on Monday that it’s time to move forward and leave behind the drama of the recent past, saying lawmakers have an opportunity to maintain economic momentum, bolster education, and help provide older Hawaii residents better access to long-term support.  In his annual State of the State address, Governor Abercrombie said Hawaii’s economic recovery has been steady over the past year and that there were several positive signs, including growth in visitor arrivals and expenditures, increased general excise tax revenue and a decline in initial unemployment claims.  Abercrombie said it was critical for lawmakers to continue the positive thrust acheieved through the labor savings and budget cuts that got the state through a period of weak tax revenues.  To further bolster Hawaii’s economic recovery, a primary focus will be placed on the construction industry, where nearly $2.3 billion in pending projects and a recent bond and refinancing sale will combine to spur immediate job creation.  Early in his speech, Abercrombie addressed the contentious contract negotiated with the Hawaii State Teachers Association, saying he will continue to press the union for an agreement, and , in the meantime, will continue to focus on progress under the “Race to the Top” program.

HAWAII ISLAND COULD GAIN ANOTHER STATE SENATE SEAT

(Stephens Media).  The Hawaii Supreme Court wants the state Reapportionment Commission to get out of court and get back to work.  According to Reapportionment Commission Chairwoman Victoria Marks, the terse court order clears the way for a fourth state senator from Hawaii Island.  Marks said she’s heard people from around the state ask tht the commission not change their particular state House or Senate districts as the maps are redrawn.  Marks said, “there are changes in the numbers, so it’s invevitable the lines are going to move.”  The commission and the state chief election officer had requested “reconsideration and/or clarification” following a 06 January opinion telling the commission it must remove nonpermanent military and students before allocating the number of state senators and representatives to each island unit.  The court ruling followed lawsutis from Hawaii state Senator Malama Solomon, members of the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and Kailua-Kona attorney Michael Matsukawa, who said he filed the suit on behalf of Hawaii Island residents.  The commission plans to meet Monday to work on new maps mandated by the Hawaii Supreme Court.

HUNTER PROTEST RESTRICTIONS

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  On Monday, about 20 hunters and their supporters took to the street to protest a state plan to ban hunting within 4,800 acres of public forest located south of Hilo.  Feeling their way of life is being threatened, the demonstrators held pro-hunting signs and waved at motorists, while they met outside the state’s Forestry and Wildlife Division headquarters on Kilauea Avenue.  The demonstration was peaceful with passing drivers giving an occasional honk  as they passed through the area.  Earlier this month, the state released a 15-year management plan that calls for installing 17 miles of fencing to keep pigs, goats, and sheep out of four mangement areas above the 3,300-foot elevation level.  Ken Mohica, a lifelong hunter from Fern Acres, said the plan is “not about hunting”, noting that closing of the hunting areas will leave too little land to sustain the activity.  Mohica siad, “they’re taking away all the prime hunting areas right now with this fencing project…I feel theyhave enough area fenced off already where they can save their plants.”  Mountain View hunter John Friffiths, who helped organize the protest, said “we’re just the people of Hawaii.  We’re just trying to get together to stop these land-grabs.”

ANTI-DRUNK INTERLOCKS BECOMING A HUGE SUCCESS

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The Hawaii Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is calling the first year of the tate’s ignition interlock law a success.  The statute, which took effect on 01 January 2011, allows first-time DUI offfenders to drive legally after installing a device that prevents their cars from starting if the driver’s blood alcohol is 0.02 percent or higher, one-quarter of the state’s DUI threshold.  Arkie Koehl, MADD’s volunteer chairman, said he’s “absolutely delighted and overwhelmed”, saying, “we didn’t expect anything like this.”  Koehl said the mainland interlock expert, Dick Roth, predicted the county would be lucky to get about 100.  As it turned out, Hawaii has grown faster in interlock installations in the first year of the law than any other state in the country.

MAN CHARGED IN ROBBERY CASE

(Hawaii County Police Department).  Police have charged a 22-year-old Kailua-Kona man with 11 offenses for allegedly robbing a business in Kaloko Business Center V and the Keauhou Store earlier this month.  James Kekai Hao was charged with two counts of robbery and theft, three counts of terroristic threatening, and single counts of kidnapping, assault, property damage, and marijuana possession.  Hao’s bail was set at $80,500 and he was held in the Kona police cellblock pending his intitial appearance Monday in Kona District Court.

MOTORIST’S ADVISORY

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald/U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii).  Oahu-based military units will convoy from the Pohakuloa Training Area to Kawaihae Harbor on Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. via the Saddle Road, the Mamalahoa Highway, Waikoloa Road, the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, and the Akoni Pule corridor.  The convoys include large military vehicles, some with trailers.  Motorists are advised to be alert and drive with caution.  For details, call 969-2427.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 25 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Hazy sunshine mixed with a few windward showers.  A few showers at night.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Mostly sunny and hazy.  A few upslope showers by late afternoon.

Highs near 79.  Lows near 64.  Winds shifting to the southeast by Wednesday, 8 to 16 mph.  Sunrise Wednesday–6:57 a.m.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 25 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 1 foot.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–6 to 7 feet.  Hamakua–5 to 6 feet.  Hilo and vicinity–1 to 2 feet.

For the latest in community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  For more state and local stories, go to the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7″.

Thanks for joining us today!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 23 January 2012 through 24 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m following through Tuesday morning:

Earthquake downgraded a bit; Volcano month continues; Pacific Fleet gets new leader.

Sources cited in this summary include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, and Stephens Media.

EARTHQUAKE A BIT “SOFTER” THAN REPORTED

(U.S. Geological Survey/Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The U.S. Geological Survey (HVO) has downgraded to a magnitude 4.7 the earthquake that rumbled beneath the south flank of the Kilauea Volcano late Sunday afternoon.  The 4:36 p.m. temblor was centered near Holei Pali about 4 miles south of the Pu’u ‘O’o crater and 9 miles west of Kalapana at a depth of 5 miles.  The earthquake was widely felt on the Island of Hawaii.  The USGS recorded 600 “felt” reports from island residents within two hours of the earthquake.  The magnitude 4.7 shaker was followed by 20 aftershocks in two hours in the same area, the largest of which was magnitude 3.1 on the Richter Scale.  Geologists believe most of the Kilauea earthquakes are caused by the abrupt motion of the volcano’s south flank as it moves southeast over the ocean crust at an average rate of 2.6 inches per year as a result of magma injected into the rift zone.  Meanwhile, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach, Oahu reported no tsunami activity as a result of the quakes.

VOLCANO AWARENESS MONTH CONTINUES

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald/Hawaii Volcanoes National Park).  The third annual Volcano Awareness Month continues with a variety of public lectures and demonstrations throughout Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  On Tuesday, the featured presentation is “Mauna Loa:  How Well Do You Know the Volcano in Your Backyard?”  The program begins at  7 p.m. at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  The lecture is free, but park entrance fees apply.  On Thursday, the presentation will be “100 Years of Earthquake Monitoring in Hawaii”. with seismologists Paul Okubo and Wes Thelen.  The discussion begins at 7 p.m., UCB-100 or 127, UH-Hilo.  Admission is free.  On Tuesday, 31 January, the presentation will be “Kilauea’s Volcanic Gases and Their Environmental Impact.”  Learn about vog and its effects from Jeff Sutton and Tamar Elia, who are geochemists with the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory.  The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Admission is free, but park entrance fees will apply.  For more information, visit http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

NEW PACIFIC FLEET COMMANDER IS NAMED

(Associated Press).  A new leader took over at the U.S. Pacific Fleet on Friday, as Admiral Cecil Haney, former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command, replaced Admiral Patrick Walsh, who is retiring.  Haney, a former submarine squadron commander, told about 900 people at the change-of-command ceremony that he plans to build on the foundation Admiral Walsh nurtured as he takes over the helm in an area that stretches from the U.S. West Coast to the Indian Ocean.  Haney said he will work with the other military services to support the U.S. Pacific Command to enhance “maritime security and freedom of the seas with the talented men and women of Pacific Fleet and our allies and partners.”  Haney is assuming command at a time when the military faces looming budget cuts while seeking to boost its security focus on the region. 

HAWAII ENERGY TO SEND REPORT TO HAWAII RESIDENTS

(Associated Press).  Hawaii Energy will be sending reports to electric utility customers on four islands with information to help people save energy and money.  The reports will go out to 62,000 houshoulds on Molokai, Maui, Lanai, and Hawaii Island starting Monday, 23 January 2012.  The households will receive four reports through June.  The reports will rank a household’s energy use with 99 anonymous nearby homes with similar size and construction.  The reports will also suggest ways households can save energy and money on their electricity bills.

ACCIDENT KILLS HONOLULU POLICE OFFICER

(Associated Press).  Police say a Honolulu officer is dead following a three-vehicle crash on the H-1 freeway in Aiea.  The crash occurred Saturday night as the officer’s car was on the side of the freeway behind another pickup truck.  Emergency officials say a pickup truck sturck the police car and the impact sent the car crashing into the parked pickup.  They say a man and a woman were taken in serious condition to the Queen’s Medical Center.  The woman was a passenger in the parked truck.  The pickup truck was heavily damaged as it rolled over a couple of times, but the man was able to pull himself out of the truck and was sitting on the side of the road when emergency vehicles arrived.  The identity of the dead officer was not immediately released.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND FORECAST THROUGH TUESDAY, 24  January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly cloudy overnight with a few showers.  Tuesday will be partly sunny with a few showers upslope.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Mostly sunny and hazy.  Expect a few evening showers upslope.

Highs near 80.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the southeast on Tuesday, 7 to 14 mph.  Sunrise Tuesday–6:57 a.,.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH TUESDAY, 24 Jaunuary 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–1 to 2 feet.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–7 to 8 feet.  Hamakua–5 to 6 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–2 to 3 feet.

For the latest in community news, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.

Have an excellent day!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 22 January through 23 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m following through Monday, 23 January 2012:

HVO celebrates 100 years of volcano monitoring; homeowner at wit’s end in Seaview Estates;  lowered tuition costs for summer session; and a 5.0 magnitude earthquake shakes Hawaii Island.

Sources cited include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, and Stephens Media.

A CENTURY OF VOLCANO WATCHING

 (Hawaii Tribune-Herald/Associated Press).  The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory has come a long way since its founding by Thomas Augustus Jagger, Jr. a hundred years ago.  From mechanical monitors to the latest electronic seismic devices, HVO has kept a steady watch over the rumblings and occaisonal explosions on the Kilauea East Rift Zone.  The Third Annual Volcano Awareness Month is underway with public events set for Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Among the events are Monday’s “What’s Up with Kilauea and Mauna Loa?” with Geophysicist Michael Poland at the Lyman Museum in Hilo at 7:30 p.m.;  Tuesday’s “Mauna Loa:  How Well Do You Know the Volcano in Your Backyard?”, set for 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium;  Thursday’s “100 Years of Earthquake Monitoring in Hawaii” with seismologists Paul Okubo and Wes Thelen at the UH-Hilo Campus, UCB-100, 7 p.m.; and a 31 January meeting with HVO geochemists Tamar Elias and Jeff Sutton, who will discuss “Kilauea’s Volcanic Gases and Their Environmental Impact.”

EARTHQUAKE RATTLES HAWAII ISLAND….Updated as of Sunday, 22 January 2012, 8:35 p.m.

(Associated Press).  A magnitude 5.0 earthquake and several small aftershocks shook Hawaii Island on Sunday, but there were no reports of injury or damage.  The quake struck near Kae’na Point in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at 4:36 p.m. at a depth of five miles, according to a report from the U.S. Geological Survey.  The epicenter was about 25 miles south of Hilo and 200 miles southeast of Honolulu.  A half-dozen aftershocks came in the two hours that followed, the largest being a 3.0 about 10 minutes after the original quake.  The temblor was widely felt in Hilo and throughout the island, with more than 500 people reporting that they felt light to moderate shaking.  Joe Lopez said he felt a “pretty good jolt” at his home in Hilo.

SEAVIEW ESTATES HOMEOWNER ANGRY OVER UNPERMITTED BUILDING

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Seasview Estates homeowner Jack Hash wanted a home in an idyllic setting with an expansive ocean view, but all he has experienced is a multiyear battle over a neighbor’s illegal home.  Hash has just about run out of patience with the county and said “we just made a big mistake here…it was a beautiful view lot when we started.”  Rather than seeing an endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, all Hash now sees is a makeshift, multistory structure on a site once apporved by Hawaii County as a 272-square-foot storage/workshop.  Detailed complaints from Hash and at least one other Seaview Estates resident haven’t produced compliance by the property owner, who neighbors say continues to enlarge the unpermitted structure.  Brandon Gonzales, the deputy public works director, said the county is pursuing a legal requirement to document the violations with certified letters, inspections, and county tax records.  Asked why enforcement is taking so long, Gonzalez said, “that’s the process,” noting that it takes time to demonstrate to the court that the county is acting fairly and not trampling an owner’s due process rights.  Gonzales stated that “the timing is we are following up on that, and we’re in the process.”

UH SUMMER TUITION TO DROP A LITTLE

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Hawaii resident undergraduates attending UH campuses in Hilo, West Oahu, and the seven community colleges will benefit from a reduction in summer tuition rates that will lower the summer 2012 rate and freeze it at the summer 2011 rate.  The reduction was approved by the UH Board of Regents at its monthly meeting held Thursday at Kauai Community College.  The reduction sets the 2012 summer session rate for the campuses at $248 per credit hour, which was the summer session tuition rate  in 2009 for the Hilo and West Oahu campuses.  The university instituted a similar reduction for the 2011 summer session that received positive feedback from the participating campuses and students.

STATE OF HAWAII NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A convicted Kauai sex offender must serve 10 years for molesting an 8-year-old girl.  The Hawaii Paroling Authority has set Eaton Rivera’s minimum imprisonment term, which Kauai County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho announced earlier this week.  Last year, Riveral was convicted of 11 counts of second-degree sexual assault and sentenced to 10 years in prison.  At a parole authority hearing las October, Iseri-Carvalho argued that Rivera shouldn’t be released sooner.  She says he violated his position of trust as a family member and repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl during the summer months of 2007 through July 2009.  Iseri-Carvalho says a 10 year term is minimal considering the “life-time sentence” that the victim has been subjected to.

A former Army sergeant and a sergeant major who were stationed in Afghanistan have been sentenced to prison for taking a $50,000 bribe in exchange for steering a $1.5 million military contract to a trucking company.  The U.S. Department of Defense said retired Sgt. Charles Finch of Mililani, Hawaii, received a 51-month sentence Thursday.  Sgt. Major Gary Canteen of Delaware received a 31-month sentence on Friday.  The two men pleaded guilty to conspiracy and bribery in August.  The Justice Department says 10 other Army and National Guard officers have been sentenced for similar crimes at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND FORECAST THROUGH MONDAY, 23 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few windward showers.  A few showers are expected overnight.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Mostly sunny and hazy.  Expect a few upslope showers during the evening.

Highs near 80.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the southeast by Monday morning, 8 to 16 mph.  Sunset Sunday–6:06 p.m.  Sunrise Monday–6:57 a.m. 

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH MONDAY, 23 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–1 to 2 feet.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–6 to 7 feet.  Hamakua–5 to 6 feet.  Hilo and vicinity–1 to 2 feet.

For the latest in community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  For more state and local news, go to the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7 News”.

Have an excellent day!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast

Hawaii Island News, 21 January through 22 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m tracking through Sunday, 22 January 2012:

 

Fired election workers file defamation claim; state could lose $75 Million  in education grants; volunteers for Mars training sought; and recycling contracts shortened.

Sources cited in this summary include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, and  Stephens Media.

DEFAMATION SUIT FILED

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Hilo labor attorney Ted Hong has filed a suit on behalf of two former county elections officials who believe they were defamed when Hawaii County terminated their services.  Hong said the suit was filed because “my clients’ professional reputation and standing in the community have been ruined.”  Hong is representing long-time elections program administrator Pat Nakamoto and Glen Shikuma, who had supervised a Hilo elections warehouse.    In addition to his personal injury claim, Shikuma also is asking for $50,000 for alleged property damage.  Both parties are asking for $500,000 to settle the defamation claim.  According to Hong, Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi allegedly made false and defamatory statements about his clients, causing them to suffer physical and emotional distress, injury to their professional standing, and harming their “enjoyment of society.”  Hawaii County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said he was advised not to make additional comments.  The alleged violations were uncovered during a site visit Kawauchi and Yagong made last July.  Kawauchi said the inspection was part of her due diligence to become familiar with elections operations that occur throughout Hawaii Island.

HAWAII COULD LOSE $75 IN FEDERAL EDUCATION GRANTS

(Associated Press).  The fate of Hawaii’s $75 million Race to the Top grant remains uncertain after teachers turned down a proposed contract that would have removed a major stumbling block in delivering on promised reforms.  Members of the Hawaii State Teachers Association on Thursday voted 2-1 against the deal that would have included moving toward a performance-based compensation system.  If the contract was ratified, a labor dispute against the state would have been dropped and negotiations could have started on reforms promised by the state in winning the federal money.  National education policy observers will be watching to see if the administration makes good on the threat to suspend the grant.  Michael J. Petrilli, the executive vice president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, said the vote made it difficult to do anything but revoke the grant.  Petrilli noted that “all eyes are on (U.S. Secretary of Education) Arne Duncan to see if he’s going to follow through on his tough statement that states are going to be held accountable for their promises.”

MARS MOCK-UP NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and at Cornell University are seeking people to participate in a study aimed a developing food that astronauts would eat on a mission to Mars.  The study will be conducted on Hawaii Island early next year.  UH-Manoa associate professor Kim Binsted said “essentially, what we’re doing is taking a crew of six people, (including) two alternates, stickin them in a habitat for four months, and trying to determine what food systems work best for them and keep them fed.”  Binsted said several sites are being considered on the Mauna Loa side of the Saddle Road.  Applications are due by 29 February.  For details, visit http://manoa.hawaii.edu/hi-seas.

POLICE ARREST ROBBERY SUSPECTS

(Hawaii County Police Department).  Hawaii Island police have arrested both suspects wanted for a robbery last week in Holualoa, thanks to tips from the public.  On 13 January, Kona detectives found and recovered a white 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara that they believe was associated with the Keauhou Store robbery the day before.  Police arrested the registered owner, 41-year-old Roger Rasmussen of Kailua-Kona.  The second suspect, James Kekai Hao of Kailua-Kona was arrested Thursday afternoon outside an apartment complex on Lunapule Road in Kailua-Kona.  Police Lt. Gerald Wike said the community was instrumental in helping detectives solve these two cases, noting “their assistance was invaluable.”

NOTED WOOD TURNER AND ARTIST DIES AT AGE 77

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Dan  DeLuz, Sr., a well-known professional wood turner, died Sunday at the Hilo Medical Center.  He was 77 years old.  DeLuz was born in Hilo and set up his wood shop in Hilo after his roofing business on Oahu failed.  His daughter, Renee Godoy, the senior pastor as the Glad Tidings Church, said “he took a lot of pride in his work; he didn’t do it just for money.  He always wanted to do the best.  He wasn’t into mass production.  He really, really loved his work.”  Godoy said her father’s works have been featured at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu.  Services for DeLuz, who lived in Kurtistown, will be held Thursday at Dodo Mortuary.  Visitation is 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a celebration of life memorial service set for 7 p.m.

RECYCLING CONTRACTS CHANGED

(Stephens Media).  The Hawaii County administration has mad an apparent end run around the County Council by soliciting bids for recycling without the council’s approval.  Dora Beck, the acting director of the Department of Environmental Management, told the council Friday she has broken a proposed three-year contract into a one-year contract with two annual renewals, so she no longer need the council’s vote to move forward.  The county charter requires council approval of contracts expending funds over more than one budget year.  Council Chairman Dominic Yagong said ” it’s an action that the department has taken without the authorization of the council, which I find alarming.”   The recycling contract has been stalled in the council since June, when a group of haulers said the proposed contract shuts them out and favors only one or two large companies on the island.   Beck said, with the apparent approval of Assistant Corporation Counsel Katherine Garson, that county departments have the authority to put out multiyear bids without council approval; the approval only comes in when it’s time to pay for the contract.  South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford was not impressed by the argument, saying “if you don’t have a right to award a contract, you’re bargaining in bad faith.”

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER FORECAST THROUGH SUNDAY, 22 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few windward showers.  Some rain at night.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny and hazy.  Expect a few upslope showers by evening.

Highs near 80.  Lows near 64.  Winds shifting to the southeast by Sunday, 7 to 14 mph.  Sunrise Sunday–6:57 a.m.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SUNDAY, 22 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to  1 foot.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–5 to 6 feet.  Hamakua–4 to 5 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–flat to 1 foot.

For the latest community news, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  Additional state and local stories can be found in the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7″.

Have an excellent weekend!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 20 January through 21 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m covering through Saturday, 21 January 2012:

Teachers reject contract; mortgage law saved some homes; and bail set for accused child killer.

Sources cited in this summary include the Associated Press, Stephens Media, and the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”.  Additional state and local stories can be found on the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7″.

TEACHERS SO NO TO CONTRACT

(Associated Press).  Hawaii public school teachers voted against a six-year proposed contract Thursday, leaving in place a months-long labor dispute with the state.  The vote was 67 percent against the contract and 33 percent for it.  Wil Okabe, the president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, said he “will initiate a union-wide conversation about our options, going forward, listen to your suggestions, roll up my sleeves, and get back to work.”  Okabe continued, saying “many of you have suggested that we return to the negotiating table…others of you believe a strike vote should be our next step.  And still others have suggested that we continue with our legal challenges.  Each of these points of view should be considered and discussed.”

MORTGAGE LAW MAY HAVE SAVED SOME HOMES

(Associated Press).  Foreclosures in Hawaii have plummeted 53 percent since the Legislature passed sweeping mortgage legislation last year.  Hawaii had the nation’s 11th highest foreclosure rate in 2010, prompting lawmakers to establish a Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force to look into all aspects of judicial and nonjudicial foreclosures in the state.  The task force’s 2011 findings helped shape legislation that provides extensive protection to residents in danger of losing their homes due to unfair or deceptive practices.  According to a recent RealtyTrac report cited by task force member Jeff Gilbreath, the law has already made an impact.  Gibreath said “(the report) showed a 53 percent decrease in foreclosures in the state of Hawaii that I think we can attribute to Act 48.”

ACCUSED CHILD KILLER ASSIGNED A $500,000 BAIL

(Stephens Media).  A 3-year-old Waimea girl died from brain damage according to police testimony given Thursday during a preliminary hearing for the 37-year-old relative accused of killing her.  Police officer Scott Kurashige said “Marley Makanani had anoxic brain damage due to a near drowning and a traumatic head injury due to child abuse.”  Waimea District Court Judge Melvin Fujino ruled that prosecutors had presented enough evidence to bind Ezekial Ramsayer Hao Wakinekona over for trial.  Wakinekona faces a manslaughter charge in the Sunday death of Makanani and two misdemeanor domestic abuse charges for attempted injuries to her sisters.  Fujino scheduled an arraignment and plea for 11:30 a.m., 02 February, before 3rd Circuit Court Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra in Kealakekua.

MAN SENTENCED FOR PIPE BOMBS AND MARIJUANA CHARGES

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  A 39-year-old Ainaloa man arrested late last year for making pipe bombs and growing marijuana has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.  Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara ordered that Christopher Michael Robinson start his prison term immediately.  In a deal with prosecutors, Robinson pleaded guilty Thursday to second-degree commercial promotion of marijuana and two firearms charges for being a felon in possession of ammunition and explosive devices.

CHRISTIE TRIAL DELAYED AGAIN

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The federal trial of marijuana activist and self-described “cannabis minister” Roger Christie and 13 others has been delayed for the fifth time.  The trial is now set for 28 August at 9 a.m. beofre U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi in Honolulu.  It was previously set for 28 February.  The delay was granted at the request of Jeffrey Arakakai, the newly appointed attorney for co-defendant Share St. Cyr Christie, who married Roger Christie on 06 January at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu.  Christie and the others, all Hawaii Island residents, were arrested 08 July 2011 in raids by federal agents, assisted by local police.  All but Christie have been released on bail.  He and the others are charged with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and posses with intent to distribute 284 marijuana plants, which carries a mandatory minimum prison term of five years and a maximum of 40 years if they’re convicted.

COUNTY TO TRY ELECTRIC CARS

(Stephens Media).  The West Hawaii Civic Center will soon become home to Hawaii County government’s first electric cars as the county begins its foray into new technology for its fleet.  The civic center was chosen for the pilot program because it is already producing its own power through rooftop photovoltaic cells, and also because the charging stations have already been installed in the parking area.  Laverne Omori, the deputy director of the Department of Research and Development, said the “utilization of power from the sun to charge electric vehicles will stabilize county fuel costs, promote new transportation industry in the community and allow county government to lead by example.”

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER FORECAST THROUGH SATURDAY, 21 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–mostly cloudy with a few showers.   Partly sunny on Saturday with a few showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny and hazy.  A chance of a few upslope showers by late afternoon.

Highs near 80.  Lows near 64.  Winds shifting to the east southeast by Saturday, 7 to 14 mph.  Sunrise Saturday–6:57 a.m.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SATURDAY, 21 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–1 to 2 feet.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 3 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–1 to 2 feet.  Hamakua–3 to 4 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 2 feet.

For the latest in community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  More local and statewide news can be found on the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7″.

Have an excellent day!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 19 January through 20 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m following through Friday, 20 January 2012:

Mayor Kenoi says more cuts are on the way;  Hilo Medical Cener survey; child abuse on Hawaii Island.

Sources cited in today’s summary include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, Stephens Media, and the Hawaii County Police Department.  Additional local material can be found in the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7“.

MORE CUTS COMING

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  In a letter sent Wednesday to the Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi said he anticipates a fourth straight year of lowered property tax collections, which will force more budget cuts for the county.  Mayor Kenoi was unable to  make his appeal in person because he’s in Washington, D.C. attending a national conference of mayors.  In his written appeal to state lawmakers, Mayor Kenoi said  challenges created by a global recession have not ended, noting that “while we are seeing signs of economic recovery, the County of Hawaii is projecting a fourth year of declining property tax revenues.”   Kenoi continued, stating “the loss of revenue will force us to make even more cuts–and, as in the past three budget cycles, we have pledged to balance our budget without threatening public health and safety, or (by) cutting programs that serve our children, senior citizens and working families.”  In the past, Mayor Kenoi has relied on a combination of not filing vacant positions, deferring certain expenses, higher property tax rates, and making cuts in free Hele-On bus services to balance the budget.  Meanwhile, Hawaii Island state Senator Gil Kahele said he expects that the present TAT distribution formula will be maintained.

HOSPITAL SURVEY’S MIXED RESULTS

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The most recent results from the Hilo Medical Center’s patient satisfaction surveys show that the hospital continues to lag behind state and national averages in most key areas.  Hospital administrators say that while HMC’s scores remain below average, it has made improvements and progress.  Director of Marketing Mary Stancill said the scores represent where the hospital was in 2010 and do not represent where the hospital is now, “given the dedicated effort over the last year to improve the patient experience.”  The most telling statistic contained in the studies is the finding that only 46 percent of patients surveyed said they would “definitely recommend” HMC.  Meanwhile, scores for the Kona Community Hospital were at 57 percent and at  78 percent for the North Hawaii Community Hospital.  Hilo Medical Center CEO Howard Ainsely said he and his staff have been placing more focus on the patient experience at HMC in the last year, and the 2010 results do not reflect those efforts to a large degreee.  Ainsley said the new Achieving Excellence Institute is focusing on “service excellence and making sure our team understands our priorities.”

CHILD ABUSE ON HAWAII ISLAND

(Stephens Media/Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  A study called “Perceptions of Child Abuse and Neglect in Hawaii” concludes that child abuse and neglect “is a pervasive and serious issue” both on the Big Island and statewide.  The study completed in July 2011 found that 47 percent of Hawaii County residents say they know a victim of child abuse. It also found that 89 percent of Hawaii Island residents believe child abuse is a major problem.  Paul Normann, the director of the Neighborhood Place of Puna, a child abuse and neglect prevention program in Pahoa, said the study “was pretty shocking, actually.”  Normann says that on Hawaii Island, especially in Puna, poverty and isolation are factors that play a big role in parenting difficulties which could lead to abuse.  The Neighborhood Place of Puna’s services are free and voluntary to Puna families who need help.  You can reach this agency by calling 965-5550.

HEARING SET TODAY IN CHILD’S DEATH

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald/Hawaii County Police Department).  A 37-year-old Waimea man accused of killing a 3-year-old niece and abusing two others is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. today (Thursday) in Waimea District Court.  The hearing will determine if there is sufficient evidence to order Ezekiel Wakinekona to stand trial.  Fire Rescue personnel responded Friday night to a report that a girl was unconscious with labored breathing.  Wakinekona was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse after doctors told polcie that the girl, Marley Makanani, had suspicious bruises on her body.  The child died Sunday night at a Honolulu hospital.  Her two sisters, ages 2 and 6, were taken into protective custody.  Department of Human Services spokeswoman Kayla Rosenfeld said Wednesday that “Marley’s siblings remain in foster care and Child Welfare Services is working with the family to identify other relatives and kin as placement options.”

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND FORECAST THROUGH FRIDAY, 20 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a chance of showers.  Some shower activity at night.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Mostly sunny and hazy.   Some upslope showers expected by nightfall.

Highs near 81.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the east southeast by Friday, 7 to 14 mph.  Sunrise Friday–6:57 a.m.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH FRIDAY, 20 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–1 to 2 feet.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–3 to 4 feet.  Hamakua–2 to 3 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–flat to 1 foot.

For the latest in community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  More state and local news can be found under “Hawaii 24/7″ on the righthand sidebar.

Have an excellent day!

Russ Roberts, editior

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 18 January through 19 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m tracking through Thursday, 19 January 2012:

Mayor signs bag bill; building proposal triggers concern; Waimea man charged in child’s death; and Laupahoehoe School ruling is delayed.

Sources cited in this article include the Associated Press, Stephens Media, and the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“.  Additional local and statewide news can be found in the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7″.

BAG BILL SIGNED

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  On Tuesday, Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi signed a controversial bill banning plastic bag at store checkout stands.  Kenoi, who is attending the United States Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., waited until the Tuesday deadline to approve the bag-reduction bill the County Council signed last month.  The new law will not take effect for a year.  The mayor said the bill supported by North Kohala Councilman Pete Hoffman would serve as an important milestone in the county’s efforts to attain “zero waste.”

WAIMEA MAN CHARGED IN CHILD’S DEATH

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Police have charged a 37-year-old Waimea man with manslaughter after a 3-year-old niece left in his care died under allegedly suspicious circumstances.  Fire rescue personnel responded Friday night to a report of a girl found unconscious at home with labored breathing.  Medics tood the girl to the North Hawaii Community Hospital, and doctors notified police after discovering suspicious bruising on her body.  Police arrested Ezekiel Ramzey Wakinehona at 9:15 p.m. at the hospital for suspicion of domestic abuse.  The girl’s two sisters, ages 2 and 6, were taken into protective custody.  Wakinekona was taken to the Kona police station while Juvenile Aid Section detectives continued to investigate.

LAUPAHOEHOE SCHOOL RULING IS DELAYED

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The Hawaii Board of Education has given itself one week to issue a decision concerning the disagreement between the Laupahoehoehoe Community Public Charter School and its state oversight panel, which has said it intends to delay the opening of the school.  The charter school was set to open at the end of this July, but the state Charter School Review Panel ruled last December that it would not be allowed to launch until July 2013.  Hilo attorney Brian De Lima, Hawaii Island’s representative on the Board of Education, said on Tuesday that board members opted to render a decision at a later date following an hour of closed deliberations, due to the complicated nature of the issue and the specific wording that would be required in their ruling.

HIT AND RUN SENTENCE

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald/Stephens Media).  A Hilo man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison for striking, dragging, and killing a mo-ped rider with an armored van last year.  Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara ordered Keolaokalani W. Kailianu to begin serving his prison term immediately.  Kailianu pleaded no contest in November to negligent homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.  In a plea arrangement with prosecutors, manslaughter and DUI charges were dropped.  Police said Kailianu failed to yield the right of way and that he dragged UH-Hilo student Ted Braxton about 100 feet.  Braxton’s father told the court that since his son’s death, he and his wife felt “only emptiness where joy used to be.”

BODY FOUND A POHOIKI BEACH

(Hawaii County Police Department).  Police say the body of a man in his 50s was found Tuesday morning in the vicinity of Isaac Hale Beach Park in Pohoiki.  A police department press release did not indicate the condition of the body or how long man had been dead.  An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning to determine the exact cause of death and to assist in the identification of the body.  Anyone with information on this case should call Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2383.

SUSPECT IN FATAL FIGHT APPEARS IN COURT

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald/Hawaii County Police Department).  A 21-year-old Waimea man accused of killing another man outside the Karma sports bar in Hilo last month made his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon.  Wayle Carenio was ordered to return to Hilo District Court for a preliminary hearing on 9 February at 2 p.m.  Carenio is charged with manslaughter for the death of 44-year-old Roy Williams of Mountain View, who died 04 December 2011, a day after an early morning fight outside the bar.

THEFT SUSPECT IS FOUND

(Hawaii County Police Department).  Police have found 35-year-old Van Tu, who was wanted on a bench warrant for contempt of court and for questioning in connection with a theft investigation. Tu was found Friday in Hamakua and arrested and charged on the bench warrant.  He was also arrested for theft and later released on that offense pending further investigation.

BUILDING CODE PROBLEMS

(Stephens Media).   Alternative building materials, such as bamboo, rammed earth, and straw bales have been incorporated into many international building codes, but these items will not be found in the version of the Hawaii County Building Code currently under consideration by the Hawaii County Council.  The removal of these material is a prime concern of Ken Long, a retired fire protection engineer from San Francisco, who says he has 40 years experience reading building codes as a fire official and as an insurance evaluator.  Following a lengthy meeting with Council Chairman Dominic Yagong and Ka’u Councilwoman Brittany Smart, Long said it may be possible to add these material before the code is finalized.  Long said he has been in touch with Department of Public Works Staff, trying to convince them that the alternative materials would provide energy-efficient solutions, cut construction costs, and reduce waste.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER FORECAST THROUGH THURSDAY, 19 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly cloudy with a few showers.  Some shower activity at night.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny and hazy.  A few upslope showers by late afternoon.

Sunrise Thursday–6:57 a.m.  Highs near 82.  Lows near 67.  Winds shifting to the southeast, 8 to 16 mph.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH THURSDAY, 19 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–1-2.  Kona and Banyans–2-3.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–1-2.  Hamakua–3-4.  Hilo and Honolii–1-2.

For the latest in community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.

Have an excellent day!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beutiful Hamakua Coast.

Hawaii Island News, 17 January through 18 January 2012

Here are some of the stories I’m following through Wednesday, 18 Janaury 2012:

Home prices drop on Hawaii Island; weight loss clinic opens in Hilo; and plastic bag bill awaits mayoral approval.

Sources cited in this summary include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, and Stephens Media.  Additional stories can be found on the righthand side bar under “Hawaii 24/7“.

HOME PRICES DROP

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Median home prices fell across Hawaii Island in 2011 to their lowest level in years.  Data compiled by the Hawaiii Information Service show that the median sales price of a Hawaii Island home fell by 4.9 percent to $242,500 in 2011, compared with the previous year.  However, that number varies by district, with a median price ranging from a high in North Kohala of $470,050 to a low of $119,000 in Ka’u.  Overall, the trend toward falling prices continued in all districts except for South Kona, where the median sales price increased by 20 percent.  The end result of those falling prices is the increase in the number of homes sold and the sales volume, which rose in every district except Hilo and Puna.

BARIATRIC SURGERY OPTIONS COME TO HILO

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  In an effort to expand its bariatric surgery program for the seriously overweight in our community, The Queen’s Medical Center celebrated the opening Saturday of a clinic in Hilo that will provide all of the pre- and post-operative care needed to participate in theprogram.  Medical Director Cedric Lorenzo said the new facility “means they (patients) no longer have to travel to Honolulu for the improtant pre-surgery and post-care…we’re coming to them instead.”  According to Lorenzo, patients must be seen a total of 10 times during their first year and a half in the program.  The clinic is located at 670 Ponahawai Street, Suite 122.  The Hilo clinic will host the program’s entire weight management team one day a month to meet with Hawaii Island residents ,and may expand its hours if necessary.  For details on the weight management program or on the surgical procedure, call 808-691-7546.

PLASTIC BAG BAN UP FOR APPROVAL

(Stephens Media).  A bill banning plastic bags at the retail checkout stand will become law today if Mayor Billy Kenoi doesn’t veto the measure.  Bill 17 passed the Hawaii County Council on a 5-3 vote, with Council Chairman Dominic Yagong abstaining because he works in the food retailing industry.  That mean the council, unless a member changes his/her vote, doesn’t have the six votes needed to override a veto.  Mayor Kenoi says he’s received many telephone calls and emails on the bag bill, saying “the community is very passionate about this issue on both sides of it.”

WONG AND MEYER EARN TOP SPORTS HONORS

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  A young professional baseball player with a promising future and a longtime volunteer with a big heart woven into the community have been honored for their contributions in 2011.  According to reporter Bill O’Rear, Kilten Wong, a former UH-Manoa standout and a rising star in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system, has been named the 2011 Big Island Athlete of the Year.  In those 12 months, he finished off his outstanding three-year career, was drafted by the Cardinals, and went on to a highly productive season with major league club’s Quad Cities River Bandits, a Class A team in Iowa that captured the Midwest League title.  Gerry Meyer, a highly respected baseball coach for decades with youth, high school, and college players, has been selected the 2011 Big Island Sportsman of the Year.  A former star pitcher in his early days, he has spent countless hours helping young players hone their skills on the diamond, a positive trend that has continued for many years.  Congratulations to both of you!

KONA BRUSH FIRE EXTINGUISED

(Hawaii County Fire Department).  A Saturday brush fire in Kona burned an acre of grassland, but didn’t damage any developed property.  According to a press release from the Hawaii County Fire Department, six units respondede to the alarm at 3:28 p.m., with the first unit arriving on scene on the Kohala side of Honokohau Street seven minutes later.  The fire, which was next to a granite and construction fabrication facility, was extinguished by 4:50 p.m..  No one was injured.  The cause of the blaze has not been determined.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 18 January 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny and hazy.  Expect a few showers throughout the day and evening hours.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny and hazy.   Expect a few upslope showers by late afternoon.

Highs near 82.  Lows near 66.  Winds shifting to the southeast by Wednesday, 8 to 16 mph.  Sunset Tuesday–6:03 p.m.  Sunrise Wednesday–6:57 a.m.

KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 18 January 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–1-2.  Kona and Banyans–2-3 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–1-3 feet.  Hamakua–3 to 4 feet.  Hilo and Honolii- 1 to 2 feet.

For the latest community events, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.  More local and statewide stories can be found in the righthand sidebar under “Hawaii 24/7″.

Have an excellent day!

Russ Roberts, editor

Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.