The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

HEADLINES:

Shooting suspect arrested and held in police custody.

Thirty years of Pu’u O’o.

Kohala Councilwoman concerned about the state Public Land Development Corporation.

Upgrades finished for the Mo’oheau Bus Terminal.

DETAILS (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Police have arrested and detained a suspect after two police officers were shot and injured around 9 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Pono Place on Kilauea Avenue near the Wailoa Pond in Hilo.

Speaking a rededication ceremony and blessing for the renovated Mo’oheau Bus Terminal, Hawaii County Mayor identified the wounded officers as Garrett Hatada and Joshua Gouveia.

Police told reporter John Burnett that the suspect is 31-year-old Keaka Martin of Hilo, who shot himself in the chest as members of a law enforcement team converged on an East Palai Street home where Martin was hiding shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday.  Police arrested Martin on suspicion of two counts of attempted first-degree murder and took him to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

According to reporter Burnett, “Martin has an extensive rap sheet, including convictions for second-degree assault on a police officer and secon-degree terroristic threatening, but no prior felony convictions….”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  On Thursday, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park celebrated the 30th anniversary of the continuing Pu’u O’o eruption.  Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane told reporter Colin Stewart that the ongoing eruption may be responsible for the increasing number of visitors to the park, adding “While we don’t ask guests when they come in the gate why they came…I feel confident that was laregly because of Pu’u O’o.”  Ferracane said that the ongoing eruption has created “a renewed interest in Hawaii Island’s unique volcanic eruptions.”

Park Ranger Kupono McDaniel echoed these sentiments, saying he feels privileged to have been part of the event cycle since 1997—”it’s been an exciting time…I totally (am) totally connected to this eruption, emotionally.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  On Thursday, Hawaii County celebrated the completion of an extensive, four-month renovation of Hilo’s Mo’oheau Bus Terminal.  Officials applauded the accomplishments of the $664,000 project, which made the facility “more aesthetically pleasing and accessible for the disabled.”  Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi said “a benefit to the downtown is a benefit to everyone.”

According to reporter Tom Callis, the goal of the project was “to make the facility and the nearby bandstand compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.”  To accomplish this goal, sidewalks were widened, bathrooms made more accessible for the disabled, and ramps were redone with a lower slope.  Hawaii County workers also repainted the terminal, replaced the roof, and added skylights.

Also, the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association’s office at the bus terminal was redone to provide more lobby space.  Association President Alice Moon said the DIA sees between 30,000 and 40,000 people each year at the office, where staff sells bus tickets and provides information for visitors.  Moon added that the new office will make a big difference, saying she expects the visitor count to double in the year ahead.  Moon seemed satisfied with the renovations, noting that “this is a very special place…we love it dearly.  And now it’s even better for the entire community.”

(Stephens Media).  Even though the state Public Land Development Corporation hasn’t adopted its final rules and regulations, Kohala Councilwoman Mararet Wille wants Hawaii County to be prepared should those rules interfere with Hawaii County’s home rule powers.

According to reporter Nancy Cook Lauer, Wille will hold a public discussion session about the potential impact of the PLDC at the County Council Planning Committee’s 1 p.m. Tuesday meeting.  You can submit your testimony in the Hilo council chambers or by video teleconference from the West Hawai Civic Center, the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates Commuity Center, or at the Waimea or Pahoa council offices.

Although the PLDC package was approved with little opposition in the state Legislature, the agency quickly became the target of those concerned about development with little public oversight.  Opponents of the PLDC feared the agency could have a negative impact on the state’s environment.

Wille told reporter Lauer that Hawaii County has the most to lose.  She wants the county council and the community to have a better idea about whether the appointed five-member board could reject county zoning and land use codes. Wille noted that “most of this is public lands under the public trust…the state is the trustee for Native Hawaiians dn the public…you are accountable to those beneficiaries…you’re not just acting like this is private property to do with as you will.”

Wille closed her comments by saying “it really is something that affects us in the long term…are we selling out our watersheds?  Damaging our reefs with coastal development?  You basically have this little dictatorship.”

This brings us to our current news poll.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH SATURDAY, 05 January 2013:

Hilo and vicinity–Mostly cloudy with a few windward showers.  Continued breezy.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly cloudy with a few isolated showers west of Waikoloa and south of Captain Cook.

Sunrise Saturday–6:56 a.m.  Sunset Saturday–5:56 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Saturday–10 hours, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR SATURDAY, 05 January 2013:

Hilo High Tide–8:23 a.m./11:07 p.m.  Hilo Low Tide–3:01 a.m./3:38 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tide–9:01 a.m./11:45 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–3:38 a.m./4:15 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SATURDAY, 05 January 2013:

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat.  Kona and Banyans–flat to 1 foot.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–2 to 4 feet.  Hamakua–3 to 5 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 3 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

You can join our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for being part of our day!

Russ Roberts, site administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

HEADLINES:

Pahoa Aquatic Center will undergo major repairs.

Could the old Pahoa Police Station be better used?

Hokulia is being sold.

DETAILS (with sources identified):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  On Monday, Hawaii County will begin a $1.5 million upgrade to the Pahoa Acquatic Center.  Isemoto Contracting Company, Ltd. is the lead contractor on the project, which will require the complete draining of the pool.  According to reporter Colin Stewart, the repairs include “an expansion to the building, a reconfiguration of its pumps, circulation piping and filtration system, and addressing of the recurring leaks that have impacted the daily operation of the pool.”  Swimmers who use the Pahoa pool will have to look elsewhere for at least six months.

In addition to the basic repair package, the Department of Parks and Recreation says “contract terms also call for installing roof-mounted solar heating panels to help warm the pool water, a new variable frequency drive to manage the pump motors more efficiently, and performing various repairs and safety upgrades to the facility.

P & R public information officer Jason Armstrong tells reporter Stewart that the repairs will solve an issue that has produced major problems for county personnel.  In the old design, pumps were susceptible to electrical interruptions, which often lead to unintentional draining of the pool.  Armstrong believes that “by having new pumps and relocating their location, by having teh pump submerged, we won’t have (that problem).  Armstrong says the upgrades will result in cleaner water, better water circulation, and lower power consumption.

(Stephens Media).  Hawaii County  Property Manager Ken Van Bergen tells reporter Nancy Cook Lauer that the county is implementing plans to move a county council office to the old Pahoa Police Station.  Last year, Hawaii County did not ask for bids when it leased the vacant building to three community groups for $1 year.  At the same time, the County of Hawaii paid $22,000 a year for a district council office in a nearby shopping center.

Van Bergen tells reporter Lauer that “the occupying nonprofit leasees were a good use of the space while the administration found suitable county tenants, but that situation is about to change.”  Newly elected Puna Councilman Greggor Ilagan, who rents office space in the shopping center on a month-to-month basis, says he won’t move until something more permanent can be arranged.  Ilagan adds “it’s not a done deal yet…we haven’t made a decision…I want to make sure that everyone is being treated fairly and left in the dust.”  Ilagan says several community groups have told him they don’t want to move, nor do they want to use space in his office.  Ilagan will meet with county officials Wednesday to resolve the issue.

(Stephens Media).  The long saga of Hokulia is taking another turn.  According to reporter Erin Miller,  a Phoenix-and Sacramento-based real estate investment firm with close ties to the Walton family is buying Hokulia.

On Monday morning, John Shaw, the General Manager of The Club at Hokulia confirmed that SunChase Holdings bought the Hokulia phase 2 and 3 notes from Lloyd’s Bank.  In addition, SunChase indicates that it’s planning to buy 52 lots from The Club at Hokulia and the Hokulia Community Association.

Since this is the beginning of a New Year, let’s see what kind of resolutions you’re planning to keep (or to break).  Here is our resolutions poll.  It’s fun and may be more revealing than you think.

HAWAII WEATHER THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 02 January 2013:

Hilo and vicinity–A mixture of clouds and sunshine.  Expect a few early morning and early evening showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Sunshine and patchy clouds with some upslope showers.  Shower activity expected south of Captain Cook.

Sunrise Wednesday–6:55 a.m.  Sunset Wednesday–5:54 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Wednesday–10 hours, 58 minutes, and 35 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR WEDNESDAY, 02 January 2013:

Hilo High Tide–6:10 a.m./6:47 p.m.  Hilo Low Tide–1:03 p.m. (only one  low tide on Wednesday).

Kailua-Kona Low Tide–6:48 a.m./7:25 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–1:40 p.m. (only one low tide on Wednesday).

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 02 January 2013:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for west-facing shores through Wednesday, 02 January 2013.

Hapuna Beach breaks–3 to 6 feet.  Kona and Banyans–4 to 8 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–4 to 6 feet.  Hamakua–4 to 6 feet. Hilo and Honolii–2 to 3 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for dropping by!

Russ Roberts, site administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

HEADLINES:

Thirty years of continuous eruption at Pu’u O’o reveals many geologic secrets.

Tourism shows gains on Hawaii Island.

Man shot and killed along the Hilo Bayfront Highway.

DETAILS (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  On Thursday, the continuous volcanic eruption from Kilauea’s Pu’u O’o vent will enter its thirtieth year with no sign of stopping.  According to reporter Colin Stewart, the three decade span of activity is a mere moment compared to our planet’s long geological history.  But those lava excursions “have supplied a veritable treasure trove of opportunities to further mankind’s understanding of the forces that help shape our planet.”

Jim Kauahikaua, the scientist in charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, tells reporter Stewart that “the changes in technology over the last 30 years have allowed us to see much more and be more quantitative about measuring the changes a volcano goes through…we’ve learned a lot about lava lakes–a very important piece of the puzzle.”

Kauahikaua says anything is possible in the future, including a halt to all volcanic activity or the extension of the current eruptive schedule for “another 30 years, or even longer.”  Kauahikaua tells reporter Stewart that one area where scientists hope for a major breakthrough is in the area of lava lakes, adding that “a lot of the work going on at the observatory right now is trying to really understand in general their relation to summit eruptions.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Visitor numbers are increasing on Hawaii Island.  Big Island Visitor Bureau executive director George Applegate tells reporter Tom Callis that the island is just short of the 1,318,310 visitors it saw last year.  Applegate adds that “I think it’s going to be a real good year for us.”  He also notes that visitors are spending a bit more money than in previous years.  The Hawaii Tourism Authority says visitors spent $1.5 billion on Hawaii Island during the first 11 months of this year, “up 17.3 percent from the same time period in 2011.”

Despite the generally upbeat assessment from tourism officials, HTA brand management vice president David Uchiyama tells reporter Callis that the low occupancy rate on Hawaii Island is a major concern, saying that figure could be reversed by re-establishing direct flights between Kona and Japan.

Applegate also indicates that he will push for air routes between Hawaii Island and Japan and returning direct flights between San Francisco and Hilo.

(Hawaii Fire Department).  According to the Hawaii Fire Department, an unidentified man drowned Saturday while he was picking opihi.  Fire officials said the victim, between 40 and 45 years old, was found at 3:24 p.m. floating facedown offshore near OTEC Road.  The area is located near the Kona International Airport.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  A 32-year-old man was shot and killed Saturday night along Hilo’s Bayfront Highway following a domestic dispute with his wife.  According to reporters John Burnett and Tom Callis, police found Faafetai Fiu of Hilo unresponsive at 8:51 p.m. on the makai side of the highway near the Mo’oheau Bandstand after police received reports of gunshots in the area.

Police Lt. Greg Esteban said Fiu had multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the Hilo Medical Center.  Esteban said the victim was walking in the area following “what appeared to be a dispute with his spouse.”  No suspects or motives have been declared in a case police are calling second-degree murder.

Esteban added that Fiu’s wife was in the area when the incident took place and has since been interviewed.  Esteban said “she is not a suspect at this time.”  Police are considering all possibilities, including a random attack.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH TUESDAY, 01 January 2013:

Hilo and vicinity–Cloudy with a few windward showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few leeward showers.

Highs near 79.  Lows near 63.  Winds shifting to the east, 6 to 12 mph, by Tuesday.

Sunrise Tuesday–6:55 a.m.  Sunset Tuesday–5:53 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Tuesday–10 hours, 58 minutes, and 17 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR TUESDAY, 01 January 2013:

Hilo High Tide–5:37 a.m./5:43 p.m.  Hilo Low Tide–12:23 p.m./11:18 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tide–6:15 a.m./6:21 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–1:00 p.m./11:55 p.m.

HAWAII SURF FORECAST THROUGH TUESDAY, 01 January 2013:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for west-facing shores through Tuesday, 01 January 2013.

Hapuna Beach breaks–3 to 5 feet. Kona and Banyans–6 to 9 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–4 to 5 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 3 feet.  Hamakua–4 to 6 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for joining us today.  Happy New Year to everyone!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

HEADLINES:

The Year 2012–a look back.

Hawaii’s gun laws are among the strictest in the country.

DETAILS (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The Year 2012 was an exciting time for Hawaii Island residents.  We re-elected President Obama; we lost some key political and community members, including Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye; and survived a major shake-up in the county Office of Elections.

“Hawaii Tribune-Herald” reporter John Burnett has an extensive review of the passing year in the Sunday, 30 December 2012 edition.  I’ve excerpted a few highlights from his excellent article.

The end of the Mayan calendar passed without an apocalypse.  Reporter Burnett observed that “had there been an actual apocalypse and anyone survived, they’d have to  do without Twinkes, perhaps the only food capable of surviving an apocalypse.”

On a more serious note, reporter Burnett recounted the turbulence and ballot irregularities that plagued both Hawaii County in the Primary Election and the state of Hawaii in the General Election.  Following the General Election, Hawaii County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi resigned left her position to accept a new role as a county deputy prosecutor in Kona.

Alinement and reapportionment changed the composition of the county council, the state legislature, and even the U.S. Senate.  One casualty of the reapportionment was the decision by Hilo state Representative Jerry Chang not to seek reelection.  In Hawaii County government, Mayor Billy Kenoi was reelected by narrow 2 percent margin over challenger and former Hawaii County Mayor, Harry Kim.

According to reporter Burnett, “the death of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye left a void that no one individual could ever hope to fill.”  Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Lt. Governor Brian Schatz to succeed Inouye.

A 7.7 -magnitude earthquake and resultant tsunami generated near Vancouver, British Columbia on 27 October caught many of us by surprise.  Although a tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach, Oahu at 7:09 p.m., many Hawaii residents were uninformed about the tsunami because 13 of the island’s 71 Civil Defense warning sirens malfunctioned.  Sirens in many areas of the county didn’t sound until 9:10 p.m.  Many residents learned about the tsunami warning through social media and radio broadcasts.  Fortunately, no lives were lost.

Hawaii County Mayor approved a ban on certain kinds of plastic shopping bags.  Retail outlets will have one year, starting 17 January 2013, to phase out their supply of one-use plastic bags.

Many Hawaii County residents were upset with a rate hike proposal  from the Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO).  The utility argued that rate increases were necessary to upgrade the grid and to support a proposed biodiesel refinery in the Ka’u District.

These are just a few stories that highlighted key events on Hawaii Island in 2012.  You can find John Burnett’s complete article under the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” sidebar.

(Stephens Media).  As the nation grapples with the issue of gun control laws and possible restrictions  the Second Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, Hawaii remains one of the states with the strictest gun ownership laws in the country.

Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth tells reporter Erin Miller that gun-related crimes in the state “are relatively low, and it has a hunting culture that is ‘pretty respectful’ when it comes to using guns.”  Roth adds that “when you compare our gun laws to federal glun laws, they’re very similar.”  The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence considers Hawaii’s gun laws as the sixth-best in the nation.

Hawaii Police Department Lt. Randal Ishii tells reporter Miller that “Hawaii residents cannot purchase a firearm without first getting a permit to acquire the gun…people apply for those permits through the police department, and the department first checks local, state, and national data bases to see if the applicant has been convicted of a felony or a violent crime…”  Ishii says people who buy handguns must also complete a hunter safety and education course.

The issue of gun control and the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is the basis of our next news poll.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH MONDAY, 31 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Mostly cloudy with periods of sunshine.  Expect a few showers throughout the day.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly cloudy with a few afternoon showers south of Captain Cook and west of Waikoloa.

Highs near 80.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the southeast, 6 to 12 mph, by Monday.

Sunrise Monday–6:55 a.m.  Sunset Monday–5:53 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Monday–10 hours, 58 minutes, and 00 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR MONDAY, 31 December 2012:

Hilo High Tide–5:05 a.m./4:53 p.m.  Hilo Low Tide–11:47 a.m./10:37 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tide–5:43 a.m./5:31 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–12:24 p.m./11:14 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH MONDAY, 31 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for northwest-facing shores through Monday, 31 December 2012.

Hapuna Beach breaks–1 to 3 feet.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 3 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–4 to 5 feet.  Hamakua–4 to 6 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 3 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These news feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

You can follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for joining us today. Drive carefully over the holidays.

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The Big Island holiday season is the time when very special properties come on the market.  The best resort and oceanfront properties are released to the market this time of year.

Mauna Kea Resort adds two very cool properties to its limited inventory of homes and land for sale.   These properties are really one; a stately home on one parcel and the adjacent empty lot.  It’s a very interesting opportunity for the right person.

Forty Nine Black Sand Beach also has this new listing of a great oceanfront lot.  The owners club at 49-Black Sand Beach is quietly and tropically elegant set steps away from the black sands of Honu’apae Bay.  There is also the possibility that I can sell you a great house at Pau’oa Beach…..have a shy seller who would like to sell quietly at the moment.  We may go on the active market in early 2013.

Oceanfront Kailua-Kona has some new, high quality merry season offerings.  There is a very attractive oceanfront home and  a great lot for sale only a short walk away from Keiki Beach at Kona Bay Estates.   A home that more than one oceanfront buyer asked about at Ali’i Point is finally on the market.  There is also a new lot listing a few lots north. Down at the end of Keauhou past all the condos, along a dusty beach road is this very cool Island style home.  Island life has totally different feeling from resort living out here at the edge of Keauhou.

There are many reasons why this is the time of year that typically generates the best quality of Real Estate inventory.  As they say” timing is everything” and then there’s that phrase about “location, location, location”….. The location is Hawaii; the timing is now.  The winter market is shaping up to be one of beautiful choices at good values.  Just the way life should be….

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!

A hui hou!

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Check out about more Hawaiian beer and where to buy it!

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

Congressional colleagues honor the late Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye.

Hawaii Lt. Governor Brian Schatz will apply for the Senate seat vacated by the death of Daniel Inouye.

Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie wants to spend more money on “necessities.”

Man killed in bus-SUV accident.

Reed’s Island bridge will be closed on 28 December 2012.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Associated Press).  Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye, the second-longest serving senator in our nation’s history, was honored Thursday as a man who gallantly defended his country on the battlefield and gracefully sought to better it during more than 50 years of service to the state of Hawaii.

Colleagues and aides lined the Capitol rotunda five deep to bid farewell.  According to AP reporter Kevin Freking, “the rare ceremony demonstrated the respect and good will he generated over the years.”  Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told AP that “Daniel Inouye was an institution, and he deserved to spend at least another day in this beautiful building to which he dedicated his life.”

Inouye’s casket was draped with the American flag during the morning ceremony and placed atop the same catafalque that supported the coffin of Abraham Lincoln.  As Inouye’s family and staff looked on, Reid, House Speaker John Boehner, and Vice President Joe Biden paid tribute to a man whom Biden said “made him proud to be called a senator.”

(Associated Press).  Hawaii Lt. Governor Brian Schatz tells AP that he is applying for the U.S. Senate seat vacancy left by the death of Daniel Inouye.  In his prepared statement, Schatz says no one can take Inouye’s place.  He hopes, however, to make the case to state Democratic party members that he should be among the three candidates to succeed Inouye.  Schatz joins U.S. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa in announcing plans to apply for the job.

Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie will select Inouye’s replacement from a list of three candidates sent to him by the state Democratic party.  The party’s central committee plans to meet on 28 December.  The application deadline is Monday, 24 December 2012.

(Associated Press).  According to the Associated Press, up to 1,000 mourners are expected at this weekend’s memorial service for the late Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye.  Nadine Siak, a representative of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, where the service will be held, tells AP that the ceremony will be memorial with plans for a private burial by the family later.  The late senator will lie in state at the Hawaii state Capitol in Honolulu on Saturday.  Inouye died on Monday from respiratory failure.  He was 88 years old.

(Hawaii Police Department/Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Police say a 45-year old Kailua-Kona man died early Thursday morning after his sport utility vehicle struck a Hele On Bus on Wednesday afternoon near the 3-mile marker in Ookala.  Police identified the man as Kris Korban, whose 1993 Ford Explorer crossed the center line and hit the bus head on.  Korban was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at  4:38 a.m.

Five passengers from the bus were taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.  The 58-year-old bus driver was treated for minor injuries at the Hilo Medical Center.

Police tell the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that alcohol may have been a factor in the fatal accident.  Korban’s death is the 38th official traffic fatality so far this year.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The Reed’s Island bridge in Hilo will be shut down for four hours on Friday, 28 December 2012, as crews prepare to make repairs to the structure.  The bridge will be closed again from 14 January 2013 until October.  The old bridge is being repaired to allow it to carry emergency vehicles and better withstand earthquakes.

According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald,” the $6.4 million project will include the replacement of the wooden surface with steel beams and decking, the addition of concrete anchors to the foundation, and the installation of lateral bracing.

The 40 homes in the immediate area of the bridge will be accessed by a detour over a gulch near Hale Street.  Modifications to the structure will increase the bridge’s load rating from six tons to 20 tons.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH SATURDAY, 22 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few brief showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few upslope showers.

Highs near 78.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the east southeast, 7 to 14 mph, by Saturday.

Sunrise Saturday–6:51 a.m.  Sunset Saturday–5:48 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Saturday–10 hours, 56 minutes, and 36 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR SATURAY, 22 December 2012:

Hilo High Tide–12:06 a.m./10:24 a.m.  Hilo Low Tide–7:19 a.m./5:18 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tide–12:44 a.m./11:02 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–6:50 a.m./5:55 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SATURDAY, 22 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores through Saturday, 22 December 2012.

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat.  Kona and Banyans–flat to 1 foot.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–5 to 7 feet.  Hamakua–6 to 8 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–4 to 6 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Join our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for being part of our day!  Drive carefully this holiday season.

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG NEWS HAWAII WITH RUSS ROBERTS

Our first stop was “Pristine Kealakekua Bay”, a State Historical Park and Marine Life Conservation District. It is the largest deep water bay in Hawaii, located below the town of Captain Cook. This is where James Cook anchored in 1779, on his 3rd Pacific voyage and also where he was killed in a skirmish with the locals. A small plot of land was given to the British and a Memorial was erected to honour Captain Cook. It is situated across the bay and is accessible only by water or a very difficult hike, straight down from the town, not recommended, The Bay is a marine reserve and visitors are encouraged to take a tour or paddle their own kayak and not encouraged to go there on their own.

35x from the hillside above Kealakekua Bay.

The park is also home to the remains of the Hiki-au-Heiau, a site of old Hawaiian worship where human sacrifices were carried out. It is a flat area built with lava rocks about 5 feet high. It is kapu for anyone to walk on this sacred site.

In the foreground.

Further along the coast we came to “The Place of Refuge”. This was a place where The Royals would go and was an area where “no blood could be shed”, therefore, if the regular people broke a taboo or kapu they were given the chance to reach this area, via water, and to have their crime absolved by the priests. Good for them if they survived the spears being thrown at them and the sharks! Examples of crimes punishable by death – walking on the path reserved for royals; having your shadow fall on the path when royals were coming; eating bananas, only for royals.

Waiting for his Canoe to come in.

At The Place of Refuge

At The Place of Refuge

at The Place of Refuge

Green Sea Turtle at The Place of Refuge

Ate lunch at the Kona Coffee House & Cafe. An unassuming building on the main road with tables in back, excellent food and friendly staff.

Burger

Followed the road south to the signs for the Green Sand Beach and The Southern Most Point in Hawaii and the USA.

The highway cuts through many of these.

Missed seeing the Green Sand Beach, it was a 3 mile hike over lava fields or we needed a 4 X 4 to go the extra distance from parking area.

We did go to the Southern Most Point. This area was once an army base during WW 2 and a sugar cane loading area. There is about a 30 or 50 foot drop into the ocean, my guess. With old falling apart frames for getting cargo up and down. There is also a long ladder into the water. We missed by moments, seeing a fellow jump into a large blow-hole and climb up the ladder!

At The Southern Most Point

At The Southern Most Point

Not much else to see here except cliffs, wind turbines in the distance, fisherman and a lady selling jewellery from the back of her car.

Penny and Peggy get in the picture.

Wind Turbines

Bev and I bought bracelets made from olivine (sp?). Little stones made from pieces that are stuck in larger pieces of lava. The same stuff that the green sand beach is made of.

Back on the road to Volcanoes National Park, we arrived just in time to see the steam vents as we quickly drove by. The sun was almost down and as it got darker the Kilauea Caldera, about 1 mile from the observation area beside the Jagger Museum, glowed brighter. Very interesting. Because this volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983 there are areas that are closed off to the public because of dangerous gas and ash emissions, also causes Vog, sort of like smog.

Peggy gets in the picture

Boat tours leave from Hilo to see lava flowing into the ocean. (FYI – lava stopped flowing into the ocean as of Dec. 18. Could start again any time.)

The return drive was dark, but the roads are well-marked with different coloured eyes embedded in the pavement and lots of speed signs and markers. The sky was dazzling with stars. We could see the lights of Kailua-Kona and were amazed at how far it spread up the sides of the hill.

Arrived at the condo at 9:20 pm having driven 218.8 miles round trip.

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

Death of Senator Inouye may impact two Hawaii Island road projects.

Hanabusa will apply for Inouye’s U.S. Senate seat.

Waiakea Village investors loose foreclosure case.

Megatsunamis once wrecked the Ka’u coastline.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Stephens Media).  The death of Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye could jeopardize federal funding for two major Hawaii Island road projects.  According to reporter Nancy Cook Lauer, the final link in the Saddle Road improvement project and the next phase of the Ane Keohokalole Highway in West Hawaii could face funding delays by the passing of Inouye, who was successful in bringing “earmark” projects to Hawaii Island.

However, there are a  few recipients of federal money, who anticipated the possible loss of federal funds and planned accordingly.  Among those fortunate few is the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center, which “weaned itself from the dedicated source of federal funding and is managing without it.”

‘Imiloa Executive Director Ka’iu Kimura told reporter Lauer that the loss of Senator Inouye “won’t have an impact on our operations…we’ve been preparing ourselves to be off earmarks and we’re doing OK.”

As for our unfinished road projects, the picture is a bit cloudy.  Walter Kunitake, a member of the nine-member Saddle Road Task Force, told Stephens Media that work on the final portion of the project, the Mamaloahoa Highway to the Queen Kaahumanu Highway at Waikoloa Beach Drive, could begin as early as 2017 and be done two years later.  However, there has been no release of federal funds to complete the estimated $45 to $50 million road project.

Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi remains optimistic, saying “we are hopeful and optimistic that it will continue, in spite of the passing of our beloved senator.”

Mayor Kenoi is a bit more guarded on the Ane Keohokalole Mid-Level Highway project, which will extend the road from Hina Lani Street to Kaiminani Drive at an estimated cost between $30 million and $50 million.  The mayor told reporter Lauer that he’ll continue to seek support for the uncompleted project, adding that “clearly a lot of work needs to be done with everybody working together to ensure projects that are started are ultimately completed wit help from the county, state, and congressional delegation.”

(Associated Press).  A spokesman for U.S. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa tells AP reporter Becky Bohrer that Hanabusa will apply for the Senate vacancy created by the death of Daniel Inouye.  Hanabusa is the early favorite for the post, having won the personal endorsement of the late senator.  In a letter to Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie, Inouye said his last wish was for Hanabusa to succeed him

Abercrombie spokeswoman Louise Kim McCoy declined to comment on how much influence the governor might give to Inouye’s request in appointing his replacement.  McCoy told the Associated Press that Abercrombie had no plans to apply for the vacancy himself.  Neither does retiring U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, who is supporting Hanabusa for the position.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura has ruled that the former owners of Hilo’s Waiakea Village commercial property still owe the bank that foreclosed on the site more than $1 million after the bank purchased the property in a foreclosure auction.  According to reporter John Burnett, Vernon and Noenoe Lindsey of Maui owe the California-based Owens Mortgage Investment Fund almost $1.03 million.

The court-appointed foreclosure commissioner, Hilo attorney Sandra Song, filed her final distribution report on 28 November 2012, detailing the expenditures by Owens concerning the foreclosure process.  Reporter Burnett said the statement included legal fees, money owed to Day-Lum Rentals & Management to run the property during foreclosure, funds for Honolulu attorneys representing Owens, and money to Hawaii County for overdue taxes.

Song told reporter Burnett that Day-Lum is still managing the commercial property, which has only three active tenants.  Song said the 12-building complex is old and in “terrible shape” because of poor maintenace and water damage.

Despite the drawbacks of the property, Hilo-born real estate developer Peter Savio told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” in November that he’s finalizing a deal to buy both the commercial and residential properties with the aim of making a $25 million “Pagoda-style” hotel on the property.  Savio bought Honolulu’s Pagoda Hotel in 2010.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  UH-Manoa oceanography professor Gary McMurty tells reporter Tom Callis that the Ka’u coastline of Hawaii Island was devasted by at least two megatsunamis at least 500 feet tall between 12,000 and 50,000 years ago.  Although that sounds like a liner to a Hollywood disaster movie, McMurty feels he has sufficient evidence to prove his case.

McMurty believes these gigantic tsunamis were caused by huge submarine landslides on the flanks of Mauna Loa.  McMurty tells reporter Callis that the collapsing flanks pushed water ashore, leaving deposits of coral and boulders  as far as “200 meters inland.”  Some of the rocks found by his team during last April’s field work measured 16 feet in diameter.  McMurty said “they mus be tsunami deposits, they’re so big…they are all up and down the coast.”

Based on the location and size of the rocks and coral found along the Ka’u coastline, McMurty thinks the waves responsible for the deposits must have been at least 500 to 740 feet tall.  McMurty believes there have been at least five giant tsunamis generated in Hawaii waters in the last 500,000 years, noting “they are all over the place…even on Oahu.”

McMurty tells reporter Callis that he hopes that the Ka’u area deposits will help lead to an improved understanding of these massive landslides.  McMurty says all of this “kind of exciting.”

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH FRIDAY, 21 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few showers.  Showers at night.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly cloudy with a few showers south of Captain Cook.

Highs near 76.  Lows near 64.  Winds shifting to the north-northeast, 6 to 12 mph, by Friday.

Sunrise Friday–6:51 a.m.  Sunset Friday–5:47 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Friday–10 hours, 56 minutes, and 34 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR FRIDAY, 21 December 2012:

Hilo High Tide–9:26 a.m. (only one high tide on Friday).  Hilo Low Tide–4:33 a.m./4:35 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tide–10:04 a.m. (only one high tide on Friday).  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–5:10 a.m./5:12 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH FRIDAY, 21 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores through 9 a.m. Friday, 21 December 2012.

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat.  Kona and Banyans–flat to 1 foot.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–4 to 6 feet.  Hamakua–6 to 8 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–3 to 6 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news stories, check the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for joining us today!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

Soft shell crab.

Day 7 – Wednesday. Bev went to the pool and Penny and I drove into Kailua-Kona. Misunderstanding, Bev wanted to go with us, but we did not tell her we were leaving. We visited the Hulihe’e Palace built in 1838 by the second governor of the island of Hawai’i. It is not a palace as we think of a palace but a 6 room, two storey house 60 feet by 30 feet with two oceanfront lanai 12 feet by 60 feet. The building was designed to take advantage of the breeze from the water during the day and the breeze from inland during the night. The building has been remodeled/upgraded over the years, but the basic structure is the same. No bathroom. Beautifully carved wood furniture, paneling and dishes. It is set up as a museum with lots of artifacts. This is the only photo I took before being told “No Photos”.

Across the harbour we saw the 450 foot yacht owned by Paul Allen. It has 2 helicopters, a 150 foot yacht that fits into the stern, 6 tenders, a 6 man sub., 1 unmanned sub., 60 staff, cost $200 million and maintenance is $20 million per year!!! He also owns a choice piece of property on a little peninsula beside where the yacht was anchored, with palm trees and a very tall Norfolk pine, right in Kailua-Kona.

After our tour we went for lunch at Pancho and Lefty’s overlooking the street and watched the tourists from a cruise ship wander about.

That evening Penny, Bev and I went to buy cough syrup, lozenges and chicken noodle soup before going out for Japanese Dinner. My throat is now scratchy!

Day 8 -  Thursday. The Ocean Rider Sea Horse Farm. Very interesting tour. There are many research and breeding facilities along this part of the coast for all kinds of fish. Sea horses are dwindling in the wild because they are being caught in shrimp nets, are considered an aphrodisiac  in some cultures and are popular for big and small aquariums. Sea Horses mate for life and only eat live food. This facility has been able to change the eating habits so the sea horses will eat frozen shrimp and change the mating habits so they will allow more than one mate. The facility is also working on breeding Sea Dragons. We were not allowed to take photos of these strange looking critters.

The Gift shop had many fun items but we felt most were overpriced. http://www.seahorse.com OR http://www.seahorsehawaii.com

The area around is lava and desolate.

Continued up the coast to The Queen’s Market Place. A mall in the middle of some of the most expensive homes, condos and hotels on the Island, all hidden from view behind guarded gates and green golf courses. Had lunch at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, did a little shopping and back to condo for dinner.

Day 9 – Friday. Penny and Bev went to “Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee Plantation” for “Free” tour. Bought Pure Organic Kona Coffee Beans = $55/lb.

Peter and I stayed coughing in condo.

Day 10 -  Saturday. Penny, the only well person, went out walking. The rest of us stayed in bed or just lay about.

Day 11 -  Sunday. Penny walked to snorkel beach and say turtles on the sand and lots of fish in the water. Peter, Bev and I stayed in condo coughing.

Day 12 – Monday. Peter and I went to walk-in clinic and were prescribed medicine. Penny made us all chicken noodle soup, comfort food.

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

BULLETIN:  According to the Associated Press, Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye died today at 5:45 p.m. (EST) from respiratory complications.  See national news updates in the blog sidebar for additional information.

H E A D L I N E S:

Power outage affects customers in Pahala and Naalehu.

Fire causes $30,000 in damage to a Honokaa home.

Accident kills man in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Electric Light Company/Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  According to the Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO), a power outage Sunday morning affected approximately 1,000 customers in Naalehu and Pahala.  HELCO officials said repair crews found an “issue” at the Punaluu substation and were working to correct the malfunction.  Lines were switched, and “all customers had their power restored by 12:45 p.m.”  HELCO representatives believe high winds and tree branches contacting power lines may have contributed to the outage.  High winds are expected to buffet Hawaii Island until 6 p.m. today (Monday).

Residents who see downed utility lines should stay away from the wires and call HELCO’s dispatch center at 969-6666.

(Hawaii Fire Department/Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  A fire late Friday evening caused an estimated $30,000 in damage to a Honokaa home on Pohakealani Road.  According to a Hawaii Fire Department press release, ten fire units answered the 10:05 p.m. alarm and found the home’s owner fighting the blaze.  He was able to keep the fire confined to a storage room until fire crews arrived.  The home sustained extensive smoke damage.  Fire investigators estimate that $225,000 in property and belongings were saved.  The cause of the fire is being investigated.

(Hawaii Police Department/Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Hawaii Police officials tell reporter Colin Stewart that 29- year-old Beke Robert, Jr. died Sunday after he either jumped or fell out of a vehicle on 29th Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park.  According to police, the man was injured sometime before 2:40 a.m. when he left the vehicle and was run down by the 2000 Ford Explorer he was ridding in backed out of a private driveway.

Robert was taken to the Hilo Medical Center by Fire Rescue personnel.  The victim was later pronounced dead.

Police charged the drive of the SUV, 33-year-old Sonny D. Kalawe, with negligent homicide in the first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving without insurance, inattention to driving, and driving without a license.  Kalawe is confined to the East Hawaii Detention Center as police continue their investigation into the incident.  Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Those with information about this case should call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.

Because the fatality occurred on private property, police will not count the death as part of its official highway death count.  To date, “alcohol has been involved in at least 16 of the 37 official traffic deaths so far this year.”  Police are operating islandwide DUI checkpoints during the holiday season as part of a nationwide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”  The program runs through New Year’s Day.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH TUESDAY, 18 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Variable cloudiness with showers.  Windy conditions.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly cloudy with a few showers south of Captain Cook.

Highs near 78.  Lows near 62.  Winds shifting to the northeast, 15-30 mph, by Tuesday.

Sunrise Tuesday–6:49 a.m.  Sunset Tuesday–5:46 p.m.  Total hours of daylight on Tuesday–10 hours, 56 minutes, and 39 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR TUESDAY, 18 December 2012:

Hilo High Tide–7:02 a.m./8:02 p.m.  Hilo Low Tide–12:07a.m./2:05 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tide–7:40 a.m./8:40 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–12:44 a.m./2:42 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH TUESDAY, 18 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east and northeast-facing shores until 6 p.m. Wednesday, 19 December 2012.

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 1 foot.  Kona and Banyans–flat to 1 foot.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–6 to 8 feet.  Hamakua–8 to 10 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–4 to 6 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Join our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for being part of our day!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

More tsunami sirens coming to Hawaii Island.
Renewed interest in the UKIRT telescope.
Civil Unions on Hawaii Island.
Wille pushes for sustainability.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald). George Burnett, the state Civil Defense telecommunications director, tells reporter Tom Callis that up to as many as 15 new tsunami sirens could be added to Hawaii Island’s warning system. Burnett says the tsunami warning sirens will be erected at beach parks and residential areas within the tsunami zone. He hopes construction of the sirens will start by mid-2013, depending on the contract awarding process. Burnett adds “initially, I was hopng we would start to see work begin in the March/April timeframe…I still expect we will see before June, see some work begin on the siren projects.” According to reporter Callis, another 36 tsunami warning sirens are planned for sites outside of the tsunami zone. That phase of the project could begin in 2014.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald). The UKIRT infrared instrument atop Mauna Kea may have a benefactor. The United Kingdom Infrared Telescope has been preparing for the time it will be shut down because of funding problems with the United Kingdom Science and Technologies Facilities Council. If no money is found soon, UKIRT will run out of funding by September 2013.

According to reporter Peter Sur, Joint Astronomy Center Director Gary Davis has been open to offers for continuing the vital research of the telescope. Davis told Sur that “we’ve received a number of expressions of interest for UKIRT, and a number of them appear to be (strong possibilities), so we’re really looking at it in detail.” Davis hopes to make a final decision on the telescope by the end of March 2013.

Davis says if an operator can be found, the telescope will be fully operational until a final decision is reached or until the expiration of the UH-Manoa lease at the Mauna Kea summit in 2033.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald). Civil unions in Hawaii are getting popular. According to reporter Colin Stewart, Hawaii has issued more than 700 licenses to same-sex couples. State Department of Health public information officer, Janice Okubo, tells reporter Stewart that, as of Wednesday, the state has issued 719 civil union certificates. Okubo says a total of 65 civil unions have been issued on Hawaii Island between January and August of this year. The civil unions law, which is intended to provide same-sex partners with the same rights and privileges as married, heterosexual couples, became law on 01 January 2012, after being approved by the state Legislature in 2011.

Okubo also notes that the process of civil unions has been simplified and made more efficient by an electronic applications system recently installed at the Department of Health. Okubo notes that the new system has “really made a big difference…and considering we have roughly 20,000 marriages every year in Hawaii–we’re a popular location for weddings–the electronic process has really come in handy.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald). Newly-elected Councilwoman Margaret Wille has introduced a resolution that would encourage Hawaii County to consider environmental and cultural sustainability with all of its actions. According to reporter Tom Callis, the non-binding resolution will be discussed by the council’s Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability Committee on Tuesday.

Wille told reporter Callis that she wants “to kick start a discussion on the issue of sustainability and how the county can develop a more ‘farsighted way of thinking.’” Willie feels that all county-level decisions should be consistent with long-term sustainability goals; advancement of environmental values; favor caution and preservation “in any case in which information is undertain,” and place the burden of proof that use of a resource is consistent with the sustainable health of an econsystem on the party proposing it. Tuesday’s committee meeting will be held at the West Hawaii Civic Center.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH MONDAY, 17 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few showers.
Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few upslope showers.
Highs near 78. Lows near 61. Winds shifting to the east, 15 to 25 mph, by Monday.

Sunrise Monday–6:48 a.m. Sunset Monday–5:45 p.m. Total hours of daylight Monday–10 hours, 56 minutes, and 44 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR MONDAY, 17 December 2012:

Hilo High Tide–6:19 a.m./6:38 p.m. Hilo Low Tide–1:13 p.m. (only one low tide on Monday).

Kailua-Kona High Tide–6:57 a.m./7:16 p.m. Kailua-Kona Low Tide–1:50 p.m. (only one low tide on Monday).

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH MONDAY, 17 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east and northeast-facing shores until Monday, 17 December 2012, 7:00 p.m.

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 1 foot. Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet. Ka’u and Pohoiki–6 to 9 feet. Hamakua–8 to 10 feet. Hilo and Honolii–5 to 7 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news, check out the blog sidebars. These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Join our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for being with us today!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

DOE reviews school security issues following the shootings at a Connecticut school.

Roadwork planned for downtown Hilo.

Escaped fugitive apprehended and arrested.

Naniloa Volcanoes Resort bankruptcy case goes to court.

Shae Kanakaole named girls ALL-BIIF Volleyball Player of the Year.

D E T A I L S:

(Associated Press).  Members of the state of Hawaii Department of Education’s Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness Branch met Friday with  Honolulu Police officials to discuss and review security procedures for the state’s public schools.  The meeting with law enforcement representatives followed a shooting at a Newton, Connecticut school that killed seven adults and 20 students.

State Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi told the AP that “all of Hawaii’s public schools have emergency procedures in place, and today our teams revisited those procedures with a heightened awareness…while this tragedy is incomprehensible, all of our schools have counseling services available for students, parents and teachers who may need them.”

If parents or students need counseling services over the winter break, they can call their school or contact the DOE at 808-586-3232.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Beginning 02 January 2013, motorists in Hilo should be aware of traffic cones and lane closures as Hawaii County prepares to repair portions of Kilauea and Kamehameha Avenues near Hilo’s commercial hub.  According to reporter Tom Callis, Kilauea Avenue between Ponahawai and Pauahi streets will be the first surfaces to be “rehabilitated.”  The $1.5 million dollar project will be done by Yamada and Sons and starts 02 January 2013.

Roadwork on Kamehameha Avenue between Ponahawai Street and the canoe parking lot on the Hamakua side of the Wailoa Bridge will start in May.  The project will take at least 18 months to finish.  Work will include new pavement, sidewalks, curb ramps, a bike lane, street lights, and signal changes at the Pauahi Street intersection.

Lane closures will occur from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday for both projects.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  After an eight-day manhunt, escaped prisoner Ryan Jeffries-Hamar is behind bars.  A task force comprised of local police officers and a state sheriff’s deputy have captured the second of two men who allegedly overpowered a guard and escaped from the Hawaii Community Correctional Center on 05 December 2012.  Police found and arrested Jeffries-Hamar at 10:40 p.m., Thursday, at a home in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision near Pahoa.

South Hilo Patrol Captain Robert Wagner told reporter John Burnett that “he struggled a little bit, but it was no problem…we had enought guys to deal with it.”  Jeffries-Hamar faces charges of first-degree escape, second-degree assault, second-degree robbery, kidnapping, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, auto theft, and third-degree property damage.  Earlier, police arrested 30-year-old Tyler Tzovarras of Pahoa at the Hawaiian Beaches home on suspicion of first-degree hindering prosecution, as well as for an outstanding warrant.  Tzovarras was charged  with hindering prosecution for his alleged role in harboring and helping Jeffries-Hamar while he was on the loose.  Also, police have charged 40-year-old Elizabeth Maile Medeiros of Captain Cook with allegedly providing transportation and clothing for Jeffries-Hamar while he was at large.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  According to reporter John Burnett, the bank which loaned Ken Fujiyama’s bankrupt Hawaii Outdoor Tours,, Incorporated $10 million for remodeling and renovation of Hilo’s Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, alleges that the Hilo company violated an interim court order allowing it to use cash collateral of secured creditors in its operations.

A formal hearing on the charge is set for Monday morning before U. S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Faris in Honolulu to decide whether the company can continue using the cash collateral, as well as decide other issues involved with the Chapter 11 reorganization filing.

Fujiyama told reporter John Burnett that “I don’t think we did anything wrong…my attorneys are responding to that before that hearing.”  Earlier, First Citizens Bank & Trust Company sued to foreclose on the loan last August, claiming that Hawaii Outdoor Tours, Inc. was in default and owed more than $9.9 million on the loan.  That bankruptcy filing temporarily delays foreclosure proceedings in Hilo District Court.

ERRATA:  A story I ran on Friday, 14 December 2012 gave the wrong telephone number for the Kona Workforce Development Division.  The correct phone number is 327-4770.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii Campus senior Shae Kanakaole has been named the girls All-BIIF volleyball player of the Year by a distinguished panel of coaches and sportswriters.  According to sports reporter Kevin Jakahi, “the 5-foot-8 senior outside hitter was at her best in her final Big Island Interscholastic Federation game…she smashed 16 kills to spark the Warriors over Hilo in straight sets for their third straight league title.”  Kanakaole’s award is the second straight time she has been selected to the first team.  Kanakaole told reporter Jakahi “I’m really happy and it’s exciting for me…without the team, I wouldn’t have gotten the honor…I’m happy that we had an undefeated season in the BIIF…I never had that before.”

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH SUNDAY, 16 December 2012:

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

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few upslope showers.

Highs near 80.  Lows near 62.  Winds shifting to the east, 6 to 12 mph, by Sunday.

Sunrise Sunday–6:47 a.m.  Sunset Sunday–5:44 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Sunday–10 hours, 56 minutes, and 58 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR SUNDAY, 16 December 2012:

Hilo High Tide–5:37 a.m./5:29 p.m.  Hilo Low Tide–12:24 p.m./11:15 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tide–6:15 a.m./6:07 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–1:01 p.m./11:52 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SUNDAY, 16 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east-facing shores until 6 p.m., Sunday, 16 December 2012.

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 1 foot.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–5 to 7 feet.  Hamakua–7 to 9 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–5 to 8 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Join our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for being part of our day!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

Not a lot of choices at YVR.

  We watched the sun, a large red ball, sink below the horizon as we rode in a cab south across fields of lava, through the town of Kailua-Kona to our condo at the White Sands Village.  Across the street is the Magic Sands Beach also known as La’aLoa Beach Park, called Magic because the waves wash away the sand in high surf and bring it back a few days later.  It is the only sandy beach for miles north or south, excellent for boogy boarding and sun bathing.

Also known as La’aloa Beach Park

Looking North with Anthony’s in the background.

We were pleasantly surprised with the size and cleanliness of our corner 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo with a huge wrap around lanai (deck), 2 flat screen T.V.’s, 3 double sliding glass doors off of the living room, one from master bedroom and comfy furniture, outside on the lanai and inside. We had problems with the WIFI and the phone our first 2 weeks, had to have Hawaiian Telecom fix some wires and let the owner know he needs to replace the phones.

We ate dinner our first night across the street at Anthony’s. Yucky Caesar Salad, Yummy Lobster Pops and a Quesadilla. It is the only restaurant close enough for us to walk to.

Day 2 – We caught the Hele-On Intra-Kona bus, Free for seniors, to the Keauhou Shopping Mall, south of us. Had Breakfast, Peter had spam with his eggs, did a little grocery shopping and caught the Honu Express/Keauhou Trolley, $2 each back to condo.

Went for a swim in the pool. Met another Canadian who told us about a much better place to rent a car. Emailed Penny to change the reservation for when she and Bev arrive on Sunday.

Day 3 – Peter went for an early swim in the ocean, cold! Made a quick trip back to the Mall for more groceries. Swam in the pool in the afternoon.

Day 4 – Peter went for  an ocean swim, still cold. Lounged by the pool and on the lanai all day. Penny and Bev arrived about 11 pm after their direct flight from YVR to Kona.

Day 5 – Drove to Alamo Car Renal to add me as second driver, breakfast at Denny’s, yes they have all the big chains here. Peter had “The Hobbit Egg in the Hole Skillet”, plenty for a human but more like an appetizer for a Hobbit.  More grocery shopping. Peter is coughing/blowing his nose!!! Cloudy all day!

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

Escapee goes to court.

Cigarette sales to minors continue to decline.

State Chief Elections Officer sued for ballot shortages.

Repairs begin at the Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  One of the two escapees from the Hawaii Community Correctional Center has pleaded not guilty to allegedly choking an unarmed guard, while his still-at-large accomplice punched the victim and stole his keys to the facility.  According to court documents, Jarvis Naoki Higa and Ryan James Jeffries-Hamar took the car keys belonging to the facility’s librarian and left the HCCC last Wednesday morning.  Higa was captured Friday evening in Ocean View after police received a tip that he would be at a home in the remote Ka’u community.  Police are still searching for Jeffries-Hamar, who is considered dangerous.

According to reporter John Burnett, Higa appeared in both Hilo District Court and Circuit Courts on Monday, entering pleas of not guilty to charges of first-degree escape, kidnapping, second-degree assault, second-degree robbery, auto theft, and third-degree criminal property damage.  Burnett says a preliminary hearing on these charges is set for Tuesday, 11 December, at 2:00 p.m.  Higa will also appear in court on an attempted murder charge on 15 April at 8:30 a.m.

(Stephens Media).   Hawaii’s Green Party and seven voters, including Hawaii Island political activist Moani Keala Akaka, are taking state Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago to court, alleging that he improperly issued rules covering ballot shortages in the 06 November General Election.    Lance Collins, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, tells reporter Nancy Cook Lauer that the issue of improperly drafting and following rules affected all voters in the state of Hawaii.

Collins adds that “the fundamental issue is the Office of Elections is consistently not following the procedural laws that are in place, and in every election, voters get disenfranchised.”   Collins told reporter Lauer that Nago and the state Elections Office “ has come under increasing scrutiny over the past few months, first when Hawaii County under the supervision of former County Clerk Jamae Kawauchi experienced delays in poll openings” and second when a dispute between Kawauchi and Nago led to the state assuming control over Hawaii County’s General Election.  Although Nago admitted to some irregularities in the primary and general elections, Collins said the state Elections Office wasn’t specific in its apology and didn’t outline what the state would do to make sure such problems don’t return.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  According to a report issued by the state of Hawaii Department of Health, cigarette sales to those under the age of 18 have reached their lowest level ever since the DOH began smoking studies in 1996.  In 2012, the survey found that 4.3 percent of stores in the state sold tobacco products to underage smokers.  Last year, the rate was 6.1 percent.  Department of Health spokeswoman Lezlie Aano told reporter Colin Stewart that March’s survey was conducted with the help of the University of Hawaii, which recruited volunteers between the ages of 15 to 17.  Aano added that the volunteers were trained and then sent to a random sampling of stores with the intent of buying cigarettes.  A total of 37 stores on Hawaii Island participated in the survey–21 in East Hawaii and 16 in West Hawaii.

Health Director Loretta Fuddy told reporter Stewart that the statistics are a positive sign, but she cautioned that “now, more than ever, with an increasing variety of tobacco products becoming available, we need to continue to be vigilant about protecting our youth.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  A massive facelift to the Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium got underway this week.  If all goes according to schedule, the renovations should be done just before the start of next year’s Merrie Monarch Festival.  According to reporter Tom Callis, teh $3.2 million project “is expected to improve the festival experience, with construction of a much-needed dressing room, a larger lobby, upgrades to restrooms, as well as other improvements.”  The construction timetable is quite tight, with the popular hula festival running from  31 March to 06 April 2013.

Hawaii County Parks and Recreation spokesman Jason Armstrong tells reporter Callis that Hawaii County has added some “unusual” conditions to the contract with  Isemoto Contracting, including a definite start and completion date and a $500 fine for each day the deadline is missed.  Armstrong added that “we are hopeful those will be adequate enough to ensure completion in time for the festival.”

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 12 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Some sunshine with a few windward showers.  Showers at night.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few upslope showers.

Highs near 76.  Lows near 64.  Winds shifting to the north northeast, 6 to 12 mph, by Wednesday.

Sunrise Wednesday–6:46 a.m.  Sunset Wednesday–5:43 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Wednesday–10 hours, 57 minutes, and 31 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR WEDNESDAY, 12 December 2012:

Hilo High Tides–2:41 a.m./1:58 p.m.  Hilo Low Tides–9:15 a.m./8:10 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tides–3:19 a.m./2:36 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tides–9:52 a.m./8:47 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH WEDNESDAY, 12 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for east and northeast-facing shores through Thursday, 13 December 2012.

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

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headllines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for being with us today!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

Historic Palace Theater will get new roof.

Nurse honored for compassion and dedication to duty.

Gene altered mosquitoes may be used to combat dengue fever.

D E T A I L S ( with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  After nearly ten years of effort, a new roof will soon cover the historic Palace Theater in Hilo.  Cheryl “Quack” Moore, the president of Friends of the Palace Theater, tells reporter Hunter Bishop the  $116,000 roof is the largest capital improvement taken to restore the old theater to its once pristine condition.  Moore says the roof replacement was a critical part of the restoration process when she joined the Friends Board in 2002.  Moore said the roof was mess, adding that “water was leaking everywhere…you lose your roof, you lose your building…we had to move.”

In order to meet stringent federal restoration requirements, “work had to be done to exacting standards, which upped the ante.”  For Moore and her board, this meant fundraising for not only the roof, but also for safety issues such as lighting.  The Edmund C. Olson Trust in Pahala got the fundraising effort underway with a $30,000 matching grant.  Since that time a decade ago, Moore says volunteers have been very busy in moving the restoration effort forward, noting that “we’re replacing, not building, ancient corrugated metal, gutters, and downspouts.”  Even the attic has had its insulation and vents replaced.

Moore, a veteran of the New York City entertainment community, an Emmy Award winner, and the retired  musical director for television’s “Saturday Night Live,” came to Hilo ten years ago looking for a quiet retirement with some theatrical work  thrown in.  When she considered the possibilities  for the aging theatre, she decided to make that dream come true, telling reporter Hunter Bishop that “whatever you do, don’t retire…it’s too much work.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  There must be something special about nurse Chad Shibuya, who has worked as a floor nurse at the Hilo  Medical Center since 2003. During those almost 10 years of making patients comfortable and well-cared for, the 41-year-old Kurtistown resident has earned a “stellar reputation among his co-workers and his patients.

According to reporter Colin Stewart, Shibuya was honored recently as the top employee in the Hilo Medical Center’s 100 club, which recognizes all staff members who have received more than 100 positive comments submitted by patients in a year.  Shibuya’s dedication to patient comfort has earned him 196 positive comments, more than enough to enter this exclusive circle.  In their comments, patients underlined Shibuya’s smile as a definite confidence and morale booster for those suffering illness and injury.

Shibuya tells reporter Stewart that “to me, although the job is extremely difficult, it’s also very gratifying at the same time…I find it to be a lot of fun.”  Shibuya says a good nurse must be understanding and patient, noting that he takes extra time to make sure his patients understand what they need to know about their medications and treatment.

Regional Chief Nurse Dan Brinkman told reporter Stewart that workers like Shibuya are helping to change the direction that the Hilo Medical Center’s care is going.  Recent results of regular patient satisfaction showed that “HMC’s scores are growing by leaps and bounds.”

(Associated Press).  Mosquito control officials in the Florida Keys are waiting for the federal government to sign off on an experiment that would release hundreds of thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce the risk of dengue fever in the tourist town of Key West.

If approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it would be the first such experiment in the U.S.  Some Key West residents, worry, though, that not enough research has been done to determine the risks modified mosquitoes might pose to  the Keys’ fragile ecosystem.

Officials are targeting the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes because the can spread dengue fever, a disease once thought eradicated in the U.S.  However, the disease reappeared in the Keys in 2009 and 2010.  The trial planned by mosquito control officers and the British Company Oxitec would release non-biting male mosquitoes that have been genetically modified to pass along a birth defect that kills their progeny before they reach maturity.  After a few generations, Key West’s Aedes aegypti populations would die off, reducing the dengue fever risk without using pesticides and at relatively low-cost.  The is no vaccine for  dengue fever.

JUST A NOTE:  There is a small reservoir of dengue fever on the island of Maui–the result of a voyaging canoe trip to the Marquesas Islands a few years ago.  A few cases of dengue fever are found every so often, but so far, no widespread incidence of the sickness has been found.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER FORECAST THROUGH TUESDAY, 11 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Some sunny periods with a few windward showers.  A few showers at night.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few afternoon showers south of Captain Cook.

Highs near 77.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the northeast, 6 to 12 mph, by Tuesday.

Sunrise Tuesday–6:45 a.m.  Sunset Tuesday–5:43 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Tuesday–10 hours, 57 minutes, and 45 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR TUESDAY, 11 December 2012:

Hilo High Tides–1:57 a.m./1:08 p.m.  Hilo Low Tides–8:26 a.m./7:25 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tides–2:35 a.m./1:46 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tides–9:03 a.m./8:02 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH TUESDAY, 11 December 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 2 feet.  Kona and Banyans–2 to 3 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–4 to 6 feet.  Hamakua–4 to 6 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–2 to 4 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for visiting our news site today!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

Fugitive hunt continues.

Hawaii Island teachers join protest.

No funds available for purchase of the Papaikou Mill Beach Trail.

B J Penn loses to MacDonald in MMA bout.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Two police task forces are continuing their search for 31-year-old Ryan Jeffries-Hamar, who, along with now captured 35-year-old Jarvis Higa, escaped Wednesday from the Hawaii Community Correctional Facility in Hilo.  Higa was arrested Friday evening near a home on Paradise Parkway in Ocean View by a task force of Hawaii County Police officers and a state Sheriff’s deputy assigned to Kona.  According to reporter John Burnett, Higa faces charges ranging from first-degree escape and kidnapping to  second-degree assault and auto theft.  Higa will appear Monday in Hilo Circuit Court.  Burnett says Higa is being held without bail at the Hilo police cell block.

Police Captain Robert Wagner of the South Hilo Patrol told reporter Burnett that “information from a reliable source” led to the successful raid in the Ka’u community.

Jeffries-Hamar is still on the loose, but Police Captain Chad Basque of the Kona Criminal Investigations Section told Stephens Media that police believe the escapee is somewhere in West Hawaii.  In addition to escaping from the Hawaii Community Correctional Facility, Jeffries-Hamar is facing another escape charge for allegedly walking away from the community-based Hale Nani Correctional Facility in August.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Some Hawaii Island teachers are still upset over failed contract talks with the state.  On Thursday afternoon, a group of approximately 25 parents, teachers, and supporters lined up along Waianuenue Avenue in front of Hilo High and Intermediate Schools, holding signs that read “Support Our Teachers”, “Contract=Negotiable/Teaching”, and “Our Keiki=Priceless.”  Despite the positive tone of the signs, many of those protesting showed disappointment and even anger over the teacher contract imposed by the state of Hawaii.  Hilo High School teacher Val DeCote told reporter Colin Stewart that “we’re out here to make it known that teachers have been working without a contract.  We had one placed upon us by the governor…we’ve been cut out of the process.”  DeCote was joined by other teachers who  said they were participating in a series of weekly “work to rule” protests before and after their work day ends.  Parent Community Coordinator Lindsay Pickup told reporter Stewart that the sign waving activity is being done to show the public how much work they do “off the clock.”  Pickup added that “unless we do this, they won’t know the difference we make.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The future of the Papaikou Mill Beach Trail may be held in limbo for quite a while.  According to reporter Tom Callis, the acquisition of an easement for the trail and the road to it through the eminent domain process would “require both a property appraisal  and legal action.”  Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi says he doesn’t have the money to begin the process, adding “it has to be in the budget…it’s not in the budget.”  Kenoi believes the responsibility of identifying a funding source belongs to the Hawaii County Council.  The mayor also suggests the issue may have to be solved through the next budgeting process, noting that “without a funding source  you can’t do the appraisal, you can’t proceed with condemnation.”

Mayor Kenoi told reporter Callis that he will work with council members to acquire the trail and road through the budgeting process if an allocation of funds is not made sooner.  Newly elected Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter, whose district includes Papaikou, said she supports public access to the beach but calls it “premature” to commit to funding, noting that “we’re certainly taking a look at it…the budget picture is far from clear at this point.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  B J Penn put on a super effort in his MMA match against Canada’s Rory MacDonald Saturday night in Seatlle.  According to reporter John Burnett, the very physical bout went the full distance, but the former UFC welterweight and lightweight champion from Hilo was on the short end of a unanimous decision.  Judges scored the three-round welterweight match 30-276, 30-26, and 30-26 in favor of the more aggressive MacDonald.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH MONDAY, 10 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Variable cloudiness with a few showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly cloudy with a few showers west of Waikoloa and south of Captain Cook.  Upslope showers by evening.

Highs near 78.  Lows near 66.  Winds shifiting to the east southeast, 6 to 12 mph, by Monday.

Sunrise Monday–6:44 a.m.  Sunset Monday–5:42 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Monday–10 hours, 58 minutes, and 01 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR MONDAY, 10 December 2012:

Hilo High Tides–1:11 a.m./12:15 p.m.  Hilo Low Tide–7:32 a.m./6:41 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tides–1:49 a.m./12:53 p.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tides–8:09 a.m./7:18 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH MONDAY, 10 December 2012:

A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for north and west-facing shores through 6 p.m. Sunday, 09 December 2012.

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

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for being with us today!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

Police capture one escapee…search continues for  the other.

How much does a vote cost?

Kealakehe High School reopens Monday under increased security.

UH Board of Regents honor UH-Hawaii Community College professor

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(BigIslandNow.com).  One down and one to go.  According to “BigIslandNow.com” reporter Dave Smith, Hawaii Island police captured one of two inmates who escaped Wednesday morning from the Hawaii Community Correctional Center in Hilo.  Jarvis Higa was captured and arrested by a joint task force at about 8:15 p.m. Friday as he tried to flee from a home on foot.  Police officers arrested Higa for several charges, including escaping from the Hawaii Community Correctional Center.  The other escapee, Ryan Jeffries-Hamar remains at large as of Saturday afternoon.  According to Police Lt. Greg Esteban, police are checking unconfirmed reports that Jeffries-Hamar was seen Friday in the Keaukaha area of Hilo.

On Thursday, police officials said they had information that the escapees were planning a bank robbery because they were running low on cash.  Based on that tip, island banks stepped up their security.  Police consider Jeffries-Hamar dangerous and possibly armed.  Higa, who now is in police custody, is awaiting trial for a parole violation and a previous escape from a minimum security facility last August.  Jeffries-Hamar has 10 criminal convictions in Hawaii dating back to the year 2005.  According to court records, Jeffries-Hamar had convictions for burglary, theft, and auto theft.

(Stephens Media).  According to final campaign spending reports filed on Thursday, Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi spent $21.50 per vote to gain reelection in November.  Reporter Nancy Cook Lauer says that is “more than twice what was spent per vote in a contentious Honolulu mayoral race.”

Kenoi’s successful reelection efforts stands in stark contrast to the low-key campaign waged by former mayor Harry Kim, who lost the lost the general election by 1,438 votes and spent just 79 cents for each vote.  Kim tells Lauer that he may not have contacted as many West Hawaii voters as he’d hoped to, and perhaps a more vigorous effort there would have helped him in December.  Kim said his main concern now is that elections will be framed entirely in a monetary context, adding “I hope this does not dissuade people into thinking you need a lot of money to win…I don’t think this is any kind of precedent…I hope not anyway.”

For his part, Mayor Kenoi told reporter Lauer that he concentrated on presenting a positive message of achievements, noting that “people who believe in your message want to give you support…some people support through financial contributions, some through volunteering their time for phone banks, sign waving…all of this matters…all of this helps…all of it is part of running a successful campaign.”

In contrast, Kim received 93 percent of his contributions from those giving $100 or less.  Kim also imposed a rule to accept no contributions over $10.  Reporter Lauer said Kenoi’s campaign was dominated by “big spenders”, with 96.7 percent of his money coming from contributions of $100 or more.

(Stephens Media).  When classes at Kealakehe High School resume Monday morning, students will return to classrooms under increased security.  The West Hawaii High School was shut down Thursday and Friday because of violence on campus that resulted in the arrest of at least 8 persons.  Hawaii Department of Education security and Hawaii Police Department Community Policing officers will support the school’s security staff when the school opens at 9 a.m.  West Hawaii Area Complex Superintendent Art Souza told reporter Chelsea Jensen that the school “will stagger recesses to minimize the number of students outside classrooms and make up for instruction lost time.”  Souza added that the school will offer “enhanced” counseling and support to students “in an effort to bring normalcy back to campus…”

Souza says an investigation into what caused the student fights and resulting lockdown continues.  Souza believes “arguments between involved students were a misunderstanding between local, Micronesian and Marshallese cultures and lifestyles”  Students involved in the violence could face a variety of consequences, ranging from expulsion to suspension.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  UH-Hawaii Community College English professor Kathryn “Kate” Sims has been named a 2012 recipient of the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching award.  According to a UH-Manoa press release, Sims, who teaches at the West Hawaii Campus of HCC, was one of 14 recipients of the award, which the UH-Manoa Board of Regents give to faculty members at campuses across the state.  The award is bestowed “as tribute to faculty members who show an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values that benefit students.”

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH SUNDAY, 09 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity-Partly cloudy with a few windward showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Variable cloudiness with a few showers west of Waikoloa and south of Captain Cook.

Highs near 79.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the southeast, 6 to 12 mph, by Sunday.

Sunrise Sunday–6:44 a.m.  Sunset Sunday–5:42 p.m.  Total hours of daylight on Sunday–10 hours, 58 minutes, and 18 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES THROUGH SUNDAY, 09 December 2012:

Hilo High Tides–12:24 a.m./11:20 a.m.  Hilo Low Tides–6:29 a.m./5:57 a.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tides–1:02 a.m./11:58 a.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tides–7:06 a.m./634 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SUNDAY, 09 December 2012:

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

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for joining us today!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated.

H E A D L I N E S:

Governor supports new building for UH-Hilo‘s College of Pharmacy.

The Windward Planning Commission approves special permit for  Shady Grove satellite charter school.

Violence closes Kealakehe High School.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie is urging the state Legislature to release $33 million for a new College of Pharmacy building at UH-Hilo.  According to reporter Colin Stewart, the governor singled out the UH-Hilo project as the “only specific university system capital  improvement project to earn the governor’s stamp of approval for 2013.  UH-Hilo Relations Director Gerald De Mello told reporter Colin Stewart that “to place that in his budget, the only one (new university project), that makes a major statement…it makes you recognize that the pharmacy program is not just on Hawaii Island…it serves the entire state, like the medical and the law school.”

However, Hawaii Island state Senator Gil Kahele sounded a call for caution, noting that “endorsement from the governor is just one of many steps along the way to making sure the funds are appropriated…it shows the commitment of the administration, and that’s important…it sets a good tone…my colleagues and I need to do our job out there.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The Windward Planning Commission had a full plate Thursday in Hilo as commissioners approved a special permit for the Shady Grove satellite charter school in Hawaiian Paradise Park and postponed action on both Hawaii’s Volcano Circus in Seaview and the Connections  New Century Charter School campus in Kaumana.

According to reporter Peter Sur, the small charter school had run its operations without incident until January, when an anonymous complaint to the Planning Department mentioned that the school was running without a special permit.  Dozens of parents, students, and supporters filled the conference room at the Aupuni Center to  show their support for the school and for the approval of a special permit, which had the backing of the Planning Department.  Following public testimony, the commission gave the Shady Grove charter school two years to bring the property into compliance with laws, including the installation of a septic system and the securing of appropriate building permits for unpermited buildings.  Also the school would have to comply with any road maintenance fees that the home owners association may establish in the future.

Commissioners also considered the revocation hearing of the Hawaii’s Volcano Circus, which was continued to May to permit the applicant to submit an amended special permit.

Another contentious item that was continued to  a later date was a special permit application  from Connections New Centulry Charter School for its Kaumana campus.  Ted Hong, the Hilo attorney representing the school, asked for a continuation of the hearing because a community meeting at Keaukaha Elementary School to discuss the application had not been scheduled and because a deputy attorney general would take over the case from Hong.

Reporter Peter Sur said that approval of the Connections permit would send the case to the state Land Use Commission.  A denial of the permit would stop the proposal, but that decision could trigger an appeal in 3rd Circuit Court.  With all of the legal ramifications possible in this case, commissioners agreed with Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd to continue the hearing at a later date.

(Stephen Media).  There were no classes today (Friday) at Kealakehe High School, following two days of fights and lockdowns that may be related to racial and cultural tension at the school.  The edgy atmosphere eventually led to eight arrests and multiple fights breaking out on the high school campus.  Principal Wilfred Murakami told reporter Chelsea Jensen that several incidents began on Wednesday and reached a critical point on Thursday.  Murakami said the ongoing “issue of people bullying through racial and cultural taunts” severely affected the Micronesian side of the violence, where there was “frustration, yelling, and screaming…a reaction.”

Murakami added that there were about seven students in the fights and two were arrested by police.   However, police officers report that they arrested eight students, all juveniles, on suspicion of “unruly conduct” after responding to the school.  None of the officers was  injured during the fights.  Murakami noted that the issue involving cultural and racial tensions has been “going on for a while” at the school which was built 15 years ago.  Murakami said discussions and medition sessions were offered to students  who asked for help prior to this week’s incidents.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH SATURDAY, 08 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Variable cloudiness with a few scattered showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly cloudy with a few afternoon showers.

Highs near 81.   Lows near 66.  Winds shifting to the east, 8 to 16 mph, by Saturday.

Sunrise Saturday–6:43 a.m.  Sunset Saturday–5:42 p.m.  Total hours of daylight on Saturday–10 hours, 58 minutes, and 36 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR SATURDAY, 08 December 2012:

Hilo High Tides–10:23 a.m. (only one high tide on Saturday).  Hilo Low Tides–5:09 a.m./5:13 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tides–12:09 a.m./11:01 a.m.  Kailua-Kona Low Tide–5:46 a.m./5:50 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SATURDAY, 08 December 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–4 to 6 feet.  Hamakua–3 to 5 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 3 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news headlines, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

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Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS

The opinions expressed in this news summary are mine unless otherwise stated>

H E A D L I N E S:

Reapportionment issue heading for court.

Police are still looking for two escaped prisoners.

Eight warning sirens failed during Monday test.

HELCO hopes biomass fuel will replace oil at its power plants.

D E T A I L S (with sources cited):

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  The state Director of Public Safety tells reporter John Burnett that police are still searching for two inmates who escaped from Hilo‘s Hawaii Community Correctional Facility shortly before 10 a.m. Wednesday.  Police say the two prisoners, 35-year-old Jarvis Naoiki Higa of Hilo and 31-year-old Ryan Jeffries-Hamar of Kona, are considered dangerous.

DPS Director Ted Sakai said “my understanding is that the two inmates were in the (law) library at the facility…they  beat up a correctional officer, threatened another stafff member, stole her car keys and were able to break open through a gate…apparently, they were able to break it down, and took the librarian’s car.”  Police told reporter Burnett that officers found the librarian’s car at the end of Kukuau Street in Sunrise Ridge.  The injured correctional officer was treated for head injuries, bumps, and bruises.  The librarian wasn’t injured.

Residents reported the missing prisoners around noon in the vicinity of Alahelenui Street and Kaumana Drive.  Apparently, both men were barefoot and were wearing grey sweat pants and white T-shirts.  Police believe the men may be trying to get rides to Kona.  Police Lt. Gregg Esteban of the Criminal Investigations Section told reporter Burnett that he considers both inmates dangerous and advises the public not to approach them if they encounter them.  Those who see the escapees should call 911.

(Stephens Media).  A lawsuit filed by an Oahu group that includes three veterans and state Representative Mark Takai claims that the 2011 drawing of political boundaries violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution when it removed nonresident students and military from population counts that determine district lines.

Robert Thomas, who represents the plaintiffs, tells reporter Nancy Cook Lauer that if his lawsuit is successful, the court could require the state to redraw the boundaries before the 2016 elections, adding “the federal court has broad powers to require a redo, with or without court supervision.”  Thomas also contends that the state redistricting plan violates the Equal Protection Clause by creating districts that don’t have approximately the same number of people in each one.  One possible outcome of a successful lawsuit could be the creation of new “canoe” districts in which state legislators would have constituents on several islands.  In the past, “canoe” districts have proven unpopular with both politicians and the voting public.

According to reporter Lauer, “new districts are drawn every 10 years following the census.  Hawaii Island, with its 24.5 percent population increase, is the fastest growing island in the state.”

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).   Non-functioning civil defense warning sirens continue to plague the island’s tsunami warning network.  According to reporter Civil Defense Coordinator Ben Fuata, eight Hawaii Island sirens malfunctioned during Monday’s monthly test.  Four defective sirens have been repaired.  Twelve of the 13 sirens that failed during the 27 October tsunami warning have been repaired or replaced.  Fuata told reporter Tom Callis that many of the sirens are old and fall victim to weather and insect damage.  Fuata said the county’s siren problems are expected to be rectified through a statewide siren modernization program.  The state plans to replace 60 civil defense sirens on Hawaii Island by June 2014.  The new sirens will be powered by solar panels rather than through the electrical grid.  A new satellite system will replace the continued use of radio transmissions.  The upgrades could cost the state around $511,000.

(Hawaii Police Department/Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  Police have charged another suspect stemming from a robbery in Hilo last May.  According to a Police press release, 26-year-old Chasity-An Aiu-Horie of Hilo was charged Tuesday afternoon with first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and second-degree theft.  Her bail was set at $17,000.  A 68-year-old Hilo man reported to police that on 25 May he was drivign a couple to a location in Hilo around 1 a.m. when he was assaulted and his wallet was taken.  The victim suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Oahu for treatment.  Another suspect, identified by police as 26-year-old Timothy “Timmy” Russ Southern, Jr. was charged with the same offenses last week.

(Hawaii Tribune-Herald).  On Tuesday, HELCO President Jay Ignacio told those attending a meeting in Hilo that biomass fuel could, in time, replace oil at one of Hawaii Electric Light Company’s power plants.  Ignacio was trying to explain how the utility will meet the energy needs of Hawaii Island with a move to biomass as a viable “option” for its power facility in the Puna District.  Ignacio told reporter Tom Callis that “part of our strategy going forward is to convert those units that use oil.”  Ignacio said HELCO has reconfigured its oil-burning plants to operate below capacity.  He added that the biofuel option will remain in the “conceptual stage” until Honua Energy becomes fully operational.

HAWAII ISLAND WEATHER THROUGH FRIDAY, 07 December 2012:

Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few showers.

Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few showers west of Waikoloa and south of Captain Cook.  Upslopes showers by evening.

Highs near 82.  Lows near 65.  Winds shifting to the southeast, 6 to 12 mph, by Friday.

Sunrise Friday–6:43 a.m.  Sunset Friday–5:42 p.m.  Total hours of daylight Friday–10 hours, 58 minutes, and 56 seconds.

HAWAII ISLAND TIDES FOR FRIDAY, 07 December 2012:

Hilo High Tides–9:23 a.m./11:31 p.m.  Hilo Low Tides–3:28 a.m./4:29 p.m.

Kailua-Kona High Tides–10:01 a.m. (only one high tide Friday).  Kailua-Kona Low Tides–4:05 a.m./5:06 p.m.

HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH FRIDAY, 07 December 2012:

Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 1 foot.  Kona and Banyans–1 to 2 feet.  Ka’u and Pohoiki–3 to 5 feet.  Hamakua–2 to 4 feet.  Hilo and Honolii–1 to 3 feet.

For more Hawaii Island, state of Hawaii, and national news, check out the blog sidebars.  These feeds are updated throughout the day.

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

Follow our blog community with a free email subscription or by tapping into the blog RSS feed.

Thanks for joining us today!

Russ Roberts, administrator

PRG HAWAII NEWS WITH RUSS ROBERTS