Bills to allow residents to use tents while they build their homes and to establish dog parks in designated areas received initial approvals during Wednesday’s Hawaii County Council meeting. A second vote on these measures will be held on September 2nd before they are sent to Mayor Billy Kenoi for his review.
Hawaii County is looking for people to help design the Hamakua Community Development Plan. The CDP Project Team is seeking three contract “community liasons” who will meet with residents and collect community input. While that process is underway, the Project Team will search for any old planning documents, historical data, or other regional materials that could be helpful in forming the overall plan. Those who have such items should call Christian Kay at 961-8136.
(AP). Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi’s plan to sell 737 acres of land to help balance the Hawaii County budget has hit a snag. Members of the county council’s Finance Committee say it’s not clear who owns the land abover Paauilo and they want an attorney to figure it out. Some Native Hawaiians say their ancestors owned the land.
(AP). Retirement might be an option for some of the 1,100 state workers in Hawaii who received layoff notices. The Hawaii Government Employees Association has told its members that state has offered to make the retirement option available for some employees. As many as 2,500 state workers could retire by December 31st under that plan.
This is a road closure advisory for this Friday and Saturday. Kikala Loop in the Kikala-Keokea Subdivision will be closed Friday morning until 5 pm on Saturday for the 2nd Annual Kalapana Cultural Day. Kikala Loop is located off Highway 137, the Kalapana-Kapoho Road, between mile markers 20 and 21.
Big Island State Senator Josh Green and Big Island State Representative Denny Coffman have called for a joint community meeting to discuss NELHA’s decision to lock the gate on the coastal “jeep trail” that provides public access to the surfing beach at Kohanaiki (Pine Trees). The meeting will be held this Friday, 6:00 pm, at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.
The Friends of Pohoiki have received a “Healing Our Island” Grant to help fund the first annual “Ahahui ‘O Pohoiki” at the new Isaac Hale Park in Puna. This alcoholo and drug – free event will feature Hawaiian style fun, games, crafts, music, plants, and food. The event will be held on Saturday, 12 September, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For details, call Luana Jones at 936-0021. You can also log on to Pohoikisurf.com for more information.