The remains of tropical depression Hilda are passing far to the south of Hawaii Island. Heavy showers from the storm are moving west at 14 mph and pose no immediate threat to the state.
Although the U.S. Army has released a report saying that depleted uranium at the Pohakuloa Training Area poses no risk to the public, Hawaii Island residents appearing at a public hearing Wednesday urged the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to investigate further before it grants the Army a license to possess the radioactive material. Local resident Meghan Isaac Magdelan told “West Hawaii Today” that depleted uranium makes people sick and creates a sense of fear through the community.
During the period between August 18th and this past Monday, police arrested 31 motorists for suspected drunken driving offenses. Five drivers were involved in traffic accidents. And four drivers were under the age of 21. So far this year, police have cited 883 drivers for suspected DUI offenses, compared to 896 for the same period last year.
(AP). Regents of the University of Hawaii are cutting the pay of the 10-campus system’s top executives because of the state’s budget woes. the salary of M.R.C. Greenwood, the system’s new president will be dropped 10 percent. Her new salaray will be $427,512. About 210 other executives will see their pay reduced by 6 to 9 percent.
Hawaii Island Police have completed two “conter cannibis” operations in upper and lower Puna. Lt. Richard Sherlock of the Hilo Vice Section tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that a total of 4,994 plants, ranging from seedlings to 8 feet, were uprooted on August 17th and August 18th.
Firecrews are maintaining a watch over the remains of a 12-acre brush fire that singed brush and grass in Ninole Loop and the Punaluu Golf Course. Firebreaks were established and the fire was brought under control by 5 am. No structures were in danger. Inspectors place the damage at $1,500.
Dexter Irvin was hired officially Thursday as UH-Hilo’s Athletic Director after the Board of Regents approved his appointment. Irvin comes to UH-Hilo after serving as the AD at Dixie State College in St. George, Utah.
The UH-Hilo Vulcan wahine volleyball team survived a few sluggish moments on Thursday to down Adelphi University 18-25, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, and 15-9 in a Division II nonconference season opener for both teams. The Vulcans play Chaminade today at noon.
(AP). A lack of construction and worries about swine flu caused Hawaii’s economic seers to forecast that tax revenues will continue to drop before bouncing back next year. The Council on Revenues estaimate yesterday means the state budge will decline about $90 million more over the next two years, bringing Hawaii’s total shorfall to $876 million.
(AP). Local markets soon will be stocked again with deep-water bottomfish. The fishing season begins Tuesday. Fishing for seven popular types of bottomfish has been banned around the main Hawaiian Islands since July 6th because commercial fishermen reached their total allowance catch of 241,000 pounds. Fishermen have a 254,050 pound limit this season.