Hawaii’s four island mayors are travelling to Los Angeles to promote the islands. The mayors will meet with travel industry professionals to highlight Hawaii’s culture, culinary trends, and entertainment. Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi says reductions in hotel room rates and air fares make this an ideal time to visit the islands. The LA events start Tuesday.
Maui authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations for about 25 Kaunakakai residents near a brush fire that has grown to more than nine square miles. Police went door to door Sunday, telling those in Molokai’s Kalamaula Mauka area to leave. One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation, but there were no other injuries.
Programs focused on career preparation and technical training for Native Hawaiians will soon receive almost $12.2 million from the federal government. Democratic U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye announced that the money also will go to school renovation and legal programs. A nonprofit group that has helped Native Hawaiians achieve social and economic self-sufficiency will get about $6 million.
The future of fish farming off the Kohala Coast will be the topic of an open ocean aquaculture meeting this Wednesday, 5:30 pm, at the Hamakua Mac Nut Building in Kawaihae. Guest speakers include Jim McVey of Indigo Seafood and Kale Gumapac of the Kanaka Council.
The Hawaii Meth Project is holding a volunteer orientation meeting this Thursday at 6 pm in the Hilo High School Library. Cindy Adams, the executive director of the Hawaii Meth Project, tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that recent hard-hitting and graphic announcements on radio and television have gained the attention of young adults–a group that needs help in combating meth addiction. A follow up meeting is set for September 8th at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.
The Big Island Auto Club presents the 20th Annual H.J. Tommy Thompson Labor Day Drags at the Hilo Drag Strip this Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 7 am both days. Radio updates throughout the weekend.
(AP). Once again, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is opposing a bill that would give Native Hawaiians a chance to form their own government. The commission has sent a letter to Democratic and Republican leaders of Congress opposing the measure. The panel said it’s against the bill because it would further subdivide Americans.