(AP). The principal of Kohala Middle School is fighting a proposal to shut down the school and relocate its 198 students to a high school and elementary school four miles away. A task force is studying the closure as the state Department of Education lokks for schools to close to save money.
The Peaceful Sky Alliance, an advocacy group for the new “Lowest Law Enforcement Priority of Cannibis Ordinance” has filed letters demanding urgent action from the County Council and a complete moratorium on all police helicopter missions in Hawaii County. The Peaceful Sky Alliance says that legal action against Hawaii County may be taken unless it complies with the new county ordinance.
On August 22nd, the East Hawaii Independent Physicians Association presented the Hilo Medical Center Foundation with a check for $50,000 in support of “The Campaign to bring doctors to Hawaii.” The campaign benefits family medicine residents training at the Hawaii Family Health Center on Mohouili Street in Hilo. As of August 31st, the Hilo Medical Center Foundation has received over $275,000 in donations for the campaign.
(AP). Hawaiian Airlines pilots have voted to authorize a strike as they continue to negotiate for a new contract. Talks run by a federal mediator are planned for October 12th in Washington. No strike could take place unless the mediator releases the pilots from the talks. Contract talks have been going on for two years.
A trust has been created to support the family of Jesse Mahelona, a year 2000 Kealakehe High School graduate who died recently in an automobile accident. Mahelona’s agent, Chad Speck, tells “West Hawaii Today” that eh Jesse Mahelona Trust will go to Mahelona’s family. Mahelona, one of three Big Island football player selected in the NFL draft, is survived by daughter karter and his wife, Brandee, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child. Mahelona played for the Tennessee Titans, the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The public is advised that Hawaiian Telcom will be working on its overhead transmission lines on Kilauea Avenue, between Kekuanaoa Street and Aupuni Street ,on Tuesday September 15 through Thursday, September 17, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, weather permitting.
The County is continuing its resurfacing work along a mile of the Kuakini Highway through Thursday, September 18, weather permitting. Roadwork will be done between 8 am and 5 pm on weekdays. One lane will be closed. Motorist are advised to use Walua Road or Lunapule to enter Pottery Terrace and Highway 11 or Ali’i Drive to enter Kailua-Kona. Motorists can expect detours and delays. Also, roads in and around Sea View Cirlce will be resurfaced later this month.
The Waimea Solid Waste Transfer Station is scheduled to be closed for paving on Tuesday, September 15 through Thursday, September 17. The transfer station is scheduled to reopen on Friday, September 18. During this temporary closure period, residents are encouraged to use the Honokaa and Puako Solid Wast Transfer Stations.