(AP). Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi has come out against a bill that would require Hawaii County Council approval of county land sales of 10 acres or more. The measure sponsored by Hamakua Councilman Dominic Yagong is to be heard today by the council’s Finance Committee. Yagong says it’s “all about transparency.” The Mayor says he’ll veto it if it passes.
A public meeting Monday night to discuss the reorganization of the Hawaii County Council drew approximately 30 people, about half of which supported Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole. Others criticized the council majority for acting in haste and violating the state’s sunshine law. The council will most likely vote on the reorganization at its regular October meeing in Kailua-Kona.
A Wainaku man accused of raping and drowning a 5-year old girl was given a second delay in his preliminary hearing on Monday. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, Hilo District Court Judge Barbara Takase granted the postponement until October 13th to Anthony Serges Poulin to allow for psychiatric evaluation by three doctors. Poulin is charged with second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and abuse of a family or household member.
(AP). Hawaii’s public school teachers have reached a preliminary agreement on a new union contract with the state. Details of the agreement with the Hawaii State Teachers Association weren’t released. The association represents about 13,000 teachers. Governor Linda Lingle says he is reviewing the deal before deciding whether to sign off on it.
Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has told his staff that deep and painful budget cuts will be necessary to carry the county throught he next fiscal year. Kenoi said the county’s budget shortfall is more severe than ever, with the county already facing a deficit of $44.8 million. Savings will be realized by increasing certain fees for service, by a ban on replacing couty vehicles, and by the elimination of overtime unless pre-approved.
The final report by the American Institute of Architects Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program for Downtown Hilo is now available online. The report can be accessed on the American Institute of Architects website at: http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075426.
Due to a planned HELCO power shut-off at the Kahalu’u Shaft well to replace a transformer, the Department of Water Supply urges customers to conserve water on Wednesday, September 16th, from 7 am to 4 pm. During the power shut-off, water will not be pumped from the Kahalu’u Shaft to replenish water tanks in West Hawaii. Water conservation during this time will ensure that everyone will have water.