Hawaiian and environmental advocates have filed suit in Third Circuit Court to challenge the vote of the State Board of Land and Natural Resources which approved the Comprehensive Management Plan for the use of cultural and natural resources atop Mauna Kea. Those who feat misuse and more development on the summit are asking for a contested case hearing and for attorney fees and costs to fight expansion of telescopes on the mountain.
The Merrie Monarch Festival is switching televison channels for its annual coverage of the Hawaii Island Hula event. Merrie Monarch Festival President Luana Kawelo tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” the Hilo-based festival has signed a five year deal with KFVE-TV, starting with next year’s festival on April 8th through Apreil 10th. Kawelo says she wanted to put the entire festival coverage out to bid, which seh feels would be best for the festival, the halau, and for the people. Kawelo cited KFVE-TV’s heavy involvement in local cultural events for the coverage change.
M.R.C. Greenwood, the new University of Hawaii president, tells the “Hawaii Tribune-HErald” that this is a good time for the university to be putting forth construction projects. Greenwood visited Hilo Thursday to support the construction of a new $29 million Colleg of Hawaiian Language building. Greenwood said new university projects will create jobs for local residents. She urged residents to express their concerns to the state legislature and to the governor.
(AP). The Hawaii chapter of the American Red Cross has sent 12 volunteer disaster workers to American Samoa. They were part of a 50-person team scheduled to fly there in the next few days. Chapter chief executive Coralie Matayoshi says the 12 volunteers include specialists in disaster assessment, medical care, sheltering, and feeding.
(AP). Leaders of the Samoa community in Hawaii held a prayer vigil last night for family members, friends, and others affected by this week’s tsunami that struck American Samoa and Western Samoa. The event was held at the Lighthouse Outreach Center in Waipahu. Religious leaders, government officials, and others gathered to support those who lost family members in the tsunami.
Police have charged a 19-year old Keaau man with escape and credit card offenses. Police charged Andrew Kawika Silva Wednesday night with escape, theft of a credit card, fraudulent use of a credit card, and two counts of third-degree theft. Silva remains in the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of $5,000 bail.
Hawaiian Telcom is urging customers to be wary of calls from telemarketers who claim to offer long distance service on the company’s behalf. Solicitors, who identify themselves as “US Telcom” or “Global Crossing” have misrepresented themselves as agents of Hawaiian Telcom. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, the solicitors also ask for personal information, such as birth dates and social security numbers. If you receive such a call, do not release any personal information. You can report such incidents to Hawaiian Telcom’s Corporate Security Department at 643-7131.
Now for something on the lighter side. A few days ago, I ran across a financial blog that provides insight into what is really happening in the markets. This is not your usual dry, mumbo-jumbo you get on the daily news. The author has a wry sense of humor and calls the economic shots as he sees them. You might want to direct your Google browser to: financialmarginofsafety.blogspot.com. I think you will enjoy this blog which is definitely not “politically correct.” Aloha, Russ, news dept.