The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that it is moving forward with plans to clear munition from the Makuu Farm Lots. The Puna subdivision was built over a 640-acrea World War II bombing range known as the Popoki Target Area. In 1990, the Corps conducted a preliminary investigation and found 12 practice bombs. A survey a yea later was inconclusive because of thick vegetation in the area. The Corps of Engineers will begin a public education campaign in the area, which will include periodic public safety awareness meetings and the distribution of educational media to landowners and local businesses.
Police are investigating reports from the Hilo International Airport that green lasers were aimed at aircraft cockpits Wednesday and Thursday evening. Police say it is dangerous to aim laser pointers at any aircraft. Those with leads in this case should call police at 935-3311.
(AP). Craig Alexander has won the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, making a late surge in the heat to win for the second straight year. The 36-year old Australian completed the 140.6 mile endurance test in 8 hours, 20 minues, and 21 seconds. Britain’s Chrissie Wellington earned her third straight women’s title with a time of 8 hours, 54 minutes, and 02 seconds.
(AP). Pope Benedict XVI has made it official–Father Damien, the priest who served and died helping Hansen’s Disease patients on Molokai during the 19th century, has become Saint Damien. A delegation was in St. Peter’s Sqaure when the pope made the annoucement.
Hawaii County Council terms would be increased to four years under a proposal advanced by the Hawaii County Charter Commission. Currently, the nene County Council members are allowed four, two-year terms. The new proposal changes that to two, four-year terms. The council terms would not be staggered, because of concerns that two council members could find themselves in the same district during reapportionment.
When it comes to information on the H1N! flu vaccine, the state Department of Health says Hawaii residents should consider the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an authoritative source. Department representative Janice Okubo tells the associated press that people should be cautious of information from other sources. Okubo made the observation in reference to a Hawaii County Council resolution that calls fthe vaccine unsafe. In response to claims that the vaccine contains 25 times the level of mercury considered toxic, Pulbic Health Nurse Judy Akamine said the mercury in the vaccine is less than in a serving of ahi.
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