Hawaii County is extending the registration period for the Furlough Friday Program in hopes of getting more participants and volunteers to support the effort. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, participation has been so low that the county is considering the consolidation of the program into fewer sites. As of Tuesday, there had been no sign-ups at the Hilo Armory or the Waiakea Uka Gym for the day-long program designed to keep children busy while their parents are at work.
Two of the three jet carriers tht fly interisland routs in Hawaii are merging in hopes of growing and taking market share away from Hawaiian Airlines. According to the associated press, the parent companies of Mokulele Airlines and go! announced Tuesday that they have formed a joint venture that will create the state’s only low-cost carrier, ensuring a strong competitive presence in the interisland market for the benefit of consumers. The new company will continue flying under both brand names.
An anonymous letter received by several downtown Hilo businesses is asking business owners to oppose the pro-marijuana “Cannabis Colleg” sign on Kamehameha Avenue. the unsigned letter says “we need more attractive storefronts and positive community role models”. The Reverend Roger Christie of the Cannabis Ministry told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” he would remove the sign bedause he had “exceeded the level of some in the community.”
Police Captain Randall Medeiros tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that a bogus Amber alert that spread across the country to Hilo was the work of a prankster who is undermining the importance and integrity of the Amber alert system. Mediros says this type of false report potenetially puts our children at risk because the public must be able to depend on the veracity of this Amber Alert System
The Hawaii County Council and the “West Hawaii Today” newspaper have reached an agreement on a lawsuit filed over alleged council violations of the state’s “Sunshine Law.” The newspaper dropped the suit, with the county paying for the paper’s legal fees. Still in dispute is whether Third Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra’s rulings in the matter indicated the council violated the sunshine law. Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that the court never found that there was a violation.
Sentencing for a Hilo teahcer who pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute crystal methamphetamine has been delayed until November 17th. The federal charges against Lynn Dionise came from phone calls in January 2008, when Dionise allegedly conspired to possess with intent to distribute amphetamine. Also cited in the charges was a trip from Kona to Hilo in February 2008, allegedly to distribute Methamphetamine.
(Pacific Business News). The Internal Revenue Service is offering another deal for those buying a new car, light truck, motorcycle, or motor home before January 1st. Purchases made before January 1st will qualify for a deduction off the state and local sales taxes on 2009 tax returns under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The deduction is limited to the sales and excise taxes and similar fees paid in up to $49,500 of the purchase price of each vehicle.
Motorists are advised that the traffic signal at the UH-Hilo main entrance intersection on West Kawili Stree is scheduled to begin normal operation on Thursday, October 22nd, at 9:00 am. Lights will be placed on flashing operation beginning Wednesday, October 21st. Motorists are encouraged to use extra caution during the initial familiarization period. Contac the UH-Hilo Facilities Planning & Construction Office at 974-7595 with any questions.
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