(AP). In an effort to work around Governor Linda Lingle’s refusal to fund a task force on Hawaii’s medical marijuana statute, an informal grooup meets Tuesday to “hash” out the law’s problems. The Medical Cannabis Working Group will hear testimony at the State Capitol in hopes of highlighting improvements that can be made to the law.
(AP). The U.S. military is teaming with the state to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to assist in the development of alternative, renewable sources of energy. The Hawaii-based U.S. Pacific Command says it’s committed to helping the state reach its goal of meeting 40 percent of the state’s energy needs through renewable sources by 2030.
In an effort to move Hawaii Island toward food sufficiency, the nonprofit Kohala Center will hold a series of public meetings on an agriculture development plan for the county. Meetings are scheduled Tuesday evening at the Pahala Community Center; Wednesday night at the Aupuni Conference Room in Hilo; Thursday evening at the Paauilo School cafeteria; and on November 4th at the Pahoa Community Center. For details, go to: www.kohalacenter.org.
The “Galileo Block Party” was held Saturday at the Science Technology Park adjacent to the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Gloria Chun Hoo, the marketing and public relations manager for the Imiloa Astronomy Center, told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that those gathered for the mini-science expo talked with the people who operated the telescopes atop Mauna Kea, wathced live video feeds from several countries, collected trading cards, and met with Leslie Kelly, a UH-Hilo performing arts student who assumed the role fo the famous Italian scientist. Hawaii County Councilman Dennis Onishi toured the facilities and called the exhibition “very impressive.”
Construction activities to provide accessibility improvements at Mountain View Park will begin today. All efforts will be made to maintain existing amenities in service to the public and to reinstate impacted amenities as quickly as possible while work progresses. Portions of the ballfield including the water filing spigots will be closed intermittently and without prior notice as construction continues. Construction is anticipated to be done by February 2010.
Kolekole Beach Park will be closed to the public for filming on Tuesday, October 27th. The park is located along the Hawaii Belt Road north of Honomu.
(AP). Hawaii’s government is asking the public to weigh in on a plan to improve outdoor recreational facilities, in part through user fees. Public hearings will be held across the state next month. The meetings will be used to create a strategy for keeping harbors, parks, and trails open.
Volunteers are needed to help run “Kahalu’u Surf Day ’09” this Wednesday, October 28th. The event centers on theraputic surfing for individuals with disabilities. If you can help, call Full Life at 322-9333.
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