(AP). Governor Linda Lingle has released $203 million for renovations and new construction at University of Hawaii campuses throughout the state. The projects include improvements to the Campus Center at the Manoa Campus and the Student Services Building at UH-Hilo. A new Hawaiian Language building at UH-Hilo is also getting funding.
West Hawaii public schools are scheduled to receive $5.8 million in capital improvement funds for facility improvements, maintenance, and repairs in fiscal year 2010-2011. Lenny Klompus, the governor’s senior communications advisor, told “West Hawaii Today” that he couldn’t establish a firm timeline for the work, but said “it’s important that these improvements take place now and make a better environment for our students.”
Feral donkeys, commonly referred to as “Kona Nightengales”, are becoming more of a nuisance these days. Jim Whillock, the general manager of the Waikoloa Village Association, tells “West Hawaii Today” that approximately 40 to 70 feral donkeys have caused between $15,000 and $20,000 worth of damage to the landscape and artificial watering holes. Whillock says the growing numbers of donkeys present a traffic hazard, with several motorists hitting the animals, resulting in severe injuries and expensive repairs to vehicles. The Village Association is building a fence with a corral to contain any wandering donkeys in the area. Those wishing to adopt a caputred donkey should call 883-9422.
(AP). Dozens of small lava flows from erupting Kilauea volcano are reaching the ocean. Jim Kauahikaua of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says recent flows have burned a structure, come close to the trailhead leading the lava viewing area, and entered the ocean about 2,300 feet west of the still-active ocean entry at Waikupanaha. Flows are also creating a new lava tube system next to, and over, the main tube that has supplied lava to the ocean since March 2008.
Airports Division officials will break ground on a new Hold Cargo and Light Industrial Building at the Hilo International Airport on Tuesday, November 10th, at 10 a.m. The new 60,000 square-foot, steel-framed cargo building will be used to accommodate the delivery and transport of goods into Hilo. Also included in this project will be the construction of a 50,000 square-yard apron and taxiways designed to support wide-body cargo aircraft.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources willl hold two public meeting on Hawaii Island to discuss the extension of the Kahauale’a Natural Reserve Area and to review the master plan for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. The Natural Reserve meeting will be held on Thursday, November 12th, 6 pm, at the Volcano Cooper Center. The Kealakekua Historic Park meeting will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 1:30 pm, at the Konawaena Elementary School Cafeteria.
(AP). The Honolulu Symphony, which has performed several times on Hawaii Island, has declared bankruptcy. The move cancels concerts for the rest of the year. The symphony said Friday that it is deep in debt and doesn’t have enough money to support operations. Executive Director Majken Mechlings says the symphony can’t continue to sustain a 64-piece orchestra.
To honor the men and women who lost their lives in Fort Hood, Texas, acting Governor James “Duke” Aiona, Jr., on behalf of Governor Linda Lingle, has ordered the Hawaii state flag at all state and county buildings throughout Hawaii to be flow at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, November 10th.
There will be a road closure on the corner of Mamo Street and Keawe Street this Sunday, November 8th, from 7 am to 6 pm, for the demolition of the Mamo Hotel adjacent to the KTA Superstore in downtown Hilo. For details, call GW Construction at 966-4582.