Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that the county has no intention of implementing a “pay as you throw” fee at solid waste transfer stations in the immediate future. Currently, there is no charge for residents to dispose of household trash at any of the 20 recycling and waste transfer stations on the island. Mayor Kenoi said the “pay as you throw” option was just one of severla ideas being considered for trash disposal.
South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford has decided not to sue her fellow council members over a June 16th meeting that may have been illegal. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, Ford withdrew her lawsuit because the state Office of Information Practices will soon issue an opiniou on whether the posting time for the June meeting was legal.
The Hawaii County Council has decided it doesn’t want the state Land Use Commission eliminated. The council voted unanimously on Wednesday to remove that section of a platform submitted by the council to the Hawaii State Association of Counties legislative agenda. Council members told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” they hope the change in position will make it easier for some Land Use commission meetings to be held on Hawaii Island.
Supplies of the swine flu vaccine are inadequate to meet the needs of Hawaii County. Public Health nurse Martha Yamada tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that vaccine supply has been trickling in with more arrivals expected in the next couple of weeks. Most of the providers have only the “flu mist” nasal spray, which contains a weakened strain of the H1N1 virus, while the injectable variety contains H1N1 antibodies and no live virus.
Despite little progress to date on the Aina Lea project in South Kohala, developer Robert Wessels tells “West Hawaii Today” that he remains optimistic about his chances to meet a March 13th deadline to have 16 housing units in place. Wessels says Goodfellow Brothers is moving forward faster than expected, with grading, trenching, and road cutting well underway. Wessels says he may seek approval for up to 350 more affordable housing units.
Police are asking for your help in finding a 59-year old Puna man wanted on a $1,000 arrest warrant. According to “West Hawaii Today”, John Deleon of the Eden Roc subdivision is wanted for violating terms of a deferred plea. Also, he is wanted for questioning in connection with a terroristic threatening investigation. Deleon is 5-foot-10, weighs about 165 pounds, has a tan complextion, and gray, balding hair.
A county council ordinance making it illegal to use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving takes effect January 1st. The penalty for vilating the ordinance is a fine of up to $150. The fine can go up to as much as $500 if the use of amobile electronic device causes a collision. Penalties do not apply to emergency responders, work-related radios, and drivers holding a valid FCC Amateur Radio License.
A traffic advisory for upcountry Kona drivers for Saturday night–Mamalahoa Highway will be restricted to one-way traffic through Holualoa Village between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. for the annual “Music & Light Festival”. Police officers will only allow alternating north and south bound traffic between the Imin Center and Holualoa School during the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. event.