(AP). The University of Hawaii will receive $420,000 in federal money to improve volcano monitoring on the Big Island. The grant will finance the continued study of deposits from the Kilauea volcano summit eruption that began in March 2008, and the development of more accurate methods of measuring sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the volcano.
(AP). Hawaii County officials say more competitive bid specifications for roadside work could end up saving conty taxpayers more than $1 million over the next two years. Officials say Kamaaina Pumping, which has held a contract for roadside drywell and culvert cleaning since 1996, was the apparent low bidder on the two-year deal at a bid opening on Friday.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service are establishing a 14-member citizens’ Laupahoehoe Advisory Council to provide guidance to DLNR and the Forest Service on management issues and plan related to the Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest and state lands in Laupahoehoe. Those wishing to apply for the advisory council should call Roger Imoto at 974-4221.
The National Weath Service has issued a High Surf Warning for West and Northeast facing shores until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Surf heights could exceed 15 feet in some areas. Please secure all boats and related marine equipment.
Water notice–The Department of Water Supply will be conducting a fire hydrant flow test at a hydrant along Puainako Street Extension and the UH-Hilo Campus on Thursday, December 10th, between the hours of 10 a.m and 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Road Closure Notice–The Department of Water Supply will be closing Halai Street between Haili Street and Alae Street for the purpose of changing a service lateral. This work and road closure will occur on Friday, December 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For details, call Carl Nishimura at 961-8790.
The non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau is sponsoring four workshops on Hawaii Island. The workshops entitled “We the Powerful” will help residents discover the public’s power in the legislative process. The first meeting is set for December 10th, 5:30 p.m., at the Honokaa Public Library. The second meeting will be held December 14th at the Naalehu School Cafeteria. The third meeting will be held on December 16th at the Liquor Control Conference Room in Kailua-Kona. For details, call 974-4000, extension 7-0478.
The state Department of Transportation will hold two public meetings regarding an update of the “Hawaii Commercial Harbors 2020 Master Plan” The Master Plan update will address future needs for commercial harbor facilities. The Hilo meeting will take place on Thursday, December 10th, 5:30 p.m., at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale. The Kawaihae meeting is set for Monday, December 14th, 5:30 p.m., at the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory on Maluokalani Street.