The manager of GM’s Grassroots & Dealer Communications in Detroit tells “West Hawaii Today” that Big Island Toyota has been contracted to perform warranty work on General Motors vehicles. Ryndee Carney says customers can have warranty work performed at Big Island Toyota at no charge to them, as long as it’s covered service. GM will then reimburse Big Island Toyota for doing the work. Jan Whiteshide, the vice-president of chief financial officer for Big Island Toyota, says the company became a GM-authorized dealership on Wednesday.
The deaths of two pregnant cows, apparently shot by bow and arrow, at the Hualalai Ranch late last month have prompted police to begin an animal cruelty investigation. Hualalai Ranch Manager Frank Boteilho told “West Hawaii Today” the two Santa Gertrudis cows were valued at $1,000 each. The Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Peter Cunningham, the U.S. Department of Education’s assistant secretary for communications and outreach, wrapped up his Hawaii Island tour with visits to the West Hawaii Explorations Academy and Kealakehe Intermediate School. Cunningham told “West Hawaii Today” that he came to listen and not to tell people what to do. Among the top concerns outlined by Taffi Wise of the Kanu O Ka Aina Learning Ohana were those of charter school funding and accountability.
The Hawaii County Board of Ethics believes the proposals suggested by Mayor Billy Kenoi go too far. Ethics Board member Marilyn Nicholson tells “West Hawaii Today” that the mayor’s proposals are clearly too restrictive and may be unfair. The mayor’s most significant proposal is a ban on companies holding contracts with county government where county employees, their spouses, or dependent children have a controlling interest. The board is considering a recommendation barring county employees or their companies from contracts only within the employee’s department or pertaining to the employee’s job description.
On Thursday, Hawaii Island state representative Cindy Evans helped dedicate Kealakehe Intermediate School’s $6.7 million Administration and Library Building. Evans said the new structure is the result of five years of hard work, community support, and appleals to the state legislature and the governor for the release of funds for the project. Evans said the facility will provide a conducive learning environment, coupled with a dedicated staff.
You are invited to attend the blessing and open house for the new Pahoa Fire Station this Saturday, December 12th. The new fire station is located on Highway 130 near mile marker 8. Festivities begin at 9:00 a.m.
Motorists are being urged to drive carefully this weekend. There are several Christmas Parades this weekend, including the Keaau Christmas Parade on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.; the Kailua-Kona Parade on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.; and the Pahala Parade on Sunday, December 13th, at 1:00 p.m. Waikoloa Village will have a special Christmas event on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
There will be an intermittent road closure on Hina Lani Street in Kailua-Kona on Monday, December 14th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The only lane to be affected will be the lane heading toward the ocean. For details, call Rockwood at 937-2165.
A free senior celebration will be held at the Pahoa Neighborhood Center this Saturday, December 12th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event includes food demonstrations by noted cookbook author and columnist Audrey Wilson. Panel discussions will cover a range of topics from healthy living to various information booths. Families are welcome to this free event.