(AP). The Hawaii County Council could be taking up a bill as early as this week to regulate the use of emergency water spigots. The bill would limit water to 55 gallons per day and require the use of containers no larger than 55 gallons, plus set penalties of up to $500 and 30 days in jail. The 15 spigots on the Big Island were established in 1988.
(AP). January is Volcano Awareness Month on the Big Island. Throughout the month, the U.S. Geological Survey says its Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will sponsor events to promote the importance of understanding and respecting the volcanoes that form the island. The events are being held in cooperation with Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii County Civil Defense, and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Scientists say Kilauea has been in constant eruption since January 3rd, 1983.
Kohala District Councilman Pete Hoffman wants to ask Big Island voters if they support decriminalizing marijuana use. Presently, he is barred from adding nonbinding questions to ballots. Hoffman tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” he simply wants a survey taken on the question to find out if people want to move ahead with legalization. A resolution urging the state legislature to decriminalize the cultivation, possession, and use of marijuana will appear before the council’s Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations Committee during its 4:45 p.m. meeting on Tuesday in Hilo.
Big Island State Representative Mark Nakashima and Big Island State Senator Dwight Takamine will hold two community meetings today to discuss the upcoming state legislative session which begins on January 20th. The first meeting is set for 5:00 p.m. today at the Kohala Senior Center. That meeting will be chaired by Representative Nakashima. The second meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Waimea Elementary School Cafeteria. That meeting will be moderated by State Senator Takamine.
The Department of Water Supply will conduct a fire hydrant flow test at a hydrant along Kapiolani Street between Ponahawai Street and Haili Street on Tuesday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. The affected area may experience slight discolored and turbid water for several hours after the test. Customers are advised to refrain from washing clothes and to store a container of water for their drinking needs until the supply of water is restored to normal. For details, call 961-8790.
The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation announces that the Magic Sands Parking lot will be closed on Tuesday, January 5th, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. while employees work to replace the existing lifeguard tower. For details, call Clayton Honma at 961-8311.
The County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation announces that the Kona Community Aquatic Center at Kailua Park will be closed Tuesday, January 5th and Wednesday, January 6th for repairs. The pool will reopen on Thursday, January 7th.
The state Department of Transportation advises Big Island motorists of single lane closures on Queen Kaahumanu Highway from Lako Street to Henry Street on Monday, January 4th, through Friday, January 8th, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., daily, for pavement marking and guardrail installations. One lane of traffic in each direction will be open at all times. Drivers are advised to use caution while they are driving through the work area and to allow for extra travel time. Roadwork is weather permitting.