Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that cost-cutting measures such as limited hiring and reduced equipment purchases have saved the county $7.4 million, which is still not enough to offset the county’s budget shortfall. The mayor says more county land must be sold and even taxes should be raised to cover budget deficits. Finance Director Nancy Crawford says the current year will continue to be fiscally challenging and major sources of revenue will be below budget projections.
Hawaii Island now has a good supply of swine flu vaccine and restrictions on its distribution have been lifted. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, pharmacies and physicians are giving the swine flu vaccine to those who want it. Mike Hoskins, the manager of the Safeway pharmacy in Hilo, says business is brisk as a steady flow of people continue to ask for the vaccine at the store. The shot is free for those with insurance. Safeway charges a $15 administrative fee, but most insurers and Medicare Part B cover the cost of the shot.
The U.S. Census Bureau is currently recruiting for both full and part-time temporary jobs to assist with the 2010 census. These jobs provide good pay (starting at $17.00 per hour), the ability to work in your own neighborhood, and an opportunity to do something good for your community. For information on census jobs, go to www.2010censusjobs.gov.
Police are asking for your help in finding a man wanted for questioning in a burglary investigation. Edward Geraghty, age 23, is also wanted on an outstanding bench warrant for contempt of court. He has 13 prior convictions, none for feloies. He’s described as 5-5, about 150 pound, with short black hair and brown eyes.
Law enforcement officers are cracking down on illegal kayak vendors near the Napoopoo Pier. On Monday, a group of Hawaii Police officers, Community Police officers, and special enforcement units from DLNR conducted a sting operation that led to the arrest of Herman Santiago of Kealakekua and Kapahukula Voorhees of Kealakekua for a variety of charges ranging from theft and contempt of court to commercial use of a county street and promotion of a detrimental drug. Both men are being held at the Kona police cellblock.
Police are looking for a missing Kailua-Kona man, who was last seen jumping off a steep, 20 foot shoreline cliff into high surf Monday afternoon. 30-year old Daniel Wright was last seen around 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon at the end of Alii Drive at a place known as “The End of the World”. Wright was seen drifting out to sea and treading water.
Police are warning residents about an automobile repair scam. A South Kohala man told police he was approached by another man in the parking lot of a shopping center asking if the driver wanted his wobbly tire repaired. The suspecet entered the victim’s car and drove off. Later, he returned and demand $4,000 for the alleged repair. If you have information on this case, call police.
The next Waikoloa Town Meeting will be held on Friday, January 29th, 6 p.m., at the school cafeteria. Hear updates on the Community Development Program, the keiki park, plans for a health clinic, and other upgrades for Waikoloa from County Councilman Pete Hoffman. For more information, call Sara Peck at 329-2861.