The American Red Cross estimates that the death toll from Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Haiti is now between 45,000 and 50,000. The Red Cross is releasing another $9 million for disaster relief in the stricken Caribbean nation. Here in Hawaii, residents can call in donations to the Hawaii Red Cross at 808-739-8109. Be sure to say your donation is for Haiti earthquake relief.
Hawaii County may get $18.1 million for a Ka’u emergency evacuation shelter that would also serve as a public school gymnasium if Governor Linda Lingle releases the funds. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, the Department of Education did not request the project, so it was moved to a lower priority among the work approved by last year’s state legislature. Big Island state representative Bob Herkes said he would introduce legislation to transfer the money to Hawaii County so the project can begin.
A motorcycle driver is dead and his female passenger injured following a crash on Akaka Falls Road. Fire-rescue crews responded to the crash around 2:16 p.m Thursday. Crews found the man on the roadside without any vital signs. The passenger was taken to the Hilo Medical Center. Police are continuing their investigation.
Friends and family of Jolene Medeiros gathered at the Dodo Mortuary Thursday to remember her life and mourn her death. Those gathered for the service focused their attention on the good she dad done during her short life, including spreading the awareness of domestic violence and serving as an organ donor. Medeiros died January 2nd after being shot by her estranged boyfriend and the father of her two young children. Harry Batalona, Jr., died on December 30th following a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Hawaii Island police are enforcing the new cell-phone use law. So far this year, police have issued 30 cell-phone use tickets. Police Department spokeswoman Chris Loos tells “West Hawaii Today” that cell=phone use in moving vehicles is permitted with hands-free devices such as headphones and bluetooth connections. The fine for driving while talking on a cell-phone is $97.
Another connector road is open in Kailua-Kona. On Wednesday, Public Works crews opend a road from Keokeo Street to Holu Street. The road joins Kona Palisades to the Kona Crestview subdivision. The road has been on the planning table since 2005, but the county had to wait until eminent domain proceedings were complete. Third Circuit Court Judge Ronald Ibarra ruled in favor of the county last December.
(AP). A hearing has been scheduled to determine if a Big Island man is fit to stand trial in the rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl. A psychiatrist and two psychologists haved filed reports with the Circuit Court finding 30-year-old Anthony Poulin fit to proceeed. The February 19th hearing on those reports was requested by his court-appointed attorney, Stanton Oshiro.
(AP). The real estate research firm RealtyTrac says there were a record-high 1,535 foreclosure fiings in Hawaii last month. The previous high of 990 was reached in July. According to RealtyTrac, Hawaii now has the 10th-highest rate of foreclosures among states as measured by the number of households per foreclosure filing.
The U.S. Census Bureau is currently recruiting for both full and part time jobs to assist with the 2010 census. Pay starts at $17.00 per hour. For details, call toll-free at 1-866-861-2010 or visit the web site at www.2010censusjobs.gov.