The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce is supporting a bill introduced by state representative Karl Rhoads that address a drastic increase in unemployment insurance rates. Chamber president Mary Begier told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that the bill to be heard today would ease the “tax shock” business owners will experience when they receive their unemployment insurance tax bill in March. If the tax increase takes effect, businesses that paid $90 per employee would be charge $1,070 per employee.
Hawaii’s declining economy has driven down the number of registered vehicles on Hawaii Island for the second straight year. Lee Lord, the manager of the Vehicle and Licensing Division, told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that only motorcylces saw an increase from 2008. There were 2,300 fewer cars and pickup trucks, nearly 900 fewer commercial trucks, and a decrease of 600-plus trailers.
Opening arguments in the murder trial of Malaki McBride have been given, with Deputy Prosecutor Mike Kagami depicting McBride as jealous and angry when he shot and killed Tyrone Torres. McBride’s court appointed attorney, Kay Iopa, said the shooting was a tragedy and a crime of passion. McBride is being tried in Hilo Circuit Court and is accused of killing Torres with a sawed-off shotgun in the early morning hours of February 25th, 2007.
United Pulbic Worker members plan to picket the UPW union hall in Hilo today in what the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” calls an unprecedented action against a local union by its members. At issue is what some members feel is a lack of representation by the union in the closure of the Kulani Correctional Facility and the personnel reductions at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
The County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management invites you to a grand opening event for the recently completed renovation of the Waimea Recycling and Transfer Station on Wednesday, January 27h, at 8;30 a.m. The project includes a new reuse center.
The Department of Parks and Recreation announces that Kealoha Beach Park (4-Miles Beach Park) will be closed from Monday, February 1st through Thursday, February 4th from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m to allow staff to remove fallen trees. The Department of Parks and Recreation thanks the public for its understanding of the short closure and asks drivers to be careful in the area.
The Department of Water Supply will be conducting a fire hydrant flow test at a hydrant along Mamalahoa Highway, between Yano Hall and the Captain Cook Post Office Center, on Thursday, January 28th, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The affected area may experience slight discolored and turbid water for several hours after the test.
Habitat For Humanity is asking the public for donations at KTA sotres islandwide. Just tear off the tabs at the registers. The campaign continues until the end of the month. Also, look for donation boxes at your favorite local restaurants. For details, call Monica at 961-5020.
You are invited to participate in our radio station polls. Just direct your Google Browser to: answers.polldaddy.com/prgnewshawaii. Thanks.