A financial report sent to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” shows that Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi has been off-island more than a quarer of his first year in office. County Finance Department records indicate that $23,634 of the mayor’s firs-year trvel and entertainment expenses were paid for by taxpayers. In a prepared statement, Mayor Kenoi defended his frequent flights as a requirement to secure money, negotiate with unions, lobby state legislators, and establish relationships that benefit the county.
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann made a quick stop in Hilo Monday to help fundraising efforts for the Hawaii Island Food Basket, but appeared in no hurry to decide whether he will run for governor this year. Hannemann told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that he is still in the exploratory stage. Monday’s benefit generated between 400 and 500 pounds of food for the Food Basket.
State officials tell the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that Kona Blue Water Farms remains in compliance with environmental monitoring and reporting requirements and is curent on its lease payments. DLNA Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands Director Sam Lemmo says Kona Blue Water Farms has many conditions with which it must comply, and conditions within conditions which can be difficult to track. Kona Blue’s lease agreement with the state requires the company to pay $2,100 in rent or 1 percent of gross revenues, whichever is greater.
A mother and daughter in inflatable kayaks were rescued off the Big Island Sunday after wind conditions made it impossible to return to shore. According to the “Honolulu Advertiser”, firefighters were called after a bystander with akayak tried to help the 57-year old woman and her 13-year old daughter, who were caught in a wind line about a half-mile from shore at Mahukona State Park. The mother and daughter were taken back to Mahukona State Park, tired but otherwise unhurt.
(AP). Governor Linda Lingle heads to Washington, D. C. this week for meetings with other governors and some Obama Administration officials. On Friday, the governor will meet with Assistant Secretary of Energy Cathy Zoi, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. The governor will also attend the The National Governors Association meeting, which begins on Saturday.
The Fourth Annual Hawaii Avocado Festival will be held this Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, at the Amy B.H. Greewell Ethnobotanical Garden on Highway 11. The free, zero-waste event offers non-stop activities for attendees of all ages.
The Big Island Auto Club presents its season opening drag race this Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 7 a.m. both days. Updates on KBIG, KAPA, and Native-FM.
The Arts of Kona presents it Second Annual Member Artists’ Showcase and Sale at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Convention Center this Saturday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone. Children are welcome and encouraged to visit. Free parking and door prizes.
Comments about this news blog are welcome. Please direct your comments to rroberts@pacificradiogroup.com. You are also encouraged to participate in our news polls, which are usually listed after the final story.[polldaddy poll=2708639]