A combination of a coordinated response from trained government personnel, residents who followed evacuation proceedures, and a bit of luck contributed to a favorable outcome of Saturday’s tsunami event. Hawaii Island Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that the island was very fortunate that the tsunami wan’t stronger. Mento said the anticipated arrival time of 11:05 Saturday morning meant that most people were awake and schools were closed for the weekend. Fire Department Chief Darryl Oliviera said that preparation paid off for everyone.
Hawaii Community Policing officer Jesse Kerr tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that incidents of car vandalism in HIlo shopping center parking lots are diminishing since published reports have alerted the community to the problem. Officer Kerr says no one has been caught since the media released the story about the keying of a 2010 Mercedes in the Macy’s parking lot at Prince Kuhio Plaza. Kerr says patrol officers are making more passes in large parking lots due to recent concerns about vandalism and other crimes by juveniles.
Hawaiian Telcom will close Palani Road at night, beginning today, March 1st, as workers transfer cables to new utility poles. This work is part of the Hawaii County Palani Road Safety Improvements Project. Palani Road from Uluaoa to Konaiani will be closed from approximately 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on week nights from March 1st through March 12th for the first phase of the work. Motorists are advised to drive with caution, plan accordingly, and use alternate routes. Hawaiin Telcom will hire security guards to allow access to area residents at secured points and to provide assistance during this time.
Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma has told members of the Hawaii County Band that money for the organization will run out on June 30th. Tuba player Lee Ikeda told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that the loss of funds comes as the result of budget cuts and the need to balance the county budget. Hunter Bishop, the mayor’s executive assitant, said the budget doesn’t have money for the band, which has 34 paid part-time members in East Hawaii and 11 players in West Hawaii.
(AP). A whale and dolphin rescue center opened this past Friday on the Big Island. The Hawaii Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility at UH-Hilo will care for injured, sick, and lost marine mammals. A 25,000 gallon saltwater pool at the university’s Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center can house two whales or dolphins at a time. A $100,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is providing the initial funding for the center.
(AP). The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will close the walkway to Akaka Falls lookout for the continued installation of safety railings at Akaka Falls State Park. The closure begins today and will last through March 12t.
Nancy Gardner-Heaven, PhD will present a series of FREE Health Education Workshops on the Big Island from Tuesday, March 2nd in Pahoa, to Friday, March 5th at Tutu’s House in Kamuela. To reserve your spot, call toll-free” 1-866-766-2468.
Pacific Care Missions will be collecting medical, health care, and school supplies for Fanning Island on Wednesday, March 17th when the Holland America cruise ship MS Rotterdam visits Kona on March 17th. Bring your supplies to the Kailua pier and look for Pacific Care Missions. For details, call Rich Smith at 1-970-389-0363.
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