Roger Christie, the founder and director of The Hawaii Cannabis Ministry, tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that at least six and perhaps as many as a dozen homes were raided on Wednesday by federal and local agents. A police spokeswoman confirmed that all raids were related to a federal operation and referred further inquiries to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Honolulu. Deputy U.S. Attorney Tom Muebeck said there have been no arrests and no charges posted following the operation.
A pilot program giving public funds to candidates seeking Hawaii County Council seats is proving less popular than anticipated. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, only four candidates have qualified for a share of the $300,000 available for the nine council positions up for election this year. Campaign Spending Commission Executive Director Barbara Wong said she was surprised the response was so low.
On Monday, about a dozen county and federal officials joined community leaders and private landowners on a tour of areas mauka of Hilo that are prone to flooding. Private landowers tell the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that pressure to build subdivisions in the area increases the flood danger to Waiakea. Mayor Billy Kenoi said the tour shed some light on potential problems and felt some progress was being made on the issue. Some landowners feel that favoritism and deals made by past county councils may have compromised public safety.
In celebration of the birthday of King Kamehameha III, the Puana Ka ‘Ike Lecture Series presents Dr. Keanu Sai at 5:30 p.m. today at the Bayview Meeting Rooms of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. In his presentation, Dr. Sai will discuss the events that transformed Hawaii’s land tunure system during the reign of Kamehameha III. For details, call Natalie at 322-0088, extension 100.
(AP). A nearly $150,000 grant will fund a new school-community-government partnership to fight obesity on the Big Island. The funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is creating a program call “Ho’ala”. Its goal is to improve access to active modes of transportation to and from school. A dozen Big Island schools will be selected to take part in the new program.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold public hearings statewide, starting March 16th, on proposed amendments to bottomfish administrative rules. The first meeting will be held March 16th, 6 p.m., at Kealakehe High School. The Hilo meeting is set for March 22nd, 6 p,m., at the Aupuni Conference Room, 101 Aupuni Street (the old Firestone Building).
If you earned less than $49,000 last year, you are eligible to get free tax return preparation this Saturday at the Neighborhood Place of Kona in Kaiwi Square. Trained IRS volunteers will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m only this Saturday. For an appointment, call 331-8777.
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