The 47th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival delighted spectators Wednesday night at the Edith Kanakaole Multipurpose Stadium with four great performances dedicated to the family and friends of Dottie Thompson and kumu hula Rae Fonseca. The Miss Aloha Hula Competition gets underway at 6:30 tonight.
Hawaii County officials say no one has offered to buy six vacant land parcels near Paauilo because the asking price may be too high. Property Manager Ken Van Bergen tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that “we’ve received zero bids to date”, adding that there will be another attempt to sell the land next week. County Finance Director Nancy Crawford says it’s possible the prices are too high in a sales environment damaged by the recession.
Hawaii County Council members want to delay new energy-efficient building standards until public hearings are held on the issue. Public Works Director Warren Lee tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that he would be glad to schedule and coordinate public briefings before th bill is considered at the council’s April 20th meeting in Keauhou.
Fire rescue crews have completed a second day of searching for a California man who disappeared Tuesday while he was swimming with friends at Hilo’s Boiling Pots State Park. Fire Captain Richard Fong told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that a helicopter and diveres searched for Ryan Tizel without success. Fong said search parties will resume their efforts this morning.
The Hawaii County Office of Aging has received the “Excellence in Action Award” from the U.S. Administration on Aging, the Centers for Medicare, and the Veterans Administration. The award was given at the national ADRC conference held in Alexandria, Virginia. The award recognized Hawaii County’s establishment of the Aging and Disability Resource Center on Kinoole Street as a one-stop-shop for long-term care information and services.
(AP). A pesticide approved last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is being used by Hawaii beekeepers to battle destructive varroa mites. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports the beekeepers are making progress using vaproized formic acid in bee colonies. The department says the formic acid kills a large percentage of the mites, helping beekeepers control the infestation. Officials estimate Hawaii’s annual honey production rose 6 percent to 950,000 pounds last year.
With Mayor Billy Kenoi and the Hawaii County Board of Ethics far apart on ethics reform, the County Council’s Finance Committee has decided to postpone a bill that would tighten the ethics code until opposing proposals can be discussed at the same time. North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell told “West Hawaii Today” that he stands against the decision because “it’s unfair to us, unfair to county employees, and unfair to the people who live here.”
Community news: The Young Life Organization is holding a Lau Lau fundraiser to send children to Wood Leaf Camp in California. Orders are being taken now, with delivery set for Saturday. For details, call Lezlie DeRego at 854-9775.
Community news: The Big Island Auto Club will hold its next points meet on April 24/April 25 at the Hilo Drag Strip. The race will also feature a VW “Bug-in” and a swap meet. Radio updates provided by Automotive Supply Center in Hilo.
Community news: Hawaii County Council District 6 Councilmember Guy Enriques will hold a series of “talk story” meetings at the following times: Monday, April 12, Naalehu Clubhouse, 6:30 pm.,; Wednesday, April 14, Ocean View Community Center, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, April 15, Yano Hall, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 17, Milolii Beach Pavilion, 10:00 a.m. For more information, call 961-8536.