Police have identified the Waimea woman killed Tuesday in an auto accident near the Waiaha Water tank as 51-year old Jeridee L. Halliwell. Police said the road was wet and the car failed to negotiate a tight corner in an area without guardrails. It is not known at this time if speed, alcohol, or drugs were factors in the fatal crash.
Hawaii County Police Chief Harry Kobojiri tells the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” he wants more openness and transparency between his department and the public, but he doesn’t want his own performance review made public. The Police Commission is withholding the annual performance evaluation it did on Kobojiri after naming him the top police officer for the Big Island. The Commission says Police Chief Kobojiri has met the majority of his goals, and has continued to increase the professionalism and morale of the Police Department.
Mauna Kea’s newest and perhaps smallest telescope should reach the summit sometime today. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, a flatbed truck carrying the Hoka Ke’a is leaving Hilo this morning for a three hour trip to the site of the former UH-Hilo 24-inch telescope. Final assembly will take place within the telescope enclosure.
The Pacific Tsunamin Warning Center says a 3.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled Pahala Wednesday morning did not cause a tsunami or damage. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremblor was centered 2 miles west-northwest of Pahala.
UH-Hilo officials are at a loss to explain the suddent resignation of UH-Hilo softball coach Gwen Kagaoan. UH-Hilo Athletic Director Dexter Irvin told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that he met with Kagaoan on Monday, when she tendered her resignation, effectively ending her position. So far, UH-Hilo has not released any explanation for Kagaoan’s departure.
The Executive Director of the Hawaii Island Food Basket is appealing for help in meeting the ever expanding needs of families unable to feed themselves. Nani Lee says volunteers will be collecting food and money for the needy this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations: In Hilo at Walmart and Safeway; in Kailua-Kona at Safeway and at the Kona Coast Shopping Center; in Kealakekua at the Ranch Center; and in Waimea at Kentucky Fried Chicken. If you want to help the Food Basket, call 933-7030.
Hawaii County officials have cancelled the planned sale of three Paauilo properties. Finance Director Nancy Crawford told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that the decision was made last Friday. The county received no bids for six parcels offered for sale March 31st and no offers for six parcels it tried to sell April 7th. Crawford said all 15 properties will be offered agains at a catch-all sale set for May 24th.
Community news: Friends and family of Shantelle Hidaro are holding a benefit concert for her fight against cancer this Saturday at the Honokaa Complex. The benefit concert will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainmentincludes Ryan Hiraoka, R. J. Kaneao, Pomai and Damon Williams, and Loeka Longakit. The benefit will also feature food booths and childrens’ activities.
Community news: Punana Leo O Waimea is hosting its 2nd Annual Pig Hunting Tournament fundraiser this Saturday at the Punana Leo O Waimea preschool located behind the Hawaiian Homes Hall. For details, call 885-7166.
Community news: The Hawaii Land Trust & Surfrider Foundation Hawaii present “The Wild and Scenic Film Festival” this Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at the Aloha Theater in Kainaliu. For details, call 1-808-430-4994.
Community news: Hawaii County Councilman Guy Enriques will hold a “talk story” session today, 6:30 p.m., at Yano Hall. The “talk story” sessions wrap up on Saturday with a community meeting at Milolii Beach Pavilion at 10 a.m. For details, call 961-8536.
The Department of Public Works will hold two talk-story sessions on the International Energy Conservation Code for new and renovated buildings. The first meeting will be held today, 5 p.m., at the Aupuni Center in Hilo. The West Hawaii meeting will be held in Kona at the Mayor’s office at Hanama Place on Friday, 5 p.m.