Hawaii County police are advising motorists that there will be a temporary one-way traffic patternon Kapiolani Street in Hilo today, between 7:30 a.m and 1:00 p.m., to accommodate people attending the funeral Mass of “Auntie Dottie” Thompson. Traffic will be directed in the Puna, or southerly, direction on Kapiolani Street between Waianuenue Avenue and Haili Street. Thompson, one of the founders of the Merrie Monarch Festival, died last month at the age of 88.
After careful evaluation and community input, the state Department of Transportation will be reducing the posted speed limit on sections of Akoni Pule Highway, Kawaihae Road, and the the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, from 45 mph to 35 mph. The reduced speed limit is centered at the junction of these three highways in Kawaihae and continues 1.5 miles west from the junction on Akoni Pule Highway to the Kawaihae Harbor Entrance, 0.3 miles east from the junction on Kawaihae Road to Emmalani Street, and 0.5 miles south from the junction on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway. The new speed limit will take affect on Tuesday, May 4th. Temporary signage will be posted in the area to notify drivers.
(AP). A public charter school on the Big Island is closing its doors early because of financial problems. The principal and director of Waters of Life says the school board decided to end the school year as of yesterday. But, the school plans to reopen in May for summer school and will resume classes in the fall.
The Hawaii County Charter Commission has sent 19 proposed charter amendments to the Hawaii County Council for review before the articles are placed on the November ballot. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, proposed changes include allocating less money for land preservation, making it easier to remove elected officials, and authorizing its top prosecutor to do cirme prevention education.
According to a 257-page environmental assessment released to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” on Thursday, widening about 2.3 miles of the Keaau-Pahoa Road should start in February 2011. The report said the improvements will have no significant environmental impact. The state project will cost around $14 million. The improvement will be funded by the state Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
Five candidates being considered to replace UH-Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng will visit the Hilo campus between April 16th and April 29th. Search advisory committee co-chairman and UH-Hilo Faculty Congress chairman Sevki Endogan tells the “Hawaii Tribune-HErald” that the committee is pleased with the breadth of interest and high level of talent in the pool of candidates.
Puna state representative Faye Hanohano has failed to make payments on a used bulldozer she bouth in late 2008. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, a Third Circuit Court hearing on the case has been continued to May 22nd. The lawsuit claims that Hanohano failed to pay the amount owed, which, as of November 25th, was around $53,000.
Community news: The Hawaii Island Land Trust & Surfrider Foundation Hawaii present “The Wild and Scenic Film Festival” today, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu. For details, call 1-808-430-4994.
Community news: You are invited to a special benefit concert to help Shantelle Hidaro fight against cancer. The event will be held today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Honokaa Complex. The concert will also feature food booths and special childrens’ activities.
Community news: The Hawaii Island Food Basket will be collecting non-perishable food and money today, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Hilo WalMart and Safeway; at the Lanihau Center, the Kailua-Kona Safeway, and the Kona Coast Shopping Center; and at the Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant in Waimea. For details, call 933-7030.
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