Big Island landowner Ed Olson and the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust have signed an agreement to preserve 907 acres of agricultural land at Honu’apo in the Ka’u District. The “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” reports that the agreement will protect the land mauka of the Mamalahoa Highway in perpetuity. Olson says he wanted to do something with the land that’ll be good for the people there.
Those expecting early tax refunds may have to wait a while. The “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” reports that the IRS is currently unable to process federal tax returns from taxpayers claiming itemized or education-related deductions until the agency can update its forms. H & R Block spokesman Gene KIng says the delay comes from changes Congress made last month to extend some of the Bush-era tax cuts.
An environmental assessment released Friday by county parks and recreation director Bob Fitzgerald says Hawaii County is expected to pay $18 million for 4.8 miles of trail and greenways through Waimea. The first increment, about one mile between Lindsey Road and Kahawai Street, would cost around $5.8 million. the second phase is projected to be from Kahawai Street to the county transfer station. Long-term maintenance for the trail will be the responsibility of the county and the Waimea Trails and Greenway Committee.
(AP). Firefighters rescued a Big Island woman who fell down a lava tube in the front yard of a Hawaiian Paradise Park home. Authorities tell the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that Daisy Lopez Villalobos was working as a home helath aide and was only on her second day of work at the home. She survived the 15-foot fall with bruises to her hip and some cuts.
Big Island police are looking for 41-year-old Gregory Kalani Santa-Isabel in connection with a domestic abuse case. The Puna man is being sought for an abuse of a family/household member and terroristic threatening stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred at a residence in Kurtistown on 16 January. Santa-Isabel is described as part Hawaiian, about 5′ 5″ tall, weighing about 185 pounds, brown eyes, and bald. He has numerous tatoos on his chest, hands, and outer wrists. Santa-Isabel may be armed and should be considered dangerous. Those with leads should call Detective Royce Serrao at 961-8810.
Big Island police have found 30-year-old Karen Izawa of Kona, who was reported missing. She was found unharmed Friday afternoon.
Big Island police have charged 45-year-old Cynthia Ann Johnasen of Hilo with 15 offenses in conncection with a credit card reported stolen last year. Police arrested Johnasen on Wednesdady and charged her with unauthorized use of a credit card, identity theft, and theft. Her bail was set at $159,000. During the investigation, police recovered video surveillance depicting a woman approaching an ATM and using it to make the unauthorized withdrawls.
“West Hawaii Today” reports that the state Land Use Commission voted 5-3 to revert the land use classification at Aina Lea in South Kohala from urban to agriculture–this in an attempt to enforce construction deadlines for the second time for the Aina Lea development. Attorneys for DW Aina Lea and Bridge Aina Lea say the decision is invalid, since curent state law requires six affirmative votes to reclassify land. Deputy Attorney General Bryan Lee says the action by the commission wasn’t a land classification.
The Hawaii County Council has taken steps to end a costly bulldozer lease whcih has cost the county $800,000. The bulldozer, which is used at the Hilo landfill, was sold in 2003 and later leased back to the county. “West Hawaii Today” reports that the council voted 7-0 to buy a new bulldozer through a five-year lease-to-own agreement for $796,000, including interest and maintenance. Since the machine is built from scratch, it will take as long as 16 months before the county is free of the previous lease agreement.
(AP). Democratic Governor Neil Abercrombie is ending his quest to reveal more information about President Barack Obama’s Hawaii birth because it’s against state law to release private documents. Abercrombie spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz says state Attorney General David Louie told the governor he can’t disclose birth documentation without consent.
Pet Possee: Be on the lookout for a spayed female pit-bull/boxer mix last seen between Ainaloa and Pahoa town. The dog is black with a white chest. The dog answers to the name of “Billie”. For details, call 333-9958.
Notice to motorists–North Kohala. There will be alternating single lane closures on the Akoni Pule Highway near Niulii on Monday, 24 January, through Friday, 28 January, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for pavement striping work.
Notice to motorists–Near Laupahoehoe Gulch. There will be alternating single lane closures on the Hawaii Belt Road from Laupahoehoe Point Road to Laupahoehoe Gulch (the second horseshoe) on Monday, 24 January, through Friday, 28 January, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for slope stabilization work.
Notice to motorists–Kamuela. There will be alternating lane closures on the Kohala Mountain Road near the Waiaka Stream Bridge on Monday, 24 January, through Friday, 28 January, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for guardrail installations.
Notice to motorists–Vicinity of the Waikoloa Junction. There will be alternating single lane closures on the Mamalahoa Highway near the Waikoloa Junction on Monday, 24 January, through Friday, 28 January, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for slope stabilization work.
Notice to motorists–Hilo International Airport. There will be alternating single lane clousres on the Hilo International Airport Access Road near the U.S. Post Office. Road resurfacing work will be done between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday, 24 January, through Friday, 28 January. Police officers will direct traffic flow on-site.
Community news. The future of the Cooper Center Skate Park in Volcano will be discussed at a public meeting on Monday, 31 January, at 6:00 p.m. People who wish the skate park to remain open and usable should attend the meeting at the Cooper Center in Volcano.
Community news. The Kona Skate Park Association and Kona Beach n Bikes are hosting a Contest/Fundraiser for the Kona Concrete Skate Park at the Old Kona Airport on Saturday, 29 January, at 11 a.m. All ages are welcome. Entry fee is $5. The event will be staged at the Old Kona Airport’s Temporary Skateboard Park. For details, call Travis at 769-8778.
Community news. Mark your calendar for the 41st Annual Hilo March for Babies on Saturday, April 9th. Register now at marchforbabies.org.
Please send your community news items to rroberts@pacificradiogroup.com at least two weeks before your event.
The news poll quetion about Hawaii joining with a mainland lottery program is still running. You can find the poll at–answers.polldaddy.com/prgnewshawaii. The measure is sponsored by Hawaii state senator Malama Solomon. Questions about the lottery measure should be directed to her office.
Hawaii Island weather. A high surf warning continues through today. Hilo and vicinity–Partly cloudy with scattered showers. Kailua-Kona and vicinity–Sunny in the morning, then becoming partly and hazy by the afternoon. Highs 75 to 80. Lows 63 to 68. Northeast winds 10 to 20 mph.
Hawaii Island surf forecast. A high surf warning remains in effect for west facing shores. Hapuna Beach breaks–6-8 plus. Kona-Banyans–6-8 plus. Ka’u-Pohoiki–2-4. Hilo-Honolii–2-4. Keaukaha–1-2. Hamakua-North Kohala–3-5.
Have a good weekend! Russ Roberts, News Department