Here are some of the stories I’m following through Saturday morning:
EPA report names top polluters for Hawaii Island; more surveillance cameras for the county; protecting the Kona Coffee brand.
Sources cited include the Associated Press, the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald“, and Stephens Media.
TOP POLLUTER NAMED
(Hawaii Tribune-Herald). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has placed the Hawaii Electric Light Company’s “Hill” power plant and the Pohakuloa Training Area on its list of top industrial polluters for the state. The 33.7 megawatt “Hill” facility on Railroad Avenue place sixth in the state with a reported 140,028 pounds of toxic chemicals emitted, mostly sulphuric acid. HELCO president Jay Ignacio said that figure is down from the year 2009, the biggest reason being a “different way of calculating the inventory levels.” Ignacio said “on average, we’re using less sulphur in our fuel…we’re alos running the units less hours throughout the year.” On top of that he says, “people are cutting back and using energy more wisely, using more energy-efficient techniques.” The Army’s PTA and range facility on Saddle Road rnked ninth amont reported polluters in the state, with 96,397 pound of chemicals reported. Although it’s not in the EPA report, the largest polluter is Kilauea Volcano. According to the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, the volcano emitted 450 tons of sulphur on Wednesday alone. At that rate, the volcano pollutes the environment more in three days than industry and the military do in a year.
MORE CAMERAS
(Hawaii Tribune-Herald). The Police Department’s plan to operate 40 surveillance cameras is now moving forward after regulatory and procedural issues have been solved. Last year, Police Major Larry Weber said a grant of $488,948 from the Hawaii Tourism Authority would enable 16 cameras to be installed in downtown Hilo, 15 in Kailua-Kona, one at Akaka Falls, and eight in Pahoa. The high-definition cameras can record and transmit video and swee int he dark. They can identify license plates and capture faces. Apparently, a major stumbling block to installing the cameras was the use of utility poles and the use of electricity to power the devices. On Wednesday, Major Weber said that issue has been resolved, saying “we’re paying a fee to HELCO to power the cameras.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has gone on record in opposition to the cameras, citing their ineffectiveness in deterring crime and their potential for misuse.
PROTECTING KONA COFFEE
(Stephens Media). A bill aimed at curtailing the use of the Kona Coffee name by coffee blenders will soon be introduced in the state Legislature. Coehour Bondera, the president of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association, says the “Coffee Origing Disclosure Bill” is a small, but marked, step forward in truth-in-labeling for Kona Coffee farmers. The seeks to require blenders, who currently combine 10 percent Kona Coffee with coffee from another often undisclosed location, to not only identify in larger text on the front of the product that it is a blend, but also to disclose where the other 90 percent of the originated.
QUARTER TO FEATURE KILAUEA VOLCANO
(Stephens Media). Hawaii Volcanoes National Park‘s East Rift Zone will grace the face of an America the Beautiful Quarter to be released this summer. Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said the strike honors the park with a depicton of an active Kilauea East Rift Zone eruption. On the coin’s obverse is a restored John Flanagoan portrait of George Washington, which has appeared on circulating quarters since 1932. Inscribed on the commemorative coin, which was designed by U.S. Mint Sculptor and Engraver Charles L. Vickers, is “Hawaii Volcanoes”, “Hawaii 2012”, and “E Pluribus Unum.”
NEW DIRECTOR HIRED FOR RESIDENCY PROGRAM IN HILO
(Hawaii Tribune-Herald). Hilo Medical Center has added an important piece to the puzzle as it strives to build a residency program aimed at training successful new doctors and convincing them to remain on Hawaii Island. This week, HMC’s Family Practive Residency Program welcomed Dr. Kritine McCoy as its new director. Having served as the associate medical director of El Centro Family Health, a rural family health program in New Mexico, McCoy said she is no stranger to the specific challenges that face Hawaii Island residents as they seek health care services. With its strong focus on building a network of rural primary care physicianss, as well as advanced practice nurses and pharmacists, McCoy said that Hilo’s residency program seemed like a perfect fit for her.
MAN SOUGHT IN ALLEGED ASSAULT
(Hawaii County Police Department). Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a 27-year-old Hamakua man wanted for questioning in connection with an alleged sexual assault of a woman at a South Kohala public beach during the early morning hours of 28 December. Eagle Adam Tobin is last known to have lived in Waipio Valley and Honokaa town. He’s described as Caucasian, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, with bron hair , brown eyes, a medium build, and a fair to lightly tanned complextion. No charges have been filed agains him yet. Those with information on this case should call police at 935-3311.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAWAII ISLAND FORECAST THROUGH SATURDAY, 07 January 2012:
Hilo and vicinity–Partly sunny with a few showers. Some rain at night.
Kailua-Kona–Mostly sunny and hazy. A few upslopes showers at night.
Highs near 79. Lows near 64. Winds shifting to the east northeast, 8 to 16 mph.
Sunset Friday–5:55 p.m. Sunrise Saturday–6:56 a.m.
KBIG-FM/NATIVE-FM HAWAII ISLAND SURF FORECAST THROUGH SATURDAY, 07 January 2012:
Hapuna Beach breaks–flat to 1 foot. Kona and Banyans–2 to 4 feet. Ka’u and Pohoiki–1-2. Hamakua–3-5 feet. Hilo and Honolii–1-3 feet.
For the latest in community news, sports updates, and entertainment news, visit kbigfm.com, nativefm.com, kaparadio.com, and espnhawaii.com.
Have an excellent day!
Russ Roberts, editor
Laupahoehoe, Hawaii–along the beautiful Hamakua Coast.