KAHULUI AIRPORT PARKING DAILY RATE RISES TO $9

The fee for parking at Kahului Airport will increase from $7 to $9 per day under a new rate plan set to go into effect on Monday, August 17, 2009.

Photo Courtesy: Hawaii State Department of Transportation

The fee increase is even greater at Honolulu International Airport where daily rates will increase from $10 to $13.  Rates at other neighbor island airports including Kona, Hilo, and Lihue will undergo the same rate increase as Kahului.

The increase is the first to be implemented since 1993 and aims to offset the capital costs of parking improvements under the state’s Airports Modernization Plan.

“We realize any increase in the price for parking is difficult, but this increase is necessary to continue building for the future and improving the level of service to the traveling public,” said Brian Sekiguchi, deputy director of airports.  “We are making additional accommodations and offering alternatives to help offset this cost to the traveling public.”

The state Department of Transportation is providing a new economy parking lot (Lot J) at HNL.  The lot is located between the new parking structure and the main terminal parking structure, and is scheduled to open today, Friday, July 31.

The DOT will also implement a grace period at all state airports, allowing travelers to park at airport parking facilities for free for the first 15 minutes.  Coupled with airport cell phone lots, DOT officials say this will give the traveling public another option when dropping off or picking up friends and families at the airport.

From fiscal years 2007 to 2009, $343.6 million has been invested in various airport modernization projects, including a new air conditioning system at HNL, security enhancements and a new sterile corridor at the HNL International Terminal, currently under construction.

Between fiscal years 2007 and 2010, the state will have invested approximately $67.3 million in parking improvements alone, including a new parking structure at HNL (adding 1,800 spaces), three new surface lots at Kona (adding 880 spaces), one new surface lot at Kahului (adding 1800 spaces), and lot expansions at Hilo (adding 450 spaces) and Lihue (adding 786 spaces)—for a statewide total of 5,716 new airport parking spaces.

Hawaii’s new rates remain lower than at least 15 other international airports in the U.S. including Los Angeles and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International airports where the daily rate is $30 with economy parking offered for $10 and $15 respectively.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the Hawaii state Department of Transportation.)

50 TIME CAPSULES TO COMMEMORATE STATEHOOD

Image Courtesy: State of Hawaii, 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission.

Fifty time capsules will be buried statewide as part of the events commemorating Hawaii’s anniversary of statehood.  The public has an opportunity to contribute items for a capsule that will be opened in 25 years on the 75^th anniversary in 2034.

The capsule concept was crafted by the 50^th Anniversary of Statehood Commission.

The 50 time capsules will be buried statewide and will contain memorabilia representing both Hawai‘i’s past and present.  Seven of the capsules have been made available for Hawai‘i residents to contribute memorabilia and will be buried on the grounds of the State Capitol in August. The remaining 43 time capsules will be distributed to the neighbor islands and schools throughout the state.

“As we look back on Hawai‘i’s accomplishments and evolution over the last half-century, we are always keeping an eye on our future,” said Kippen de Alba Chu, the chair of the 50^th Anniversary of Statehood Commission.

“These time capsules are a way for us to reach out and touch future residents of our state, and share with them the Hawai‘i of 2009,” said Chu.

Small items are being accepted by the commission at the State Capitol in Honolulu.

Here on Maui, a 50th Anniversary of Statehood event will be held on Saturday, August 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the A&B Amphitheater Lawn of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Activities include sharing personal mana`o about 50 years of statehood for Hawai`i, and signing a community banner. Additional festivities include 50 cent hot dogs, shave ice, beverages, games, community booths, bouncy castles and a walk down memory lane with a performance by Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats.

Admission is free.  The event is sponsored by the 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission and presented by the County of Maui.

Following the event…”America” will have a concert on the Event Lawn. Tickets for that event are on sale at the MACC Box Office.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

KAHULUI BOAT RAMP IMPROVEMENTS EXPECTED TO FIX PONDING

The state begins phase two improvements to the Kahului Boat Launch Ramp on Monday, August 3, 2009.

Kahului Harbor file photo by Wendy Osher.

The $379,228 project includes the construction of a new 55-foot long by 5-foot wide engineered aluminum loading dock with fiberglass grating, adjacent to the existing concrete loading dock.

It also includes removal of the existing asphalt paved access road fronting the launch ramp, and construction of new concrete paved access road and new boat trailer turn around area.  There are also plans for the construction of an accessible trailer boat parking stall and washdown area, electrical and lighting improvements, and resurfacing of the paved area next to the existing washdown section.

The first phase of improvements began in 2006 to modernize the facility.  DLNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked together on the project which included the dredging of the entrance channel and turning basin, demolishing the existing ramp and breakwater, constructing a new breakwater, adding a three-lane boat launch ramp and two loading docks, and other miscellaneous improvements.

“These improvements will increase the usability of the launch facility, provide reliable service with less maintenance, improve accessibility, and correct ponding problems at the existing washdown area,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

“We request that boaters and other harbor users exercise caution when using the boat ramp, which will remain partially open throughout the construction.  One-half of the boat ramp and one of the two loading docks will be open at all times during the construction period,” said Thielen.

The project was designed by R.T. Tanaka Engineers, Inc., ECM Electrical Engineering Consultants, and Arnold T. Okubo and Associates, and will be constructed by Maui Master Builders.  The project is slated for completion by January 2, 2010.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources)

MCMACKIN TAKES PAY CUT AND SUSPENSION FOR SLUR

University of Hawaii football coach Greg McMackin will be suspended for 30 days and take a salary cut as part of the actions handed down by the University of Hawaii administration today.  The actions come after McMackin used a gay slur in a WAC media briefing yesterday to describe a dance performed by the Notre Dame football team before a banquet for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl last year.  The comments sparked widespread attention and prompted a written apology from McMackin and school officials yesterday.

Photo Courtesy: University of Hawaii, Athletics Department.

McMackin addressed the community in a short, but choked up apology at a press conference this afternoon at the Stan Sherrif Center saying, “I made a big mistake.  I want to apologize to everyone and anyone that I offended with my remarks.  I am committed to do whatever I can to use this as a life lesson to learn from my mistake.”

McMackin has agreed to volunteer his time while under suspension without pay, to continue coaching the Warrior team.   Part of the money from his salary reduction will be used to support a student intern from the LGBT support group on campus to assist in awareness training. McMackin will also be tasked with participating in a public service announcement describing how words can hurt.

University of Hawai’i at Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw said, “This has been a painful experience for all involved, but we must now consider actions that will help everyone learn from this very negative event and improve for the future.”

University actions include the following:

• Coach McMackin will be suspended without pay for 30 days. However, Coach McMackin has agreed to volunteer to coach the team for those 30 days because he doesn’t want the team or the university to be harmed by his mistake.
• In addition, Coach McMackin will be voluntarily participating in the salary reduction.
• Coach McMackin will personally participate in activities directed at improving the environment for our community through working with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community on campus.
• That will include Coach’s participating in a public service announcement describing how words can hurt, presenting during student orientations, and supporting awareness training for the athletics program.
• Also, a part of the money from his salary reduction will be used by the University to support a student intern for LGBT to assist in conducting campus-wide workshops in awareness training.

“I am entirely devoted to providing every opportunity for Coach McMackin and the Department of Athletics to serve as advocates for change in support of LGBT people in Hawai`I,” said Camaron Miyamoto, Coordinator for the University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services.

“It is my hope that our combined resources and efforts will build a more respectful and inclusive campus,” said Miyamoto.

“In my own interactions with Coach McMackin, he has always been respectful in dealing with all people and set an excellent example for our student-athletes,” said Hinshaw.  “Yet he still made a serious mistake and we all know that words carry painful consequences so we are all striving to deal with the damage that was done,” said Hinshaw.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information courtesy: UH Athletics Department)

MAUI MEADOWS POWER OUTAGE

A vehicle accident with a power pole has resulted in an isolated power outage in the Maui Meadows subdivision. MECO crews are on scene and are advising motorists to avoid travel in the Kupulau Drive area. There is no estimated time for when power will be restored.  The trouble line for MECO is 871-7777.

3,300 ADDITIONAL HAWAII SALES ANTICIPATED UNDER REVIVED CASH FOR CLUNKERS PROGRAM

Congress approved a measure today to revive the popular Cash for Clunkers program by extend funding.  U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawaii joined more than 300 other representatives in voting today to increase funding by $2 billion, a move that is expected to boost sales by an additional 800,000 vehicles.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawaii voted today in support of extending funding for the popular Cash for Clunkers program. File photo by Wendy Osher.

The program allows consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling cars for vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help pay for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Nearly 200,000 vehicles had already been purchased through the program before funding ran out.

“It is clearly a successful and popular program…One dealership on ‘Oahu’s windward side reports making 20 ‘Cash for Clunkers’ deals in the program’s first week,” said Congresswoman Hirono.

“These additional funds will maintain the increased purchasing power of island drivers who are looking to upgrade their vehicles.  And with this added support, island auto dealers project some 3,300 older automobiles will be taken off Hawai‘i roads and replaced with 3,300 more fuel efficient vehicles by the end of the year,” Hirono said.

The legislation provides rebates for cars and trucks in the following four categories:

• Passenger Cars: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 4 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 10 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
• Light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 5 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
• Large light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 15 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 1 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher or trade-in of a “work truck.” New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
• Work Trucks: The old vehicle must be a pre-2002 model. New vehicles in the same or smaller weight class will get a $3,500 voucher.

The initial bipartisan legislation was supported by a coalition that includes the AFL-CIO, UAW, car dealers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the office of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono)

TROPICAL STORM LANA EXPECTED TO PASS WELL SOUTH OF HAWAII

Tropical Storm Lana continues moving far southeast of the Hawaiian Islands.  At 11 a.m., the National Weather Service reported the center of the storm at about 640 miles southeast of Hilo Hawaii.

Image courtesy NOAA/National Weather Service.

The system was moving toward the west at about 16 mph and was expected to continue at that strength for the next 48 hours.

The area of the strongest winds should pass well to the south of the Hawaiian Islands in about 36 to 48 hours.

Maximum sustained winds were at near 65 mph with higher gusts and tropical storm force winds extending outward up to 100 miles.  Lana is expected to weaken from Saturday into Sunday.

The next update will be issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center at 5 p.m. HST.

(Posted by Wendy Osher @ 11:15 a.m., Friday, July 31, 2009. Information provided by the National Weather Service and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center)

CENTRAL MAUI LITTLE LEAGUE SETS SIGHTS ON WORLD SERIES

Maui’s District III All Star Little League Baseball Team won a spot in the Western Regional Tournament taking place next week in California.

(Former Mayor Alan Arakawa presents a check to the Central East Maui Little League coach, Glenn Yonashiro on Wednesday. Courtesy Photo.)

Since their win, the Central Maui East 11 and 12 year olds have been trying to raise funds in an effort to defray some of the team’s travel and transportation expenses.

In addition to a Chicken Hekka Fundraiser, the team is also seeking monetary donations.  The call for support was met with a $1,000 donation this week from the Mayor Arakawa Community Kokua Fund.

The Maui team earned a spot in the tournament after winning the 2009 Major Little League State Tournament Championship on Oahu.  The regional tournament runs from August 7^th to the 16^th in San Bernardino and features teams from California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.  The winner of the tournament then advances to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania August 21-30, 2009.

Team Players include Matthew DeMichele, Skyelor Ishikawa, Joshua Nobriga, Nicholas Asuncion, Keanu Chang, Chazz Ishikawa, Noah-Jason Apolo, Brandon Yonashiro, Shadd Santos, Dustin Kokubun, Travis Kanamu, Rossie Abordo, and Linden Kanamu.  Coaches are Glenn Yonashiro, Sherman Santos and Alex Ishikawa.

(By Wendy Osher)

COMPETITION FOR CARGO CUSTOMERS TAKES FLIGHT

Aloha Air Cargo is offering a new delivery alternative for businesses that now face increased rates for barge shipping.

Aloha Air Cargo Kahului Terminal. File Photo by Wendy Osher.

The new Aloha FlexShip service is described by company officials as a convenient and cost-effective solution for transporting less time-sensitive, non-perishable items.

Aloha FlexShip delivers goods in three to five days, providing service out of Honolulu to and from all major airport locations including: Kahului, Maui; Kailua-Kona and Hilo, Hawaii as well as Lihue, Kauai.

“Aloha FlexShip fills a niche for people who want the same great service and convenience of Aloha Air Cargo, at a lower price,” said Mike Malik, president of Aloha Air Cargo.

Pricing for Aloha FlexShip is per pound and based on the actual or dimensional weight of the cargo.  Aloha Air Cargo is offering a special, introductory rate of $0.18 cents per pound, with additional rate discounts for recurring customers.

More information on the Aloha FlexShip program is available at www.AlohaAirCargo.com.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

SENATE PANEL APPROVES $60 MILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN HAWAII

Hawaii is on track to receive $30 million in federal funds for Oahu’s rail transit project and $13 million for Native Hawaiian housing assistance programs under a bill that was approved by a Senate Appropriations panel.

The announcement was made today by Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye who said, “Without federal funds they cannot complete the rail transit project that the voters approved.  Obviously I am going to do whatever I can. For the economy of Hawaii, for the transportation of our citizens, this is important.”

Under the bill, preliminary engineering phases for the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project can continue.  That includes initial facility and transit system design, and refinement of capital costs estimates, as required by the Federal Transit Administration.

The spending measure also provides $13 million for the Native Hawaiian Block grant program to provide housing assistance to Native Hawaiian families.  “According to a recent study, more Native Hawaiian families live in poverty than any other ethnic group in the state.  This money will go a long way to helping ensure that they have access to proper housing, and that their families are provided for,” said Chairman Inouye.

The rural bus program would receive $3.5 million for Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties.  The funding would help purchase additional buses and provide bus shelters, transit benches, and upgrades needed to comply with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act.

The legislation now advances to the full Senate Committee to be considered at a later date.

Specific allocations were broken down into the following projections:

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION

• Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project:  $30,000,000
  This appropriation will fund the continuing preliminary engineering phases of initial facility and transit system design, in addition to the refinement of capital costs estimates, as required by the Federal Transit Administration.
• Federal Lands Improvement Project:  $4,000,000
  Federal property within Hawaii includes several extensive wildlife refuge and national parks located on four islands. These parks encompass rugged volcanic terrain, wetlands, tropical forests, coastline, and historical fishponds used in Native Hawaiian aquaculture. This appropriation will enable access to and within designated federal properties for proper park services maintenance and security.
• Rural Bus Program:  $3,500,000
  These funds will be used by Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai counties to purchase buses to expand routes and increase the frequency of service throughout the neighbor islands.  The funds may also be used to provide bus shelters, transit benches, and upgrades to comply with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

• Kapolei Interchange Complex:  $3,000,000
  This project will improve Interstate H-1 Freeway access to the city of Kapolei and surrounding employment and residential areas, and alleviate traffic congestion.  The funding will maintain and create additional jobs as a result of construction and business development in the region.
• Alien Species Action Plan Inspection Facility:  $900,000
  For the operational and capital costs supporting the Alien Species Action Plan cargo inspection facility in Kahului, Maui, as directed by the Kahului Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision
• Kahaleakeola Homeless Shelter and Affordable Rentals Rehabilitation:  $500,000
  For rehabilitation and improvement of emergency shelter and transitional housing facility and long-term rental housing project for low-income residents
• Maili Self-Help Housing:  $500,000
  For the construction of 76 lot subdivision for self-help housing project for low-income families
• Kahale Mua Public Housing on Molokai Improvement Project:  $400,000
  For the renovation of housing units to provide 25 refurbished housing units for low-income individuals on Molokai
• Pahala Elderly Housing Rehabilitation Project:  $400,000
  For the construction of 24 units of elderly housing in Pahala, just outside of Hilo
• Waipa Kitchen Incubator Project:  $400,000
  For construction and equipment purchase for a state-certified commercial kitchen, food mill, and underground oven in Waipa, Kauai, for the low-income and farming
• Wahiawa Employment Training and Support Complex
  To renovate and expand the Wahiawa Training and Support Complex to double capacity to provide training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other low-income individuals
• Kauai County Self-Help Housing Construction Project:  $250,000
  For on-site infrastructure improvements to enable the construction of 26 residential homes for low-income households
• Mookini Education Center for Low Income Youths Construction Project:  $200,000
  For the construction and renovation of a cultural education center for low-income youths
• Institute for Human Services Homeless Shelter Job Training Project:  $200,000
  For the construction of a job and skills training center at Hawaii’s oldest and largest emergency homeless shelter communities to use for vocational training and processing of value-added agricultural products to be distributed and sold state-wide

NATIVE HAWAIIAN PROGRAMS

Native Hawaiian Block Grant Program:  $13,000,000
Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Program:  $3,000,000

NATIONAL PROGRAMS

Essential Air Service:  $125 million
Community Development Block Grant:  $3.9 billion
Housing Assistance Council:  $8 million
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee Fund Program:  $1 million

Maritime Security Program:   $174 million
Fed-Aid Highway Program Obligation Limitation:  $141 million
McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Program:  $1.8 million
Small Shipyards Grant Program: $17.5 million
U.S. Mercant Marine Academy:  $74 million

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the Office of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye)

SWINE FLU DEATH RISES TO 6 IN HAWAII: PATIENTS DID NOT CONTACT THEIR PHYSICIAN

Hawaii’s swine flu death toll rose to six as the state health department confirmed two additional cases associated with the H1N1influenza.  Both cases were on Oahu and involved patients with underlying health conditions.

Image courtesy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

One case involved an adult male in his early 20’s who died on July 21 at home on O‘ahu.  A separate case involved an adult male in his early 30’s who died on July 22 shortly after being transported to an area hospital on O‘ahu.  Officials with the state Department of Health said both individuals had underlying medical conditions that contributed to their decline and death.

“We are very concerned that neither had contacted a physician about their illness,” said Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino.

“Anyone who has flu-like symptoms such as high fever, cough, and sore throat and is experiencing difficulty breathing or has other concerning symptoms such as mental confusion or lethargy should seek emergency medical care and consult a physician.”

Similar to what has been observed nationally, underlying conditions such as obesity, smoking, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory difficulties have been contributing factors in novel H1N1-related hospitalizations and deaths in Hawai‘i.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information at cdc.gov/h1n1flu/pregnancy/ for pregnant women, who may also be at increased risk for complications from H1N1 influenza infection.

“Influenza can be a serious and fatal illness for those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Fukino.  “Taking care of your health with good nutrition, regular physical activity, regular health check-ups, and plenty of rest can reduce your risk for complications from the flu.  It is also always a good time to quit smoking,” Fukino said.

Current data collected by the DOH suggests that influenza activity in Hawai‘i has increased and is at higher levels this year.  Similar to the mainland U.S., most of the influenza virus circulating in Hawai‘i at this time is the novel influenza A (H1N1); with occasional seasonal influenza A (H3N2).

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever (Temperature > 100⁰F, OR 37.8⁰C)

AND any one of the following,

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain

If you have any of the symptoms below, seek emergency medical care right away or call 911:

• Shortness of breath or increasing trouble breathing
• Purplish or bluish lip color
• Vomiting and unable to keep fluids down
• Mental confusion
• Lethargy (not alert or responsive to voice or touch)

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the Hawaii State Department of Health)

AKAKA BILL HEARING SET FOR AUGUST 6

The Akaka Bill is scheduled for a committee hearing next week.  The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hear the bill otherwise referred to as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act on Thursday, August 6, 2009.

U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka during a recent visit to Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The bill’s namesake, U.S.Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) said, “With the 50^th anniversary of statehood less than a month away, we are reminded of our sacred trust relationship with the indigenous people of Hawaii that today remains unfulfilled.”

“Both Congress and the people of Hawaii have recognized our responsibility to help Native Hawaiians perpetuate their culture and traditions.  Thursday’s hearing will be an important next step forward towards providing Native Hawaiians parity with the other indigenous people of the United States,” said Akaka.

The hearing is scheduled to be heard in room 268 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, immediately following a standard committee business meeting which begins at 2:15 p.m.  The Committee is chaired by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota).

More information about the hearing will be posted on the committee’s website:  http://indian.senate.gov/

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

P.U.C. APPROVES YOUNG BROTHERS RATE INCREASE

The Public Utilities Commission approved a rate increase for regulated inter-island cargo services aboard the Young Brothers shipping company vessels.  The average overall increase will be 13.46 percent, and goes into effect on August 1, 2009.

Photo Courtesy: Young Brothers Ltd.

The newly approved rates include a 9.66 percent increase for containerized cargo, a 9.22 percent increase for automobiles and “roll-on/roll-off” cargo, and a 21.26 percent increase for LCL or less-than-container-load cargo (except for Molokai and Lanai, for which the LCL increase is 12 percent).

Young Brothers originally submitted a rate increase request to the PUC in December 2008.  The 17.9 percent increase request included a 15 percent increase for containerized cargo, a 10 percent increase for automobiles and “roll-on/roll-off” cargo, and a 25 percent increase for LCL or less-than-container-load cargo.

In June 2009, Young Brothers and the Consumer Advocate entered into a settlement agreement, that called for an average over-all increase of 14.61 percent.  The PUC further reduced these percentages in its July 28, 2009 decision as noted above.

“We recognize that our Neighbor Island customers depend upon reliable and frequent service, and we have taken the steps to ensure such service,” said Young Brothers President Glenn Hong.  “We also recognize that customers share the same burdens with the economic recession. To respond to current economic conditions, we have taken measures to control and reduce costs, with all of the savings being passed on to our customers,” Hong said.

“The revenue from this rate case is needed to finance new investments in vessels and other cargo equipment and to pay for costs associated with maintaining reliability of service and the same number of sailings despite falling cargo volumes,” added Roy Catalani, Young Brothers’ Vice President of Strategic Planning and Government Affairs.

Young Brothers has been replacing older vessels “to meet both current and long-term needs for reliable and frequent Neighbor Island cargo, putting into place its next generation of water transportation equipment and infrastructure, and developing a more efficient system to meet future demand,” Catalani continued.  He said that since 2006, Young Brothers made capital expenditures of over $95 million to deliver four new, large flat-deck barges (with the fourth and last new barge arriving in 2009), a roll-on/roll-off barge, new cargo-handling equipment, a new computer system, and a statewide telephone system.

With respect to cargo volumes, Young Brothers experienced a 9.6 percent decrease in inter-island cargo volumes in 2008 and projects an additional 11 percent decrease in 2009.  In order to meet its customers’ demand for frequent service, Young Brothers has maintained twelve regularly scheduled weekly sailings to the Neighbor Islands.

In an effort to control and reduce costs, Young Brothers obtained community input on and PUC approval of certain Maui County sailing schedule changes earlier this year. The company was reportedly able to reduce its intrastate costs by over $900,000, with all of the savings passed on to its customers in three ways:

-Reduce the rate increase for all categories.

-Limit the LCL rate increase for Molokai and Lanai to 12 percent.  These islands do not have well-developed consolidation or on-island distribution systems and have cargo requirements on a smaller scale, making containerization difficult;

-Increase the “island product” discount for local agricultural products from 30 percent to 35 percent for containerized cargo (not for LCL).  For farmers and ranchers, these savings allow Young Brothers to increase the discount it currently provides on cargo rates for containerized local agricultural products.  Young Brothers has for many years provided and currently provides farmers and ranchers a 30 percent discount on cargo rates for all local agricultural products and will increase this discount to 35 percent for such products that are containerized.

Young Brothers also considered the design and size of its new barges, as well as upgrades to its tugs, in an effort to allow the delivery of cargo more efficiently in fewer barge sailings.

Company officials say increased fuel efficiency, along with decreased average fuel costs over the March 2009 to April 2009 period, allowed Young Brothers to provide its customers 1.01 percent fuel price adjustment (FPA) credit on freight charges in June and July.

The 21.26 percent increase in LCL rates will add about 8 to 9 cents to the cost of shipping a 24-package case of saimin (shipped on a pallet of 90 cases) or a case of 24 cans of juice or soda (shipped on a pallet of 110 cases). For Molokai and Lanai, the increases will be about half of these amounts.  Alternatively, shipments made in a 20-foot container load (9.66 percent rate increase) would add about 2 cents per case.

Young Brothers, Limited provides inter-island cargo service throughout the State of Hawaii with ports in Honolulu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Hilo, Kawaihae and Nawiliwili.

More information and a complete list of rates, can be found at the Young Brothers website at www.youngbrothershawaii.com.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by Young Brothers Ltd.)

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY ENVISIONED FOR DOWNTOWN KIHEI

The developers for a proposed town center in South Maui are attempting to incorporate sustainable design in the mixed use project.  The project called “Downtown Kihei” is a 320,000 square foot mixed use sustainable community that combines residential, entertainment, restaurant and retail space.

Image depicting the mainstreet portion of the Downtown Kihei project, courtesy Stoutenborough, Inc.

The California-based architectural design company, Stoutenborough Inc., entered an agreement with developer Krausz Companies of San Francisco to design the project.

“We are very pleased to be working again with the Krausz Companies on the creation of a project so central to the quality of life for the people of Maui. Krausz is always at the forefront of original thinking in design and mixed-use development,” said Todd Stoutenborough, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, president of Stoutenborough, Inc.

“This project demonstrates our company’s commitment to what we call ‘triple bottom line architecture’ — helping people, creating profit for our clients and preserving the planet. We’re looking forward to the next step,” Stoutenborough said.

Image depicting the ground level portion of the Downtown Kihei project, courtesy Stoutenborough, Inc.

The project is still in the entitlement phase and in the process of obtaining government permits, with the projected slated for opening as early as 2012.  The project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for sustainable design that includes concept planning providing access to public transportation and bike paths.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Images courtesy Stoutenborough, Inc.)

HAWAII SPORTS GET $400,000 JUMPSTART IN FUNDRAISING EFFORT

Private donors are stepping up in an attempt to cover a $1.2 million budget shortfall for school sports programs.  The Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) announced the receipt of more than $400,000 in corporate donations yesterday.

Major contributors include $200,000 from the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, $100,000 from First Hawaiian Bank, $50,000 from Bank of Hawaii, and $50,000 from The GIFT Foundation.  There were also contributions from HMSA in the form of free airtime to publicize the fundraising drive; and Hawaiian Airlines is contributing discounted interisland airfares for teams traveling to state tournaments

Director Keith Amemiya  says the HHSAA is seeking to raise funds to cover the $1,200,000 budget cut to Hawaii’s public high school athletic programs for the 2009-10 school year.

According to the HHSAA, the budget cut amounts to approximately 50% of the funding needed for supplies, equipment, and ground transportation the state’s 45 public high schools.

In making the funding announcement yesterday, the HHSAA issued a statement saying, “Presently, this budget cut will require drastic measures to be undertaken, including the possible cutting of entire sports teams and/or greatly reduced participation.  However, several local entities have already stepped up in a significant way to support this fundraising effort.”

Donations for the fundraising effort can be mailed to HHSAA office at: P.O. Box 62029 Honolulu, Hawaii 96839.  Donations collected by the HHSAA will be distributed to the public high school athletic programs proportionately based upon the size of the program (i.e., the larger the athletic program, the more money it will receive).

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

FERAL FENCE SUCCESSFULLY SECURES NATIVE PLANTS AT MAUI’S WAIKAMOI PRESERVE

Efforts to protect shrub land and forest at Maui’s Waikamoi Preserve are proving successful.  The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii says native species have staged a dramatic recovery, in some cases increasing native plant cover by 300 percent or more after hooved animals were fenced out.

Images courtesy: Guy D. Hughes III

The Nature conservancy conducted a survey in 1994 immediately after fencing and removing goats and pigs from part of the preserve.  A second survey was completed last year.

Botanists who had recorded 7 native mamane trees at a test plot in 1994, returned to find 65 mamane plants on the same test plots 14 years later.

“The message is that it’s really worth protecting important native forests and watersheds from invasive animals. You really do get remarkable results,” said Mark L. White, Maui program director for The Nature Conservancy in a media release issued by the agency.

Scientists also recorded significant increases in native shrubs like pūkiawe ‘ōhelo, māmane and the native fern ‘ama‘u.  At the same time, there was a recorded decline in the invasive alien velvetgrass and the native alpine hairgrass, Deschampsia nubigena.

The survey covered a 1,000-acre area between the 6,000 and 8,600 foot elevation within the Waikamoi Nature Preserve on the north slope of Haleakala.

The Nature Conservancy’s 5,230-acre Waikamoi Preserve is part of the East Maui watershed, which covers more than 100,000 acres and is home to 63 species of rare plants and 13 kinds of native birds.

Guy D. Hughes III, plant ecologist with the Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Moloka‘i, who conducted both surveys, said the terrain clearly looks different and is continuing to change as it recovers from the goats and pigs.

“We attributed the greatest magnitude of change to be a release from extensive ungulate browsing, trampling, and rubbing,” Hughes’ report said.

Results from the Waikamoi survey can be viewed at a poster session during this week’s Hawai‘i Conservation Conference on Wednesday, July 29, at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information obtained through The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii Press Release; Images courtesy: Guy D. Hughes III)

STATE PLANS TO FILE APPEAL IN CASE OVER STATE LAYOFFS

State Attorney General Mark Bennett today said the state plans to file an appeal in a case over state worker layoffs.

Governor Linda Lingle had sought to implement a furlough plan calling for a three day per month furlough over two years.  The Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) sought an injunction against the furlough implementation claiming the matter should be subject to collective bargaining.

Earlier this month, Judge Karl Sakamoto granted the HGEA request.

Bennett issued a statement today arguing against Sakamoto’s jurisdiction saying, “Governor Lingle and I continue to believe that Judge Sakamoto erred in his legal analysis, and that the Governor has the right to implement the three-day-per-month furlough plan.”

“The State will shortly file an appeal and will seek expedited consideration of that appeal,” said Bennett.

“Governor Lingle continues to believe that her furlough plan was the best way to address the State’s fiscal crisis, and regrets that the HGEA and other public employer unions took the position in court that they did,” said Bennett.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

STEM EDUCATION FOCUS OF MEDB FUNDRAISER

A fundraiser will be held in August to benefit Maui Economic Development Board’s Ke Alahele Education Fund for students and educators involved or interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields.

Photo of Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares and U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye courtesy MEDB.org.

The fund was established in 2006 to stimulate community investment to broaden career pathways for residents of Maui County.

To date, more than 60 grants have been awarded totaling more than $200,000.  Past allocations have reached in excess of 3,500 educators, students, parent groups and community organizations involved with STEM education.  In addition to the grant program, the Fund also offers internships, apprenticeships, professional development and training assistance.

“A Pathway to Our Future” Fundraising event will be held Friday August 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel on Wailea Alanui Drive.

The even twill feature Distinguished Educators U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, his wife Ms. Irene Hirano and Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares.  For more information, visit http://www.medb.org/KeAlahele/annualevent.cfm

(Posted by Wendy Osher; placeholder image courtesy:  medb.org)

MORE THAN A NAME FOR MAUI FIRE TRUCK: KA’IMILOA IS BLESSED

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety held a blessing today for the department’s Heavy Rescue Truck that will be used in rescue and recovery efforts islandwide.  The truck will go on line in the first week of August, providing rescue crews with the ability to transport equipment and supplies aboard a single response vehicle.

Maui Fire Chief gives Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares a tour of Ka'imiloa, Maui's Heavy Rescue Truck, set to go online in August. Photo by Wendy Osher.

“Now everything is in one place and moving to the scene as a single unit,” said Assistant Chief Alan Cordeiro who worked with others in the department to research and review the vehicle for order.  “The truck will provide greater response with equipment that, in the past, was left behind at the station, or carried in a trailer,” said Cordeiro.

“The goal of this truck was to build it for the future,” said Maui Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray who estimated the life expectancy for the vehicle’s online career to range from 15 to 20 years.

The truck’s name, Ka’imiloa, is literally translated as to seek or find, but also to search within oneself.  Firefighter III Kyle Farm who assisted in the name search said, “The approach that we tried to take was not actually choosing a name, but having the name reveal itself.”

While researching the history of the department, Farm found an article in the August 31, 1907 edition of The Maui News that recounted the dedication of a Bell for the Maui Fire Department more than a century ago.  The large bell came from the monarchy’s first man-of-war ship, the Kaimiloa.  A second, smaller bell, was used on the hose cart to warn people on the street of the presence of the vehicle.

“I couldn’t see a more appropriate name,” said Farm.  “Being a warship, it was used as a defense of Hawaii, in the same way the fire department is a defense for Maui County,” Farm said.

The Rescue 10 vehicle is outfitted with room for rescue equipment that can be transported simultaneously to the scene, arriving at the same time as rescue crews. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Farm says the bell was dedicated to the Wailuku Station (which then stood on space now occupied by the County Courthouse) and the bell is still in existence today at a residence on Kalua Road in Wailuku.

“Our rescue firefighters are tasked with the toughest duties in the fire service that we have,” said Farm.  When the department’s engine and ladder companies become overwhelmed, the rescue team is called in to assist.  “Rescue doesn’t have anybody else to turn to and have to deal with whatever trial or tribulations that may come their way,” said Farm.

The blessing was conducted by Maui Firefighter and Ladder Captain Amos Lonokailua-Hewett.

“As firemen, we spend almost a third of our lives together—25 plus years.  So I like to believe that members of the Maui County Fire Department are one big family,” said Lonokailua-Hewett.

“Sometimes, as we all know, things don’t go well with a family, but in Hawaiian culture there is a saying that offers a solution: Ike aku ike mai, kokua aku kokua mai.  That means: recognize, and be recognized, help and be helped.  For a family to thrive and move forward, there needs to be an exchange of recognition and help,” said Lonokailua-Hewett.

In blessing the vehicle, the department recognized those who contributed to the acquisition of the new Heavy Rescue Truck, and acknowledged the task rescue firefighters will be faced with in helping the community.

(Story, photos and video by Wendy Osher ©2009)

COUNTY’S KUALAPUU WELL ON MOLOKAI OPERATIONAL

The County of Maui announced this afternoon that the Kualapuu well is now operational and pumping water at a rate of 800 gallons per minute to the one million gallon Kaunakakai holding tank.

Mahalo Moloka'i - sign posted along roadside in Molokai. Photo Courtesy: County of Maui.

The County temporarily used a well belonging to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to fill the Kaunakakai holding tank while repairs to the County’s Kualapuu well were completed.

Molokai crews from the Department of Water Supply and Department of Public Works, along with crews flown in from Maui’s Water Department and the contractor, Beylik Drilling and Pumping, Inc., worked for 9 days to help avoid what county officials called, “a potentially disastrous situation.” Since July 17, residents and businesses were asked to severely limit their non-essential water use in an effort to maintain the limited amount of water available in the holding tank.

Of critcal importance was keeping water supplies available for the Molokai General Hospital and the dialysis center as well as fire hydrants in Kaunakakai and Kalae.

The County positioned two water tankers at the Kaunakakai regional park so people would not deplete the already low level of water in the holding tank.

Most of Molokai’s 28 dialysis patients were temporarily relocated off island because of the risk of not having water required to run dialysis treatment equipment. All patients have since returned to Molokai.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui, Public Information Office)