State to Expand Artificial Reef at Keawakapu on Maui

The state will be adding 1,500 concrete modules to Keawakapu Beach on Monday in an effort to expand an artificial reef located about a half mile offshore.

 

The public is asked to stay clear of the area as crews from the Department of Land and Natural Resources work to deploy the “Z” modules beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2009.  The public will not be able to dive or fish on the artificial reef until the deployment is complete.   DLNR Aquatics crews advise the public to say at least 300 yards away from the deployment site.

Image Courtesy DLNR.

Keawakapu Artificial Reef was created in 1962. It is approximately 52 acres in size, and consists of 150 cars, 2,250 tire modules, 35 concrete slabs, and one vessel (the “St. Anthony”) was added in 1997. This is the first addition of concrete modules since 1990 to expand the reef.

The modules, constructed from concrete by Pioneer Machinery, Inc. will be loaded onto an American Marine barge and will be deployed in 60-120 feet of water.  Each “Z”-shaped form measures eight feet long by four feet wide with 12-inch legs at each end facing in opposite directions, and weighs about 2,200 pounds (1.1 tons).

Prior to and during the deployment of the “Z” forms, the target area will be marked with surface floats to warn fishermen, boaters, and divers to stay clear of the barge and the reef site, for safety reasons.

“New coral and seaweed will grow on the forms, which will provide additional habitat to new communities of reef fish,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “Artificial reefs increase potential fishing grounds for fishermen, and the cost to the State is minimal,” she said.

DLNR has four shallow water (50-100′) artificial reefs and one deepwater (300-420′) artificial reef.  Three of the shallow water reefs are located off O‘ahu at Wai‘anae, in Maunalua Bay, and Kualoa.  The fourth is located off Keawakapu on Maui.  The deep water artificial reef is located off ‘Ewa Beach, O‘ahu.

Numerous studies have shown that artificial reefs are effective at enhancing reef habitat, thus increasing fish biomass and species diversity within the reef site.  Artificial reefs are key components in fisheries enhancement, as well as a substrate for the settlement of coral polyps (coral growth).  Artificial reefs are also attractive SCUBA and snorkel dive sites.

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

Suspect Sought in Attempted Sex Assault at War Memorial Complex

By Wendy Osher

 

Maui Police are seeking a suspect wanted in an attempted sex assault incident at the War Memorial Complex over the weekend.  A female reported being attacked when she went to use the restroom between the tennis courts and baseball fields at around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2009.

 

The woman was reportedly waiting for her son who was attending an exercise class when the incident occurred.  She told police that the suspect grabbed her and threatened her with a knife that he was going to rape her.

 

The unknown male suspect is described as, 5’8’’, with a 2’’ tattoo of a cross on his left hand of a cross, and a possible broken finger on his right hand from when the suspect broke free from the attack.  The suspect was slightly unshaven, possibly homeless, and was wearing a long sleeve black shirt and jeans.

 

The War Memorial Little League Baseball Fields are located off of Kanaloa Avenue in Wailuku.

 

Anyone with information on the case should contact Maui police at 244 6400.

VIDEO: Cincinnati and Gonzaga Battle it out for Maui Invitational Title

By Wendy Osher

The EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Basketball tournament is now in its final day at the Lahaina Civic Center.   In the first game of the day, Colorado finished 7^th in the tourney after defeating host Chaminade 73-58.

Photo by Wendy Osher. Maryland advanced to the winner's bracket after defeating Chaminade in Day 1. Maryland trailed Wisconsin by 10 points at the half in the 3rd/4th Place game at the Lahiana Civic Center.

In the third place game, Wisconsin led Maryland at the half 37-27.  The lead had lessened to 3 points with 10:08 left in the game.  In the end it was Wisconsin with the win, taking the 3rd Place finish with a final score of 78-69.

Vanderbilt defeated Arizona for a come-from-behind 5th place finish. The final score: Vanderbilt 84- Arizona 72.

And tonight, Gonzaga returns to the title game, this time facing first time tournament participants Cincinnati.

ESPN 550 AM on Maui is broadcasting all 12 of the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Basketball tournament games from the Lahaina Civic Center.  The Nationally televised event is hosted by Chaminade University and is touted as the nation’s premier early season college-basketball tournament.

Play-by-play is provided by on-air personalities Barry Helle, Fred Guzman and Josh Pacheco.  In addition to the radio broadcast on ESPN 550 AM KMVI, the games are also being simulcast on the station’s website at espn550.com.  The national ESPN is carrying the games live in HD on the ESPN network of television stations.

This is the first year that the local broadcast is being offered to web users and the eighth year that Pacific Radio Group has carried live play-by-play radio coverage of the event.

Now in its 26^th year, the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational features a lineup of former national champion teams including Cincinnati, Arizona, Maryland and Wisconsin.  The 2009 lineup also includes Colorado, Gonzaga, Vanderbilt and host Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Remaining tickets for the tournament were still available onsite today at the Lahaina Civic Center.

EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Game Bracket/Schedule:

Wednesday, November 25, 2009:

• Game 9 for 7^th and 8^th Place:                   9 a.m.  Loser of Game 5 & 6  (ESPNU)
• Game 10 for 3^rd and 4^th Place:                 11:30 a.m.  Loser of Game 7 & 8  (ESPN2)
• Game 11 for 5^th and 6^th Place:                 2 p.m.  Winner of Game 5 & 6  (ESPNU)
• Game 12 for Champion & 2^nd Place:         5 p.m.  Winner of Game 7 & 8  (ESPN)

30 Foot Surf Expected on the North Shore

A High Surf WARNING is in effect for the North and West facing shores of Maui and Molokai until 6 a.m. Thursday, November 26, 2009.

This will result in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents.

Surf will increase to heights of 20 to 30 feet along North facings shores of Molokai and Maui today, (Wednesday, November 25, 2009).  Surf will also increase to heights of 14 to 20 feet along West facing shores of Molokai and Maui.

A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline.

 

EFFECTS:  The large Northwest swell will build Wednesday morning and peak later in the day and night.  Surf along affected shore lines will peak at warning levels today, but will fall to advisory levels on Thursday and Friday.

 

Surf will increase to heights of 20 to 30 feet along North facings shores of Molokai and Maui today, Wednesday morning.  Surf will also increase to heights of 14 to 20 feet along West facing shores of Molokai and Maui this morning.  The swell and surf will gradually diminish on Thursday and into Friday.

 

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

 

A high tide of approximately 2.0 feet is expected between 08:53 a.m. and 10:11 a.m. this morning.  A high tide of approximately 1.5 feet is expected between 11:57 p.m. and 12:36 a.m. this evening and early tomorrow morning.

 

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:   BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS.

 

INFORMATION:   Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation.  Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

 

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the Maui County Civil Defense Agency)

Lanai Trash Service Delayed

Residents on Lanai are out of trash service this week and possibly next.  The island’s dump truck missed scheduled pickups on Monday and Tuesday because of a mechanical problem with the truck’s rear lift gate.

 

The county ordered a new part and is working to repair the truck as quickly as possible.

 

In the meantime, Lanai customers are asked to place their trash in sealed plastic trash bags, and take the bagged refuse to the Lanai Landfill if their container is full.

 

The Solid Waste Division apologizes for the disruption of service. For more information, please call the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, at 270-7875. Callers on Lanai may dial 1-800-272-0125 and request extension 7875.

 

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

Miss Ulalena Teams Up With Maui Radio To Make Money For McDonald’s Charity

On-air personalities from Maui’s Pacific Radio Group were among the list of radio and news talent from across the state that joined McDonald’s restaurants today in a fundraising campaign for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii.  For the complete story visit:  http://mauinow.com/2009/11/20/video-miss-ulalena-and-mackie-mac-make-money-for-mcdonald%E2%80%99s/

MPD Promotes Rickard to Rank of Captain

A 22-year veteran of the Maui Police Department was promoted this week to the rank of Captain.  Dean Rickard, earned the 2007 County of Maui Team of the Year award while serving in his most recent pot as Commander of the Plans & Training Section.  Rickard takes on his new post as Captain and District Commander of the Molokai Patrol District on December 1^st.

 

22-year MPD veteran Dean Rickard is promoted to the rank of Captain.

Capt. Rickard began his career with the Maui Police Department on November 2, 1987.  As a Police Officer, he was assigned to the Lahaina Patrol District and Vice Division’s Narcotics Section.  His assignments as a Sergeant was in the Communications Section’s Receiving Desk, Wailuku Patrol District and the Criminal Intelligence Unit.  He was also assigned as a detective in the Criminal Investigation Division.

 

Captain Rickard graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 1982 and he later attended and graduated from Chadron State College in Nebraska in 1987.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.

 

He’s married to wife Stephanie, and together they have three children, daughter Tekiri (20) a nursing student at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, son Teanu (16) and daughter Teani (8).

 

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

MFD 27th Recruit Class Helps Hunger Relief

The 27^th Recruit Class of the Maui Fire Department will hold a fundraising food drive party in support of the Maui Food Bank.

 

MFD 27th Recruit Class Helps Hunger Relief Drive.

Those in attendance are asked to bring a canned food item to support the local holiday food drive and restock shelves at the Maui Food Bank.

 

The Food Drive Party runs from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at Jacques Bistro located at 120 Hana Highway.  The event includes a silent auction and photo booth, along with raffle prizes for restaurant gift certificates, surf gear, jewelry, t-shirts, and more.

 

Event sponsors include:  Anthony’s Coffee, All Natural Pest Control, Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Hawaiian Canoe Club, Holo Holo Cabs, Hula Hoops Maui Jewelry, Jacques Bistro, Olu Kai, Maui Thing, Molokai Maa Adventure, Patagonia, Pala Yoga, Skyline Eco-Adventures, and Wings Hawaii.

Wailuku Health Center Gets AC Funds for Federal Compliance

The Wailuku Health Center on Maui is getting $268,000 for air conditioning improvements.  The center’s original design from 1967, utilized natural ventilation which no longer meets Federal requirements.  Under the Federal Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act, doors must be kept shut and ground level windows covered with curtains or blinds for the privacy of clients.  The project is one of six state health facilities that are getting a share of a $3 million allotment for energy efficiency and air conditioning upgrades.

 

Other projects included on the list are:

 

Diamond Head Health Center – $1,098,000 will be used to continue air conditioning improvements at Diamond Head Health Center.  The project involves the design and construction for replacement of some air handlers and fan coil units and other related improvements at the center.

Lanakila Health Center – $584,000 will be used for air conditioning improvements at the Lanakila Health Center on O‘ahu.  Because the center houses a tuberculosis clinic and TB is an airborne disease, it is essential that the air conditioning and ventilation systems in the clinic perform at optimum levels for the health of staff and clients.

Department of Health Facilities – $425,000 in design and construction funds will be used to finance energy efficiency improvements at Department of Health buildings and facilities statewide.  The improvements include retrofitting light fixtures with energy efficient lamps and ballasts that will enable the DOH to realize higher energy savings on its electric bills.

Kamauleule Building (DOH Laboratory) – $333,000 will be used to finance electrical system upgrades and energy efficiency improvements at the Department of Health Laboratory in Pearl City.  The project includes retrofitting light fixtures with energy efficient lamps and ballasts, rewiring for the emergency generator and other related improvements.

Wahiawa Civic Center, Public Health Nursing Office – $352,430 will be used for energy efficiency and air conditioning improvements at the Public Health Nursing Office in the Wahiawa Civic Center.  The improvements include electrical system upgrades, retrofitting light fixtures, and installing new air conditioning units.

The energy efficiency improvements are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s efforts to make state office buildings and facilities more energy efficient in order to reduce electricity costs and decrease Hawai‘i’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The effort supports the Governor’s Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawai‘i’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy conservation measures.

 

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

VIDEO: MauiNow Highlights Hula O Na Keiki

To View this video and post visit the following direct link to this story at our MauiNOW.com website:

http://mauinow.com/2009/11/19/video-mauinow-highlights-hula-o-na-keiki/

Keeping Hawaii Motorists Safe Over the Holidays

The state Department of Transportation’s Highways and Airports Divisions will be partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) on a safety awareness campaign called “Tie One On For Safety.”  All state vehicles from these divisions will display a red ribbon until the end of the year as a commitment to remind people about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Photo Courtesy MADD Hawaii.

Last year, 18 traffic fatalities and injuries occurred during the holiday months of November and December in Hawaii.  Eleven of those were alcohol-related.

 

“This going to be one of the most visible projects that the DOT and MADD will work on together in terms of its reach across the State,” said Jiro Sumada, DOT Deputy Director of Highways.  “All 1,500 of our airport and highways vehicles will have the red ribbons as a symbol of our commitment to keeping roadways and families safe.”

MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

Spreading Thanksgiving Cheer on Maui and Molokai through Music

By Wendy Osher

 

Contemporary Hawaiian musicians, Cecilio & Kapono, are sharing early Thanksgiving cheer with the homeless community and transitional residents of Maui County.  The duo will visit Wailuku’s Ka Hale A ke Ola Homeless Resource Center on Friday, November 20, 2009, where they will perform a free concert and talk story with residents.

 

C&K traveled to Molokai as part of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Artist in the Community Program. The performance was one of several pre-Thanksgiving concerts being offered by the musical duo in Maui County. Courtesy Photo MACC.

The visit has become an annual holiday tradition for C&K who will also perform at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center this Saturday.  Earlier this week the musicians visited Molokai as part of the center’s Artist in the Community program, which involved working with music and Hawaiian language immersion students from Molokai High School.  C&K finished their Friendly Isle visit with a free concert for the entire community in Kaunakakai on Monday.

 

“Every year we look forward to visiting Maui to perform at the MACC,” explained Cecilio Rodriguez. Henry Kapono added, “But our favorite thing about this visit is participating in the Artist in the Community program because we get to meet so many island residents up-close and personal. At first we thought we were giving something to the community, but it turns out we get just as much as they do—maybe even more.”

The upcoming Maui Arts & Cultural Center performance begins at 7:30 pm on Saturday, November 21. Ticket prices begin at $12.  There is also a VIP meet-and-greet package. For tickets, phone 242-SHOW or buy online at www.mauiarts.org.

Maui Radio to Broadcast Live Coverage of EA SPORTS Maui Invitational

By Wendy Osher

 

ESPN 550 AM on Maui will broadcast all 12 of the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Basketball tournament games to be played November 23-25 at the Lahaina Civic Center.  The Nationally televised event is hosted by Chaminade University and is touted as the nation’s premier early season college-basketball tournament.

 

File Photo by Pacific Radio Group. Barry Helle (r) and Fred Guzman (l) will be joined by Josh Pacheco in broadcasting live play-by-play action from the 2009 EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Play-by-play will be provided by on-air personalities Barry Helle, Fred Guzman and Josh Pacheco.  In addition to the radio broadcast on ESPN 550 AM KMVI, the games will also be simulcast on the station’s website at espn550.com.  The national ESPN affiliate will also be carrying the games live in HD on the ESPN network of television stations.

 

This is the first year that the local broadcast will be offered to web users and the eighth year that Pacific Radio Group has carried live play-by-play radio coverage of the event.

 

Now in its 26^th year, the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational features a lineup of former national champion teams including Cincinnati, Arizona, Maryland and Wisconsin.  The 2009 lineup also includes Colorado, Gonzaga, Vanderbilt and host Chaminade University of Honolulu.

 

Remaining tickets for the tournament will be available onsite at the Lahaina Civic Center.  The Box Office opens Friday, November 20^th at 9 a.m. and will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the weekend.  On tournament days, the box office will be open from 8 a.m. to the end of the last game on each tournament day.  Tickets can also be purchased by calling 808-667-DUNK (3865).

 

EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Game Bracket/Schedule:

Monday, November 23, 2009:

• Game 1:            10 a.m.  Colorado vs. Gonzaga (ESPN2)
• Game 2:            12:30 p.m.  Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt (ESPN2)
• Game 3:            4:30 p.m.  Chaminade vs. Maryland  (ESPNU)
• Game 4:            7 p.m.  Arizona vs. Wisconsin  (ESPN2)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009:

• Game 5:            8:30 a.m. Loser of Game 2 & 3  (ESPN2)
• Game 6:            11 a.m.  Loser of Game 1 & 4  (ESPN2)
• Game 7:            2 p.m.  Winner of Game 2 & 3  (ESPN)
• Game 8:            4:30 p.m.  Winner of Game 1 & 4  (ESPN)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009:

• Game 9 for 7^th and 8^th Place:                   9 a.m.  Loser of Game 5 & 6  (ESPNU)
• Game 10 for 3^rd and 4^th Place:                 11:30 a.m.  Loser of Game 7 & 8  (ESPN2)
• Game 11 for 5^th and 6^th Place:                 2 p.m.  Winner of Game 5 & 6  (ESPNU)
• Game 12 for Champion & 2^nd Place:         5 p.m.  Winner of Game 7 & 8  (ESPN)

State Forecasts Gradual Economic Recovery

The state issued an updated economic report that predicts gradual recovery for Hawaii.  The state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, says it expects the national recession and the sharp decreases in visitor expenditures to continue to affect Hawaii’s economy.  In its latest quarterly report released on Tuesday, the DBEDT forecasts a 3.3 percent decline in the average job count for the year and a decrease in visitor expenditures of 12.6 percent for 2009.

The forecast for the state’s 2009 real gross state domestic product growth remained negative 1.1 percent, same as the forecast last quarter.

DBEDT expects total visitor arrivals to decline 4.5 percent in 2009, less than the 5.9 percent decline in the previous (August 2009) forecast; however, visitor expenditures are expected to decrease 12.6 percent, a slightly larger decline than the 11.5 percent decline projected in the previous forecast. Total visitor days are now projected to decrease 4.6 percent in 2009, compared to the 5.8 percent decline projected in the previous forecast.

The state’s economy is expected to stabilize in 2010 with a modest, 2.0 percent growth in visitor arrivals and flat (0.0 percent) real personal income growth and small (0.8 percent) real GDP growth. The DBEDT says the net job count is likely to decrease slightly in 2010.

Assuming continued improvement in national and international economic conditions, modest growth in the state’s economy is forecast to return by 2011.  At that time, the forecast calls for an increase in visitor arrivals by 4.1 percent, with visitor expenditures up 8.8 percent.  According to the state forecast, that gradual pace of recovery should continue in 2012, barring unforeseen events.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

The Flyin Hawaiian Hosts Benefit Golf Tourney

Phillies All-Star and Maui native, Shane Victorino returns home to host a Second Annual Celebrity Golf Classic this weekend.  The event takes place this Saturday, November 21^st at noon at the Makena Beach & Golf Resort and will benefit the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation.

 

Courtesy Photo, shanevictorino.com: 2008 Celebrities: Neil Everett, Kurt Suzuki, Shane Komine, Brandon League, Chuck Liddell, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Derek Tatsuno, Keoni DeRenne, Tadd Fujikawa, Mark Rolfing and Howard Dashefsky.

Last year, the Golf Classic hosted by the Flyin’ Hawaiian, raised $100,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter.  That’s more than 80% of the agency’s goal for the year.

 

Featured celebrities golfing this weekend include PGA golfer Tadd Fujikawa, retired World Series Champ Sid Fernandez, Entertainer Danny Kaleikini, ESPN Anchor Neil Everett, and a host of other local and national talent.

 

“I look forward to returning to Hawaii each off-season to give back to the community that is so supportive of me,” said Victorino.  “I am honored to team with the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation, an organization that provides great resources and amazing support to children and their families who face unbelievable challenges,” he added.

 

“The Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation is extremely grateful to be the beneficiary of the Second Annual Shane Victorino Celebrity Golf Classic & Auction to be held Saturday, November 21^st at Maui’s Makena Beach & Golf Resort,” said Dale Saito, board president of the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation.  “Shane Victorino’s exceptional accomplishments on and off the baseball field make him a hero and inspiration to all Hawaii — and especially to our kids who are battling cancer.”

 

At the Second Annual Shane Victorino Celebrity Golf Classic, corporate teams of four will be joined by celebrity team captains to compete for the championship to win awards, including Tiffany & Co. custom-engraved crystal baseballs, authentic Shane Victorino autographed Phillies jerseys and other golf-related prizes.

 

A dinner, silent and live auction, as well as an awards ceremony will follow the tournament in the Ka’eo Ballroom at the resort.

 

Celebrity participants scheduled to join Victorino include:

–Joe Blanton, Philadelphia Phillies
–Kila Ka’aihue, Kansas City Royals

-Raeceen Woolford, Miss Hawaii 2009
–Don Chapman, Midweek Magazine Editor
–Howard Dashefsky, UH Collegiate World Series Team Member

–Keoni DeRenne, retired baseball player

–Sid Fernandez, retired, 1986 World Series Champion

–Tadd Fujikawa, PGA

–Chad Gaudin, New York Yankees

–Ryan Howard, NL MVP, Philadelphia Phillies All-Star

–Danny Kaleikini, Ambassador of Aloha, entertainer

–Archie Kalepa, Surfer

–Brandon League, Toronto Blue Jays

–Pat O’Connell, Surfing Hall of Fame

–Mark Rolfing, NBC Golf Analyst

–Lenn Sakata, retired, 1983 World Series Champion

–Huston Street, Colorado Rockies

–Derek Tatsuno, Retired professional baseball player

–Roy Yamaguchi, Celebrity Chef, Restaurateur

–Neil Everett, ESPN Sports Center Anchor and event Celebrity Emcee

 

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

Kahului Library gets $77,000 for Air Conditioning

More than $4 million in state funds were released for improvements to public libraries across the state.

Kahului Library. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Majority of the funds, $2,570,000, will be used to finance additional design and construction costs for energy efficiency projects at public libraries statewide.

Governor Linda Lingle also released $77,000 in additional construction funds for the replacement of the air conditioning units at Kahului Public Library.  The total estimated cost for the project is $477,000.  The project is scheduled to be completed in July 2010.

Similar improvements are being done at the Hawaii State Public Library where an additional $1,500,000 will be used to replace the building’s air conditioning towers.  The towers are almost 18 years old and in recent years have had repeat problems with leaking water onto the roof of the library.

“Public libraries serve an important role in our state. Therefore, they must be kept safe and provide a comfortable educational environment in which our residents and students can read, do research and learn,” said Governor Lingle.

Planned projects include installation of photovoltaic systems and window tinting to control room temperatures and lighting.  In addition, selected libraries will undergo retro-commissioning to systematically optimize building systems so they operate efficiently and effectively.  Retro-commissioning buildings is done to reduce operating and utility costs, extend equipment service life and reliability, and reduce the volume of emergency or trouble calls for maintenance staff.  The improvements are expected to be completed by summer 2010.

The effort supports the Governor’s Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, which aims to have 70 percent of Hawai‘i’s energy come from clean sources by the year 2030, including 40 percent from renewable energy and 30 percent through energy efficient measures.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Supporting information provided by the Office of the Governor, State of Hawaii)

Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing in Kahului Cane Field

A tour helicopter made an emergency landing in a Kahului cane field Monday afternoon when the pilot experienced an engine problem.  

The Federal Aviation Administration says the Eurocopter EC-130 Rotocraft, was operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters.  

There were six passengers and a pilot aboard the craft at the time of the incident No injuries were reported.

 

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

Countywide Policy Plan 2030 Passes Out of Committee

The Countywide Policy Plan – the first phase of Maui County’s General Plan update – was passed out of the Planning Committee yesterday and will now be sent to the full Council for adoption.

 

File image by Wendy Osher.

The document outlines the county’s vision for the next 20 years, including details on diversified economy, sustainable environmental practices and recognition that the Hawaiian culture is a “vital force in the lives of residents.”

 

The “Countywide Policy Plan 2030” – marks the first comprehensive overhaul of the County’s General Plan since 1991.

 

Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala said the Countywide Policy Plan is the County government’s overarching statement of vision, objectives and policies.

 

The Planning Committee spent most of the summer and fall reviewing the draft Countywide Policy Plan in a series of nine meetings in Wailuku, Hana, Lanai and Molokai. The next phase of the General Plan update is the first-ever Maui Island Plan, which the Department of Planning sent to the Council last month.

 

“I want to thank the Planning Committee Members for being diligent, steadfast and supportive of the work presented to us by our General Plan advisory committees, planning commissions and advisory bodies from Lanai, Molokai, Maui and Hana,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “Everyone’s collective time and commitment to the General Plan update are valuable to the long-range vision for Maui Nui.”

 

The draft Countywide Policy Plan was proposed last year by the Department of Planning after years of work with community groups and professional consultants.

Kaho’ohalahala anticipates the revised bill, adopting the Countywide Policy Plan, to undergo initial reviewed by the full Council next month, with a public hearing and passage on two readings to follow.  The revised bill will be posted to the Planning Committee website after technical and legal review by the Planning Committee staff and the Department of the Corporation Counsel.

The bill includes the following policies:

• Support emerging industries, including renewable energy, ecotourism and agritourism
• Encourage energy generation that utilizes wind, sun, water, biowaste and other renewable sources of energy
• Develop a streamlining system for urban infill projects
• Adopt a Green Building Code
• Develop networks of greenways, watercourse and habitat corridors
• Protect and restore near-shore reef environments and water quality
• Encourage conservation and recycling
• Reduce reliance on the automobile and fossil fuels by encouraging walking, bicycling and other energy efficient and safe alternative modes of transportation
• Encourage progressive community design and development that will reduce transportation trips
• Facilitate the creation of jobs that offer a living wage
• Ensure that residential workforce housing remains affordable in perpetuity
• Improve coordination among Federal, State, and County agencies
• Establish incentives for the display of public art
• Support community facilities such as museums, libraries, nature centers and open spaces that provide interactive learning opportunities for all ages
• Preserve resources for traditional Hawaiian cultural practices
• Encourage the use of the Hawaiian language and Hawaiian architecture
• Emphasize the importance of the Aloha Spirit

(Posted by Wendy Osher; supporting information provided by the County of Maui)

Broadcaster Stacy Loe to Leave Television News

Hawaii broadcast journalist and news anchor Stacy Loe, with Hawaii News Now, is leaving television news to spend more time as a mom.

Image of Stacy Loe Courtesy Hawaii News Now

“After almost twenty years in the business, this is the right decision for me and my family,” says Loe. “Working a night shift is almost mandatory when you’re anchoring the news, but it’s also prime family time. I want to spend as much of that time as possible with my five year old son and the rest of my family.”

Rick Blangiardi, General Manager for Hawaii News Now said, “Stacy’s many contributions to our newsroom as a great team player and very solid journalist for the past nineteen years cannot be captured in a simple sentence. We fully understand and support her difficult decision to leave at this time in support of her family. She will be missed and loved by all of us, now and always!”

Loe’s acclaimed television broadcast career began nineteen years ago at KGMB9. She’s stepping down almost one month after the legacy station entered into a Shared Services Agreement with KHNL and KFVE. Today, KGMB and KHNL are owned by Raycom Media. KFVE is owned by HITV – MCG Capital Corporation. Under a Shared Services Agreement, the two companies share news services where Loe is currently a co-anchor for Hawaii News Now at 10 O’clock.

Loe started her broadcast career in Hawaii as a general assignment reporter, but has become best known for her investigative reporting. Throughout her career, she has uncovered a series of government scandals. Loe also earned an EMMY® Award for her work on KGMB9’s special series, “Pearl Harbor.”

The Society of Professional Journalist honored Loe seven times in her years at KGMB9. Most recently, Loe was honored with a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award and was recognized by the Associated Press Television and Radio Association when she broke a story that made national headlines when two go! Airlines pilots fell asleep in the cockpit.

Loe says, “I will miss my colleagues and being a part of the next exciting chapter in KGMB’s rich history.”

“Stacy is a journalist by every definition, and a top-notch mom. We’ve had the benefit of her excellent work for so long. Now it’s her family’s turn,” says Hawaii Now News Director Chris Archer. He added, “While we’re going to miss her amazing nose for news, family always comes first in my book. I couldn’t be any happier for Stacy and her family.”

Loe’s last day on-air will be November 25, 2009. Her co-anchors Keahi Tucker and Stephanie Lum will continue to anchor Hawaii News Now at 10 O’clock.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information courtesy Hawaii News Now press release)

Maui First Time Home Buyer Grant Program Stops Accepting Applications

The county has decided to suspend the acceptance of further applications for its new First-Time Home Buyers Grant Program. The decision was made after receiving an overwhelming response of 320 applications in the first week of announcing the grant program.

The program, which began on November 1, was developed to help qualified first time homebuyers with down payement and or closing cost assistance in the purchase of their homes. A total of $180,000 from the County’s General Fund was allocated for the program.

Evergreen Home Loans, the company contracted to administer the program, is stillundergoing qulificaiton review of the applications recieved within the first seven days of the program announcement.

County officials say that due to the large number of applicants and the availability grants, the program will not be able to accept any further applications at this time.

“The immense response we received illustrates the need for this kind of grant assistance,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “In light of today’s economic conditions it’s important to do what we can to help new home buyers.”

“I’m excited by the tremendous response. It justifies the need and interest for the program and I look forward to working with the Administration and the public to continue the program,” said Council Vice-Chair Michael Molina, who in 2005 proposed to create the program.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)