KEA'AU, Hawai'i — Police in Puna are seeking the public's help in solving the thefts of an estimated $3,000 worth of palm trees from the Ainaloa subdivision in Puna.

The thefts occurred in December and January at the top of Ainaloa Boulevard in an area known as the "Connector Lot" because it connects Ainaloa to the Hawaiian Acres subdivision.

Call officer Jefferson Grantz in Puna at (808) 966-5835 or the police non-emergency number at 808) 935-3311. Or call CrimeStoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo or (808) 329-8181 in Kona.

Many lose power in plant failure

HAINA, Hawai'i — Another failure at the 60-megawatt Hamakua Energy Partners plant yesterday morning left 12,691 Hawai'i Electric Light Co. customers without power.

HELCO officials said the failure affected parts of Hilo and Kona and the North Hilo coast from Pepe'ekeo to 'O'okala. Utility spokesman Jay Ignacio said the new independent power producer's generator at Haina, which has failed several times in recent months, tripped off unexpectedly at 8:53 a.m.

HELCO turned off power to all affected customers to protect the rest of the system, Ignacio said. Backup power units were started and service was restored at 9 a.m. The cause of the power failure is under investigation.

MAUI

Maui education meeting scheduled

KAHULUI, Maui — A meeting will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow for Maui County residents interested in earning a bachelor's degree in business administration or applied social sciences, or a certificate in substance abuse and addiction studies.

The program is offered by the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu in collaboration with the University Center at Maui Community College. On Maui, report to the SkyBridge studio on the bottom floor of the MCC library. On Lana'i and Moloka'i, go to the islands' MCC Education Centers to participate via interactive TV