Neighbor Island briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
BIG ISLAND
Hokuli'a development president to step down
KEALAKEKUA, Hawai'i — Rick Humphreys is leaving his job as president and general manager of the Hokuli'a project in South Kona.
Hokoli'a is a 730-lot luxury housing and golf project by 1250 Oceanside Partners, comprising developer Lyle Anderson and Japan Airlines. Project officials have been criticized for allowing runoff into Kealakekua Bay and for their handling of ancient Hawaiian burial sites disturbed during construction.
John De Fries will serve as interim president beginning June 15, company officials said. Humphreys will serve as a consultant on strategic planning and government relations from his home on O'ahu.
De Fries, who has been serving as the owner's representative at the renovated Keauhou Beach Resort, said new standards will be implemented for "the care and preservation of cultural and burial sites." He also said construction of a $26 million highway will begin within months. The developer promised to provide Hawai'i County the highway in exchange for zoning approval.
New law boosts efforts to restore Kaho'olawe
A bill creating the Kaho'olawe Rehabilitation Trust Fund has been signed into law by Gov. Ben Cayetano.
The measure allows the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission to expand its efforts to restore the former bombing-target island as a Hawaiian cultural reserve.
Previously, the commission could only receive money from the state and federal government. Now, the commission can solicit and accept grants, donations and contributions from other sources.
Commission executive director Keoni Fairbanks said money will be sought for cultural, educational and environmental programs.
Meanwhile, the Navy's contract to clear the island of unexploded ordnance ends in 2003. Navy officials have said only about two-thirds of the island will be certified as free of hazards by then.
Public libraries to observe 'Institute Day'
HILO, Hawai'i — All Big Island public libraries will be closed Friday for the annual Library Institute Day.
State Librarian Virginia Lowell also announced that O'ahu libraries will be closed June 6, and the Maui, Lana'i and Moloka'i libraries on June 8. Library Institute Day on Kaua'i was observed earlier.
Book drops will remain open on those days.
MAUI
Maui County limits use of Kokua Pool
KAHULUI, Maui — Maui County's Department of Parks and Recreation is limiting use of the Kokua Pool because of the deterioration of its vinyl liner.
The pool, at the Kahului Community Center, will be open for lap swimming only Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Sundays from noon-4:30 p.m. The pool will also be open for county-sponsored programs.
The Kahului Pool and Sakamoto Pool at the War Memorial Complex will be open for general swimming during their normal hours.
The parks department is planning to replace the Kokua Pool liner with a permanent shell by the end of the year.
Lifeguard programs, swim lessons offered
WAILUKU, Maui — The Department of Parks and Recreation on Maui is offering free Learn-To-Swim and Junior Lifeguard programs.
Swimming lessons for children ages 4-10 will be at the Upcountry Pool, the Lahaina Aquatics Center and the two pools by Wells Park in Wailuku.
Classes for different skill levels will be Saturdays in Wailuku and Upcountry, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Lahaina. Class size for beginning levels is limited to six, with parent participation encouraged.
Registration for swim lessons in Wailuku and Lahaina has begun; Upcountry registration will be Monday through June 8. To register, call: Wailuku, (808) 270-7411; Upcountry, (808) 572-1479; Lahaina, (808) 661-7611.
The Junior Lifeguard program will provide separate sessions for pool and beach training. Pool sessions are open to youths ages 10-17; beach sessions are for ages 12-17. Registration and skill assessment will be conducted Monday through June 15 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Kahului Pool, and in West Maui on July 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at Hanaka'o'o Beach Park.
For more information on the Junior Lifeguard program, contact Nani Wolfson at (808) 270-7410.
Participants ages 16 and older who complete the program may go through a certification class in August that will allow them to volunteer with the Parks Department as junior water safety officers.
Guide to Maui County youth activities available
WAILUKU, Maui — Free copies of the 2001-2002 edition of "Maui County Youth Connections, A Guide to Youth Activities and Programs on Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i," are available at public libraries, district park offices, youth centers, the Volunteer Center in the Kaunoa Senior Center in Spreckelsville, and at elementary, intermediate and high school media centers.
The guide contains information on organizations that provide transportation, job training, recreational activities and other services.
To request a copy by mail, write to the Department of Parks and Recreation, 1580-C Ka'ahumanu Ave., Wailuku 96793, Attention: Recreation & Support Services; or e-mail valerie.magee@co.maui.hi.us.
