O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
HONOLULU
Hawai'i mail center gets anthrax test
Hawai'i's main mail processing center was tested for anthrax yesterday as part of a nationwide precautionary safety program involving 262 postal facilities.
The Honolulu Processing and Distribution Center is near the Honolulu International Airport terminal.
"There is no reason to believe that anthrax is present in this processing plant or for anyone to be concerned," Honolulu District Manager Edward Broglio said. "Today's sampling is strictly a precautionary measure."
Broglio said the testing was not expected to disrupt operations or delay mail. Test results are expected in about 7 to 10 days, he said.
A team working for a national contractor was required to wear protective equipment during the sample collection, but such equipment is standard for tests whether or not presence of anthrax is suspected, he said.
Broglio said postal managers briefed all employees at the plant to assure them that the testing was only a precautionary measure.
No anthrax has been detected in Hawai'i.
Programs sought for suit payments
State Attorney General Earl Anzai is looking for worthy health-related programs to receive money from a $1 million-plus settlement of an antitrust suit which accused companies of conspiring to raise prices for vitamins.
"The terms of the settlement require that the settlement monies be used to improve the health or nutrition of Hawai'i citizens, or the advancement of nutritional, dietary or agricultural science," Anzai said yesterday.
Applications and other information will soon be posted on the attorney general's Web site. Applications must be dropped off or mailed by Dec. 6 to the Department of the Attorney General, 425 Queen St., Honolulu, HI 96813, Attn: Vitamins Settlement Coordinator.
After the attorney general reviews applications and makes recommendations, the court will take final action on distribution of the money, probably by the middle of next year.
Four schools get repair grants
Four Hawai'i schools will receive each $25,000 for repair and renovation projects from the Hawai'i 3R's program.
Baldwin and Roosevelt high schools, Kapunahala Elementary and Wahiawa Middle School will be repairing, remodeling and restoring their facilities.
The grants will enable Roosevelt to renovate its locker rooms and Wahiawa to repaint its classrooms. Electrical repairs will be completed at both Baldwin, on Maui, and Kapunahala, in Kane'ohe.
The program, initiated by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, requires schools to match the $25,000 with private contributions and/or professional volunteerism — "sweat equity" — of value equal to or greater than the grant amount.
The state provided initial financing of $1 million and tax credits for qualified professionals participating in the program. The U.S. Department of Defense contributed $100,000 to Hawai'i 3R's.
The next round of applications is due in February. For information, call Ann Yamasaki at 440-3876.
CENTRAL
Conference set for Pearl City
Pearl City issues such as crime, traffic, education, business, youth services and services for the elderly will take precedent at the inaugural Pearl City Benchmarking Conference Saturday at Leeward Community College.
The conference runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free to the public.
The conference comprises representatives from various community groups such as the Pearl City Community Association, Pearl City Neighborhood Board, Leeward Community College, 'Aiea/Pearl City Vision Group and the city and county of Honolulu.
For more information, call state Rep. Nobu Yonamine's office at 586-6520.
