Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

MAUI

Miconia control meeting slated

HANA, Maui — The Maui Invasive Species Committee will hold a community meeting today to update East Maui residents on the status of the miconia control project. The meeting will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Helene Hall in H?na.

Art Medeiros of the U.S. Geological Survey's Biological Resources Division will give a slide presentation with the latest maps and information gathered over the last two years.

Miconia is an alien tree species from Central America that has the potential to dominate native forests. In Hawai'i, there are no natural factors to limit the growth and spread of the plant.

For information or to report miconia on Maui, call 579-2116.

Maui information phone line set up

WAILUKU, Maui — Maui County's Civil Defense Agency has established an advisory telephone line to provide recorded information on road closures and road construction, Department of Water Supply updates and other emergency messages.

The number is (808) 986-1200.

The information also is available on the Maui County government Web site.

BIG ISLAND

Man sentenced in child battery case

HILO, Hawai'i — A Ka'u man accused of breaking his infant daughter's legs on two occasions last year because she was making noise while he wanted to watch television was sentenced to a four-year jail term.

Clifftin Kamei, 20, earlier pleaded no contest to reduced charges in the child battering case.

"This sentence is a clear message that child abuse will not be tolerated," said Big Island Prosecutor Jay Kimura in written comments following Friday's sentencing. Kamei was subject to a five-year prison term, but Judge Greg Nakamura decided on a four-year sentence because the defendant is a "youthful offender."