O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
WINDWARD
Healing house part of agenda
Dr. Patrick Norman has applied for a conditional use permit to establish a meeting facility at The Norman House for Healing at 1005-A Kailua Road, which is one of the topics at two meetings this week.
The meeting facility would accommodate seminars and training by nonprofit organizations, according to the application.
The Kailua Neighborhood Board will discuss the application at its meeting at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Kailua District Park multipurpose room.
The city Department of Planning and Permitting will hold a public hearing on the application at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Human Resources Conference Room on the ground floor of the City Hall Annex at 550 S. King St.
Anyone interested in testifying can register at the meeting sites before the events. The city would like to have one copy of any testimony in writing.
EAST HONOLULU
Mystery glow was from boat
Fire dispatchers received several phone calls Monday night about an orange glow on the horizon off the southeast shore of East Honolulu.
The glow was emitted from deck lights on a fishing vessel.
The Fire Department forwarded the calls to the U.S. Coast Guard, which dispatched its 110-foot patrol boat to the spot at 10:30 p.m., said Petty Officer Lauren Smith.
"It turned out to be a fishing vessel with its deck lights on," Smith said. "It must have been brighter than usual."
LEEWARD
Kapolei offered lobbying advice
State Librarian Virginia Lowell will speak before the Friends of the Library of Kapolei at 7 tonight on how the public can help lobby for state money to get the new community library open by July 2003.
The meeting will be held at the Campbell Building's Laulima Room, 1001 Kamokila Blvd.
While construction of the Kapolei Public Library is scheduled for completion by the end of this month, the tentative opening of the facility in July 2003 depends on whether the Legislature can secure $1 million this session for 24 library positions, equipment and library materials.
For more information on the meeting, call Kristine Newmann at 674-1909.
CENTRAL
Storytime free at 'Ewa Beach
The 'Ewa Beach Public & School Library will hold preschool "Storytime" programs every Wednesday in February beginning at 10:30 a.m. today.
The 30-minute free program is intended for children ages 3 to 5. Adult supervision is required.
For more information, call 'Ewa Beach librarian Cindy Chow at 689-1204.
NORTH SHORE
Two Hale'iwa bills make progress
A proposal to allow drive-through businesses in Hale'iwa continues to advance at the City Council, despite opposition from those who believe the modern convenience doesn't belong in the historic North Shore town.
The council's Zoning Committee yesterday approved sending two separate but related measures up for public hearing Feb. 20 at City Hall. In general, they would allow drive-through facilities under the special district rules that govern development in the rural town.
One proposal would allow up to two drive-throughs; the other would allow as many as four. Yesterday's action was the second of three required votes.
McDonald's restaurant has operated a drive-through in Hale'iwa since 1997, when the owner received a variance from the city. A legal battle over that drive-through is awaiting court action.
HONOLULU
Judge list open to comment
Hawai'i Chief Justice Ronald Moon is seeking public comment on six nominees to replace retired District Judge Russell Blair.
The Judicial Selection Commission has submitted the names to Moon for consideration. Anyone who wishes to make a statement about the character and qualifications of the nominee should mail or deliver written comment to: Chief Justice Ronald T.Y. Moon, Supreme Court of Hawai'i, 417 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813. Written comment can be faxed to 539-4703.
The nominees are Hilary B. Gangnes, Dana S. Ishibashi, Paula Devens Matayoshi, Christopher P. McKenzie, Clarence A. Pacarro and Peter T. Stone.
The deadline to submit comments is Monday.
