Neighbor Island briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
MAUI
Kealia Pond open house set
KIHEI, Maui — The Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge will have an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with information booths and games for children.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials will be assisted by students in Lahainaluna High School's Environmental and Spatial Technology Lab in teaching youngsters about the pond and its inhabitants, alien species, and the importance of protecting wildlife.
Anyone planning to attend should call (808) 662-4067 by today.
Raw sewage spill contained
LAHAINA, Maui — The county Department of Public Works and Waste Management yesterday reported that a 10,000-gallon raw sewage spill in Lahaina last week did not reach the ocean.
The spill occurred at 2 a.m. Thursday at the Lahaina Wastewater Pump Station 2 during a planned maintenance bypass when a flexible hose ruptured, allowing the release of wastewater from the temporary above-ground piping, officials said.
The spill was confined to a bermed area adjacent to Honoapi'ilani Highway and all wastewater was returned to the collection system. The Department of Health was notified, the standing water was removed and the area was disinfected.
Insect control targets Maui
WAILUKU, Maui — Emergency Environmental Workforce employees will be visiting homes in the Ha'iku and Central Maui areas in the next few weeks to assist residents in mosquito-control efforts.
The Emergency Environmental Workforce was established by the state to provide temporary employment to workers who lost their jobs as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
On Maui, they are being used to help quell the dengue fever outbreak. At last report there were 98 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease statewide, with 72 of the cases occurring on Maui.
The workers will show residents how to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas and help remove items that may attract mosquitoes. The workers have a state identification badge and will ask for permission from homeowners to review their property and have owners sign a release form.
