O'ahu briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

HONOLULU

Ex-judge to run as Republican

Former state judge James R. "Duke" Aiona yesterday filed nomination papers to run for lieutenant governor has a Republican.

Aiona said serving as a judge and prosecutor gave him experience in working with government agencies and administrations.

Among his priorities, he said, is "actually improving public education — build the buildings, buy the books and pay the teachers."

Aiona also said he wants to help the economy by creating more construction opportunities, solving traffic problems and curbing Hawai'i's drug problem.

Downtown plan on agenda

The plan to establish a business improvement district along Fort Street Mall will be discussed at the Downtown Neighborhood Board meeting at 7 tonight at the Pauahi Community Center, 171 N. Pauahi St.

A bill allowing the business district is moving through the City Council and is set for a second reading July 17 before the full council.

The bill would allow Fort Street Mall landowners to essentially tax themselves and create the business improvement district similar to one started last year in Waikiki.

LEEWARD

UH to discuss campus sites

University of Hawai'i officials will discuss their latest proposed sites for a new West O'ahu campus before the 'Ewa Neighborhood Board at 7 tonight.

The meeting will be held at the 'Ewa Beach Community and School Library, 91-950 North Road.

Three sites in Kapolei are being considered for the new campus: a 27-acre site in downtown Kapolei, a 59-acre site next to the Kapolei middle and high schools, and a 320-acre location in East Kapolei next to H-1 Freeway.