Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

MAUI

Sod to expedite stadium project

WAILUKU, Maui — A decision to use sod instead of grass plugs to replace the turf at War Memorial Stadium will speed up the project by six weeks, county officials said.

The additional expense to use sod will increase the original $300,000 estimate for the project by $60,000. Mayor James "Kimo" Apana said that because the field is in great demand, the added expense is justified.

The work includes installation of a new drainage and irrigation system.

With 90,000 square feet of sod being installed in the next couple of weeks, the field will be available for June commencement ceremonies for Maui and Baldwin High schools.

The county has hired turf expert George Toma to oversee the work under a four-month, $31,200 contract that is included in the total cost of the project.

BIG ISLAND

Yard fire jumps to Puna house

PAHOA, Hawai'i — A Puna woman attempting to burn a tree stump next to her home Monday night set off a fire that destroyed her house and a pickup truck in an attached garage.

After trying to put out the fire with a garden hose, the woman called 911 just before 11:30 p.m.

Firefighters arrived too late to save the one-room dwelling near the 16.9-mile marker of Highway 137. The loss was estimated at $53,144.