Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
'Opihi picker drowns in Ka'u
A man who was picking 'opihi in Ka'u on the Big Island drowned after he was swept out to sea yesterday. The man's identity was not released yesterday and Big Island fire officials would only say that the victim was in his 20s and a resident of the island.
The Fire Department was called at about 1:15 p.m. yesterday by the man's family after a wave swept him out near Kawa Bay. Fire rescuers searched the shoreline on foot and by helicopter without success.
But a snorkler spotted the man's body about 60 feet under water and notified fire officials.
Sewer line punctured in Hilo
HILO, Hawai'i — A contractor drilling holes to replace some street lights punctured a sewer line and triggered a 4,000-gallon sewer spill into Hilo Bay Saturday afternoon, according to Big Island county officials.
The sewer spill at the Country Club Condominium Hotel at 121 Banyan Drive prompted authorities to post warning signs in shoreline areas to warn the public that the water may be contaminated.
The spill occurred from about 2:30 p.m. until it was contained at about 5 p.m., according to the county Wastewater Division.
Maui projects get $8.9 million
Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday released money for three Maui road projects totaling $8.9 million, including two that would widen sections of Mokulele Highway.
Pu'unene Avenue and Mokulele Highway would be widened between Cane Haul Road and Mehameha Loop to four lanes from two lanes under one $4.2 million project. The project will also get $18.4 million in federal money.
The section of Mokulele from Maui Humane Society to Kolaloa Bridge would also be widened to four lanes from two lanes under a $3.3 million appropriation. That project is getting $13.9 million in federal dollars.
An additional $1.4 million is targeted for widening Haleakala Highway to four lanes from three between Pukalani Bypass and Hana Highway. There will also be $6 million in federal money.
Work on all three projects is expected to be done by August 2004.
HONOLULU
Ishikawa named DOT spokesman
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| Scott Ishikawa is the new DOT spokesman.
Advertiser library photo |
Ishikawa, who had been a reporter for The Honolulu Advertiser since 1996, replaces Marilyn Kali, who will work in the DOT's Airports Division.
Ishikawa is charged with handling news media inquiries as well as working with the community on various state transportation projects.
"I've covered the communities for nearly a dozen years and I'm very aware of the area traffic congestion problems, commuting from Mililani to downtown each day," he said. "I hope to use that expertise and my relationship with community leaders in helping resolve those traffic issues."
District Court judge appointed
Attorney Faye M. Koyanagi has been appointed a District Court judge of O'ahu's First Circuit by Chief Justice Ronald Moon.
Koyanagi, 57, will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of David Fong. Her appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation.
Koyanagi has been in private practice since 1982, specializing in personal injury, product and construction defects, property damage, no-fault dispute and professional malpractice cases. She has served as head trial counsel and associate attorney in private practice, and city deputy corporation counsel and deputy prosecuting attorney.
Koyanagi received her law degree from the University of California Hastings College of Law.
LEEWARD O'AHU
Gabbard opens Kapolei office
City Councilman Mike Gabbard has opened a district office at Kapolei Hale where he will be closer to his 'Ewa Beach, Kapolei and Wai'anae constituents.
"Many Leeward folks told me they would like better access to their council member but that it was too much humbug to fight traffic and look for parking in town. It's especially hard on our kupuna who don't drive, having to catch the bus into town," Gabbard said in a release.
Plans for the municipal building in Kapolei originally included a council member's office, but this is the first time the space has been used.
Call 547-7001 for office hours, directions or more information.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Kane'ohe Bay council to meet
The Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council will discuss coral poaching and new fishing rules at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Hale Alaka'i Room 102 at Windward Community College.
The meeting will include a presentation about water quality and reports from representatives of various water activities such as fishing and recreational boating.
