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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, June 25, 2003

Hawai'i briefs

Advertiser Staff

HONOLULU

Bill OKs $19 million for agriculture

Hawai'i would get $19 million in federal grants for agricultural projects under a U.S. House bill approved by the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, said U.S. Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawai'i.

The amount includes $10 million for research on tropical and subtropical agriculture and $4.1 million for the U.S. Marine Shrimp Farming Program.

The bill will go before the Appropriations Committee this week and likely to a House floor vote in July.


Ads urge child vaccination

The state Department of Health is launching an extensive media campaign to increase public awareness about the importance of infant and toddler vaccinations. Public service announcements will air on television and radio through September.

Officials say 1 in 3 Hawai'i children do not receive adequate immunization for diseases such as polio, measles and hepatitis B.

Local businesses have agreed to participate in the campaign "Protect Hawai'i's Keiki — Make a Date to Vaccinate," by adding the slogan to shop windows, countertops and product labels.


WINDWARD O'AHU

Volunteers to clean state park

The Hawai'i Commission for National and Community Service will gather 150 volunteers to clean and to plant seeds at He'eia State Park near Kane'ohe tomorrow.

Volunteers include members of AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps National Direct, National Senior Service Corps and Learn and Serve America.


Cancer patients invited to fair

3Paths Wellness Studio will host a free Spirit Spa for cancer survivors and people whose lives have been touched by cancer, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Kailua Beach Center, 130 Kailua Road, Suite 107.

The holistic health event will include massages, nutrition tips and a mini yoga class. It is an informal kickoff for the July 12 Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fund-raiser.


NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Masked robber hits Hilo bank

HILO, Hawai'i — A masked man wearing a hat robbed the Waiakea branch of the Bank of Hawai'i yesterday.

Armed with a machete, the robber entered the East Kawili Street bank at 2:30 p.m., climbed over the counter and grabbed money from a cash drawer, police said. He then approached a second teller and grabbed more cash.

The robber fled west on Lanikaula Street on a bicycle. He was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and dark pants.

Police said the crime was similar to an unsuccessful robbery June 17 at the Home Street Bank in Hilo, in which the robber also used a bicycle.