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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, November 19, 2003

Hawai'i briefs

Advertiser Staff

HONOLULU

$350,000 OK'd for beach work

The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday approved $350,000 to help improve Waikiki and South Kihei beaches.

The bill will give $250,000 to the Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning for the restoration of Waikiki beach and $100,000 to prepare a feasibility study to restore South Kihei. The money was requested by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-Hawai'i.

Abercrombie said the two projects are critical for Hawai'i's economy.

"Our beaches are a top draw for tourists from around the world, and we've got to maintain them in world-class condition," Abercrombie said. "With tourism generating so many jobs for Hawai'i, this is a modest investment for enormous returns."


Runway repairs to divert flights

Low-flying aircraft may make sleeping a little difficult around town tonight and tomorrow.

The state Transportation Department says runway repairs at Honolulu International Airport will change landing and takeoff patterns at the airport.

The repair work will take place between midnight and 7 a.m. tonight and tomorrow.

During the closure of Runway 8 Right, arriving and departing flights will be diverted to other runways, which could have them flying over populated areas more than usual.

Residents living in Kalihi and downtown areas particularly will be affected, the DOT said.


NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Hikers airlifted after Maui flood

WAILUKU, Maui — Two helicopters were used to rescue 24 hikers who were stranded by a flooded stream near Kailua in East Maui late Monday afternoon.

The group, consisting mostly of visitors from California, were airlifted from a spot near swollen Na'ili'iliha'ele Stream about a quarter mile mauka of Hana Highway, said Assistant Fire Chief Greg Chong Kee.

The hikers were cold, but no one was seriously injured, officials said.

The distress call came in at 4:08 p.m., and for three hours the helicopters worked to haul the hikers, two at a time, in baskets to a landing area near the highway.

Officials said two other hikers were trapped in a flooded water tube but were able to escape after floodwaters subsided.


WINDWARD O'AHU

Meetings set on trails system

The Windward Ahupua'a Alliance will host a planning meeting Dec. 3 to discuss the Ko'olau Greenbelt & Heritage Trails System. The meeting will from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kahalu'u Elementary School cafeteria.

Another meeting on the subject will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at Windward Community College, Hale Kuhina Room 107.

To participate call 263-6001, 791-0517 or 223-5535. Adver