Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff

BIG ISLAND

Hilo drainage project financed

More than $370,000 in capital improvement project money has been released by the Lingle administration for drainage improvements along Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo, Sen. Russell Kokubun, D-2nd (S. Hilo, Puna, Ka'u) and Rep. Jerry Chang, D-2nd (Hilo) have announced.

The DOT plans to improve the Palai Stream culvert entrance and one for an adjacent culvert downstream, the two said.

The changes should alleviate localized flooding that occurs when heavy rains cause the culverts to back up, which happens frequently, they said.

MAUI

Anti-tobacco event Feb. 6

WAILUKU, Maui — A youth-run anti-tobacco group is sponsoring "Da REAL Jam II" from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Wailuku Community Center.

The group, REAL — Hawai'i Youth Movement Against the Tobacco Industry, was established to rally Hawai'i teens against youth-directed tobacco marketing. It is a program of the University of Hawai'i's Cancer Research Center and financed by the federal tobacco settlement by way of the Hawai'i Community Foundation.

The Maui event will feature food, a deejay, a freestyle rap competition, and live music by Kupono Kane and Down With Iris.

The cost is $3, with the first 50 teens admitted free. Boys and Girls Club members also get in free. For more information, contact Nancy Halley at (808) 244-7106.