Boat Sinks Off Olowalu - All Five Aboard Safe

OLOWALU, Hawaii — Five men are save and sound after a whale-watching trip ended with their 27-foot recreational boat sinking off Maui.

The men managed to swim about 100 yards to shore at Olowalu on Sunday.

One of the men aboard the Seawren III, Ron Callaway, says no one saw a hole in the boat, and added there's no good explanation as to why it sank.

Boat owner Chester Dilley says he and others sailed out of Lahaina for a day of whale watching, and they were returning from the back side of Lanai when they noticed water was streaming over the deck planks.

Dilley says they jumped into the ocean and swam for shore when the water came in faster than they could bail.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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Census Aims for 100 Percent Participation

Local census officials estimate Hawai'i lost out on $310 million in federal funding over the past 10 years because of "undercounting" in the 2000 census.

And while they concede that 100 percent participation in the upcoming Census 2010 is an ideal that may be impossible to attain, they say they're committed to doing whatever possible to ensure that every person in the state is counted this time around.

Thus far, residents haven't seen much sign of what's to come, but once the count begins, it will move quickly.

Reminder postcards are scheduled to be mailed in early March, followed by a mass mailout of official census forms by midmonth. Officials hope to receive the completed forms by April 1 — National Census Day. From April through July, census employees will conduct household visits to assist residents in completing the form.

Meanwhile, census officials are interviewing to hire thousands of census workers for jobs that pay up to $20 an hour. Among them will be the people who will visit your home if you don't fill out and return your form.

While U.S. citizens are required by federal law to complete the census forms, local officials are relying on simple logic rather than threat of punishment to encourage maximum participation.

The census is taken every 10 years to provide an accurate-as-possible count of every person living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. This data is used to determine political representation and congressional districts, and to direct the allocation of more than $300 billion in federal money.

States also use census data to make decisions on infrastructure planning and construction.

"It's extremely important to get these numbers to determine how much federal funds are allocated to Hawai'i," said Pearl Imada Iboshi, the state's chief economist and chair of the 2010 Census Hawai'i Government Complete Count Committee.

IDENTIFYING NEEDS

Imada Iboshi said data collected from the census is also critical to local decision-making.

"From a data perspective, it helps to determine where schools are placed and where roads are built," she said. "It's an extremely important source of information in identifying where people with different needs are."

Imada Iboshi said accounting for every person who lives in the state can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Some immigrant groups are reluctant to participate because census counts are not taken in their home countries. Other residents are suspicious because they misunderstand how the data are used. People who do not have a permanent address can also be difficult to track.

The 2000 census measured Hawai'i's total population at 1,211,537, or about .43 percent of the total U.S. population. This count was used to determine the amount of money directed to Hawai'i through federal grants.

In 2007, Hawai'i received nearly $290 million in selected federal grants, including nearly $97 million for health and human services and more than $88 million for education, according to a 2009 Hawai'i Government Complete Count Committee report.

Imada Iboshi said an incomplete count of the local population resulted in an estimated $31 million lost in federal funds in each of the past 10 years.

Undercounting has been a major concern for the Census Bureau, particularly after the 1940 census, when a comparison with Selective Service registration data revealed that the census had undercounted an estimated 425,000 men of draft age. Overall, the 1940 census is believed to have undercounted the U.S. population by 5.4 percent. Improved counting and analysis methods have significantly reduced that figure, although the uncounted Americans still number in the millions.

EDUCATING PUBLIC

The 2000 census is believed to have undercounted the national population by 1.2 percent, or 3.3 million people. This was an improvement over the previous census in 1990, which undercounted the population by 1.6 percent (4 million people).

The decennial census is the largest single federal undertaking. This year's effort will cost the federal government about $14 billion.

In previous decades, state governments helped to fund public awareness campaigns in support of the census effort. Given current economic conditions, however, many states, Hawai'i included, are turning to "census partnerships" with local nonprofits and other organizations to educate the public without further straining state finances.

This year's census is expected to provide short-term economic stimulus to many communities in the form of temporary jobs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 750,000 workers will have received temporary employment by the time the census is completed. Roughly 100,000 people were hired last year to help update the bureau's address list.

3,000 TEMP JOBS

In Hawai'i, the local U.S. Census Office is looking for some 19,000 qualified applicants from which they will fill an estimated 3,000 temporary positions over the next several months. The positions vary in pay from $12.75 per hour for office clerks to $20 per hour for field supervisors. Census takers, those responsible for following up with those who do not return completed census forms, earn $17 per hour.

Qualified applicants need to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, with a valid Social Security number. All applicants will be required to pass a basic skills test and background check.

Applicants must score at least 10 points (out of a possible 28). Re-tests are allowed and practice tests are available at the census office.

Marilyn Yoza, head of the Census Bureau's local office, said there is a particular need for bilingual workers to assist those for whom English is not a first language.

She said the office also hopes to draw workers from the communities in which they will serve.

Despite the grand scale of census operations, the burden on respondents is as small as it's ever been. This year's form consists of just 10 questions and can be completed by most in 10 minutes. Once the form is completed and mailed back, no further action is necessary. Census takers will only visit residences that have not returned the completed form.

Yoza emphasized that, contrary to some fears, personal information cannot legally be shared with the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service or any other governmental agency.

"It's safe, simple and easy," Yoza said. "And everybody counts."

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 7, 2010 10:10 a.m.

Bill Banning Foie Gras Up Before Hawai'i Senate

Local chefs are crying foul over a bill that would ban foie gras, the fattened liver of duck or geese that some consider a delicacy.

But animal rights activists say it's cruel to force feed the animals by placing a metal tube or pipe into a bird's throat. The practice, they say, should be banned.

Senate Bill 2170 would prohibit the sales and distribution of food products resulting from force-feeding of ducks or geese to enlarge their livers beyond the normal size. Violators could be hit with a $10,000 fine.

The bill last week passed out of the Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee and is headed to the Judiciary Committee for further discussion.

Testimony on the bill was overwhelmingly supportive and included letters from international organizations seeking to ban foie gras production.

"I am appalled that it is even necessary to file a complaint about considering it legal to torture fowl by force-feeding it for the purpose of destroying its liver to make a more exotic appetizing food," said Sylvan Schwab of the East Maui Animal Refuge in testimony for the bill. "Is it not sad enough that you must kill? Must you torture as well to satisfy someone's sick idea of delicacy?"

"Foie gras production universally ranks as one of the cruelest forms of animal agriculture," said Barbara Steinberg Orlowski in written testimony. "The ban on foie gras would not affect our economy, as no one would cancel a vacation to Hawaii, if foie gras were not on the menu. In fact, this ban would paint Hawaii as a compassionate state that cares about animals."

But some local food enthusiasts say the bill is not necessary. California, which accounts for about half of U.S. foie gras production, has a ban on the method that takes effect in 2012, said Edward T. Morita, a food blogger and former pastry chef.

"It's a problem that's already being taken care of," Morita said. "Why does Hawaii need a law banning force-fed birds?"

Morita said he visited a foie gras farm and did not see any cruel treatment. "Ducks and geese don't have a gag reflex, so it doesn't bother them at all," Morita said.

New York State Assemblyman Michael Benjamin, sponsored a 2007 bill in that state to ban foie gras farming, but changed his mind after visiting a farm and speaking with veterinarians, according to a letter from Benjamin submitted by a testifier opposed to the ban.

Chef Eberhard "Hardy" Kintscher, of Michel's at the Colony Surf Restaurant, said the debate is a philosophical one.

"Coming from Europe, we now have a lot of artisan farmers who put a lot of pride into their work, how you handle the animal, and how you grow it," Kintscher said, who has been preparing foie gras for decades. "The duck will always eat as soon as the light is turned on."

Reach Gene Park at gpark@starbulletin.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Bulletin)

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NEWS FLASH - February 7, 2010 8:20 a.m.

Solar Water Heating Rebate Drops to $750

The rebate available to homeowners for installing solar water heaters has been cut to $750 from $1,000 because high demand is depleting the amount in the ratepayer-funded program, officials said yesterday.

The change was effective Monday.

Lowering the rebate will allow officials to extend the life of the program and reach more homeowners, said Ray Starling, manager for Hawaii Energy, the energy conservation program administered by Science Applications International Corp.

The $750 rebate applies to qualifying hot water systems installed by solar contractors that participate in the Hawaii Energy solar program.

Hawaii Energy, formerly operated by Hawaiian Electric Co., is now administered by SAIC under contract with the state Public Utilities Commission.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 7, 2010 6:50 a.m.

Fewer Cars on Aloha State Highways

The number of gasoline-powered vehicles in Hawai'i has dropped by 2.3 percent over the past year, according to the state's latest Energy Trend Data report.

It said there were 912,671 registered taxable gasoline-powered passenger vehicles at the end of January, or lower than the total at the end of January 2009.

The report also said there was a 0.5 percent decline in taxable diesel freight vehicles to 21,577. The number of registered taxable electric vehicles was 179, or 2.3 percent more than a year earlier.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - February 6, 2010 11:35 a.m.

Saint Anthony's Launches $10M Endowment Campaign

WAILUKU, Maui - St. Anthony Junior Senior High School has launched a $10 million capital and endowment campaign that aims to provide tuition assistance and raise teacher salaries.

At a kick-off dinner held late last month, Hawaii Bishop Larry Silva emphasized the importance of a Catholic education.

"The Catholic values of faith formation, leadership skills, and service and justice are all taught here at Saint Anthony Junior Senior High School every day. This school is a gem that we need to work together to polish and restore to its luster," Silva said to a crowd of more than 120 people at the event.

A portion of the money raised in the campaign will build an endowment for student-tuition assistance. More than 44 percent of St. Anthony's students receive financial help, according to a school news release. Tuition costs $9,200 per year.

The campaign also will help provide competitive salaries for St. Anthony teachers, who, according to school officials, earn approximately $6,000 less on average than a public school teacher. The average starting teacher's annual pay in the state Department of Education is $45,000. St. Anthony school officials plan to establish a separate endowment that would increase faculty salaries by 24 percent in six years.

There are no plans to construct new buildings on the Wailuku campus.

"The endowments will allow the school to retain and reward talented teachers while enabling us to provide more assistance to students interested in a quality education," said the Rev. Jim Orsini, St. Anthony's principal.

Another $500,000 of the campaign's $10 million would be designated for the school's other needs, including building maintenance, adopting green initiatives, enhancing athletic programs and expanding technology.

The capital campaign already has raised more than $2.2 million from 70 donors. A $1 million contribution and another $500,000 donation were made by anonymous donors.

David "Buddy" Nobriga, a 1951 alumnus of the school, said he feels encouraged that St. Anthony will raise the $10 million based on the monetary pledges made thus far.

"We have over 5,000 St. Anthony alumni all around the world, many living here on Maui," Nobriga said. "If each of us did our part to give back, to pay it forward, we could reach our goal."

St. Anthony Junior Senior High School is the only Catholic high school on Maui. It currently has 185 students in grades 7 through 12.

For more campaign information, contact Kathleen DeLima, St. Anthony development director, at 244-4190, ext. 268, or send e-mail to kdelima@sasmaui.org. More information can be found at the school Web site at sasmaui.org.

Reach Caludine San Nicolas at csannicolas@mauinews.com.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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NEWS FLASH - February 6, 2010 11:15 a.m.

Governor Urges Passage of Money-Saving Measures

HONOLULU – Proposals that would save the State up to $21 million each year and correct flaws in the collective bargaining system are pending legislative action. Governor Linda Lingle is urging the Legislature to promptly schedule hearings on these measures before the upcoming internal legislative deadline of February 12.

“The State is still spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year more than it is receiving in revenues,” Governor Lingle stated. “It is important that the Legislature join with me in changing laws that will lower the costs of government and improve its operations. I encourage the Legislature to schedule hearings on these bills that will enable the State to save and use taxpayer dollars more efficiently and improve the collective bargaining process.”

The Administration has proposed four bills that would reduce the costs of the Employer-Union Trust fund that pays health insurance costs for state employees and their dependents. The bills are:
• HB 2534 / SB2687 would save $4.1 million annually by suspending the payment of life insurance premiums for State and county personnel.
• HB2535 / SB2688 would save $8.4 million per year by discontinuing State reimbursements for Medicare costs for spouses of retirees.
• HB 2536 / SB2689 would save at least $200,000 per year by linking the State’s contributions for retirees to the appropriate cost index, such as the actual premium paid.
• HB 2537 / SB 2690 would save between $2.5 million and $8 million annually by paying health care costs for retirees not covered by Medicare in the same manner as those covered by Medicare.

The Administration has also proposed three bills that would correct flaws in the current system for negotiating labor contracts with government employees.

“We should learn from the lessons of this past year that the State and counties need greater latitude to complete labor negotiations and resolve labor disputes,” Governor Lingle said.

The three measures include:
• HB 2569 / SB2722 allows the State and counties to separately negotiate and execute collective bargaining agreements with the unions that represent their respective employees.
• HB2570 / SB2723 ensures that the State’s fiscal condition, such as its solvency and the impact of wage settlements on other bargaining units are considered when binding arbitration is used to settle a labor contract.
• HB2571 / SB2724 returns the right to strike to all public employee collective bargaining units except those involved in health and safety professions. This would eliminate binding arbitration for these same employees.

The 2010 Legislature has set an internal deadline of February 12 for bills to reach the final committee in each house to remain alive this session. While a measure can be revived after that deadline, it is procedurally more difficult. In keeping with the shorter legislative calendar, the Governor is asking that these seven measures be scheduled for hearings early next week.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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NEWS FLASH - February 6, 2010 9:25 a.m.

Stimulus Funds Available as County Seeks Energy Auditors

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui announced today that it is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to conduct investment grade energy audits. Twelve county facilities, including fire stations, senior centers and a community center will be audited. Results from the audit are expected to provide baseline energy data, physical condition of the buildings, and basis for energy efficiency savings measures.

Funds for this Request for Proposals are provided to the County of Maui by the United States Department of Energy utilizing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.

“This is a significant step towards finding energy savings for the County,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “From this study we can make decisions based on data collected and make good progress on our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.”

The deadline for proposals to be submitted is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26th, 2010. Proposals will be accepted by the Department of Finance, Purchasing Division, located in the Wells Street Professional Center at 2145 Wells Street, Suite 104, in Wailuku.

Solicitation documents are available at the Office of the Department of Finance, Division Purchasing, or online at www.mauicounty,gov/bids.aspx.

For more information, contact the County's Energy Commissioner, Victor Reyes at the Office of Economic Development (808) 270-7203 or by email at victor.reyes@mauicounty.gov.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - February 6, 2010 6:55 a.m.

Hawai'i Suffering Worst Drought in Nation

Hawai'i has the worst drought conditions in the country, and those are expected to continue through spring, according to federal weather and climate agencies.

The hardest-hit areas are west Moloka'i and leeward portions of Maui and the Big Island, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. With most rain gauges across the state reporting less than 50 percent of normal rainfall last month, drought conditions have worsened in or spread to several other areas, said Kevin Kodama, senior service hydrologist at the National Weather Service in Honolulu.

The El Niño phenomenon — a periodic warming of water in the tropical Pacific — is responsible for the below-normal precipitation , according to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center.

O'ahu is the only major island in the state without any areas under a drought classification on the latest Drought Monitor map.

The map shows the eastern half of the state continuing to bear the brunt of the dry spell, with "extreme" drought conditions persisting in the South Kohala and leeward North Kohala areas of the Big Island, the south and west portions of Maui and the western third of Moloka'i.

Drought conditions over southern sections of the Big Island have worsened to the "extreme" category in recent weeks.

"Severe" drought is affecting central Maui and portions of North and South Kona and Ka'u on the Big Island, while the lower Kona slopes and the entire island of Lana'i are experiencing "moderate" drought conditions.

In recent weeks, the windward sections of the Big Island and northeastern third of Kaua'i also dropped into the "moderate" category, placing more than three-quarters of the state under at least moderate drought, according to a statement released by Kodama.

He said the dearth of moisture has degraded pastures to the point where ranchers on Maui and neighboring Moloka'i are losing cattle and having to cull herds more than normal so the remaining animals have enough to eat.

Water levels within the Kualapu'u Reservoir in west Moloka'i remain low and a mandatory 20 percent reduction in irrigation water use remains in effect.

Upcountry Maui residents have been asked by the county Department of Water Supply to reduce water use by 5 percent and Central Maui residents by 10 percent.

Kodama noted that the dry conditions also have increased the risk of wildfires in the western and southern sections of the Big Island, already hit by several blazes in the past couple of months.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 5, 2010 1:10 p.m.

Former Congressman Cec Heftel Passes Away

Former U.S. Congressman Cec Heftel died yesterday at 85 in San Diego.

He had been in failing health for a while and died of natural causes, according to Laura Figueira, who was district director when Heftel was in Congress.

Heftel moved to Hawai'i in 1964.

He owned KGMB AM-FM and TV during the 1960s and '70s, which at the time were the top-rated in the country.

Radio personality Michael Perry called Heftel a "showman," who loved promotions and stunts, but also believed in giving back to the community.

"He was an incredibly brilliant guy," Perry said. "He wanted to give back to the community, and he did that in many ways. He always felt he had something to offer."

As owner of KGMB-TV, Heftel decided in to start an afternoon children's show, "Checkers and Pogo." Thousands of Island children tuned in every afternoon to watch the popular show with its wacky array of friends and adventures. It ran from 1967 to 1982.

He sold the station in 1977 after he was elected to the U.S. Congress.

He served in Congress from 1977 to 1986. He resigned from Congress to run for governor, but lost in the Democratic primary to John Waihee.

In 1986, Heftel lost a controversial race to John Waihee for the Democratic nomination to succeed Gov. George Ariyoshi. Heftel claimed he was smeared by false rumors in the closing days of the primary.

After years out of public life, he ran for and was elected to one term on the state Board of Education in 2004.

He said at the time, he was running for office "to create a budget that directs funding to the classroom, so that we can educate our children first and support the bureaucracy last."

He did not seek re-election in 2008.

Garrett Toguchi, Board of Education chairman, said during Heftel's time on the board he "showed himself to be very committed to education and concerned about improving public education in Hawaii."

In a statement, Figueira said Heftel was a "demanding boss who not only expected the best from his staff, he also wanted the best for the people of Hawai'i. He was a visionary who was never afraid of a new idea."

In a statement, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said Heftel had a "devotion to Hawaii."

"He demonstrated this through his many years as a leader in the broadcasting industry and a distinguished career as a public servant," Abercrombie said.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said Heftel "was a man of the people who believed in the power of service over political partisanship."

"He was passionate about educating our young people, and he never gave up trying to improve public education in Hawaii, which is a lesson we can all benefit from learning."

Private funeral arrangements are pending and will be coordinated with family members in Hawaii and on the Mainland, Figueira said.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - February 5, 2010 11:45 a.m.

Baldwin Trust Awards Nearly $64,000 to Cameron Center

(Wailuku, HI)— César E. Gaxiola, Executive Director, J. Walter Cameron Center, announced today that The Harriet Baldwin Kokua Charitable Trust has awarded the agency $63,736.84 to help meet the Center’s goal serving the non-profit community of Maui.

Harriet Baldwin was a supporter of the work of the Cameron Center. She was born in 1913 in Honolulu and moved to Maui after she married Richard Baldwin. They had three children. Mrs. Baldwin passed away in 2003, leaving the Trust to fund her favorite causes: Hawai`i, children and animals.

At a ceremony receiving the gift, Gaxiola said, “This generous donation will continue us on our path of raising approximately $1 million to fund necessary rehabilitation activities at the Center, including window replacements, parking lot paving, equipment upgrades (well, sewer, plumbing), remodel bathrooms, refurbish therapeutic pool, fire safety improvements and roof resurfacing.”

“All of the repairs undertaken during the Cameron Center Rehabilitation Project are crtical to ensure the health and safety of facility users, and support the long-term viability and cost efficient operation of this important community service facility. This includes increased energy efficiency and a reduction in water consuption and utility costs,” said Gaxiola.

The Critical Health and Social Services Role of the Cameron Center

The Cameron Center is a critical component of the infrastructure supporting Maui's health and social service provider community that provides appropriate low-cost office and program space for as many as 20 non-profit agencies and organizations that primarily serve Maui's very low, low and moderate income residents. These agencies are estimated to provide services to as many as 30,000 people annually and the Cameron Center meeting facilities serve as many as 40,000 people annually.

An informal survey of tenant agencies conducted recently indicated that over 80% of total clients for all agencies combined are low and moderate income persons, with the greatest number of clients (approximately 30% of total) are in the very low income category.

Cameron Center Resident Agencies/Meeting Facilities

J. Walter Cameron Center Resident Agencies’ Ohana: A Keiki’s Dream, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association of Hawaii, ARC of Maui County, Best Buddies International, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, Heritage Hall, Inc., Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Inc., Imua Family Services, Juvenile Counseling Program, Ka Lima O Maui, Maui Community Mental Health, Mediation Services of Maui, Mental Health Association, MEO Kahi Kamali‘i, Pacific Cancer Foundation & PATCH.

J. Walter Cameron Center Meeting Facilities: Provides space to over two hundred community organizations and businesses throughout the year and also serves as the State’s second largest site for blood donations.

(Report Provided by the J. Walter Cameron Center)

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NEWS FLASH - February 5, 2010 7:25 a.m.

Hawaiian Airlines Quadruples Profit in '09

Hawaiian Airlines' parent said its net income soared more than fourfold to a record in 2009 as the local carrier flew the most passengers in its 80-year history.

Hawaiian Holdings Inc. netted $116.7 million, or $2.22 a diluted share in 2009, up from $28.6 million or 57 cents a share the year before.

The results exceeded Wall Street's expectations. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News had forecast earnings of $1.35 per share for 2009.

Shares of Hawaiian slipped 19 cents to close at $6.08 per share on the Nasdaq market yesterday. The results were released after the market's close.

"2009 was a remarkable year for our company," Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian's CEO and president said in a news release.

"With lower fuel prices and the hard work of everyone at Hawaiian Airlines, we overcame the effects of an economic recession and the attentions of a new entrant on our interisland routes to post our company's best-ever results."

The state's largest carrier said it flew a record 8.3 million passengers last year as the carrier continued to hold its position as the U.S. airline industry's top on-time carrier.

During the year, Hawaiian's fuel expenses plunged by 42.6 percent to $243.9 million as the airline's average cost for a gallon of jet fuel fell to about $1.84 from $3.17.

"Fuel prices were the big story of 2009," Dunkerley said by phone. "2008 saw record fuel prices in the summer and in 2009 prices tumbled in face of economic recession."

For the quarter, the company netted $35 million, or 66 cents per share, helped by a one-time $25 million tax benefit.

That compared with a loss of $11.9 million, or 23 cents a diluted share during the same quarter a year earlier.

The fourth quarter net came on revenues of $297 mil-lion, a 1.2 percent increase from the year-earlier quarter.

The airline also resolved most of its major labor issues during the latest quarter.

In November, the carrier reached an agreement with its machinists union on a new four-year contract and in the following month, Hawaiian and the Air Line Pilots Association reached a tentative agreement on a 68-month agreement.

The pilots deal was approved by pilots in January.

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 5, 2010 6:45 a.m.

Tapping State Reserves Could Jeopardize Bond Rating

Tapping into reserves and special funds such as the state's hurricane relief or rainy-day funds to help balance the state budget could contribute to a lowering of Hawai'i's bond rating, Moody's Investors Services said.

The credit rating agency yesterday warned it may lower the state's bond ratings if Hawai'i's financial woes aren't resolved, something that potentially could cost the state millions of dollars in higher interest paid on the bonds it issues.

Moody's lowered Hawai'i's ratings outlook to negative from stable, though it left the ratings themselves at Aa2, or the third-best level out of 21 levels Moody's maintains for long-term bonds.

The lowering of the outlook doesn't carry as serious financial implications for the state as does a ratings downgrade, but signals one could occur over the next two years. The lowering underscores the state's budget problems and uncertainty about the economy, and the critical nature of the state's response to the predicament.

Moody's noted the state is staring down a $1.2 billion budget gap for the biennium and may have to increase use of one-time solutions to balance the books.

Several legislators have suggested dipping into special funds to help solve the teacher furlough situation or make health care payments as they grapple with how to cover budget shortfalls. Georgina Kawamura, state budget director, said Gov. Linda Lingle's administration has avoided raiding special funds and will quote Moody's concerns in testifying against such measures.

"I absolutely hope they take note of it (the Moody's report) and take note of our strengths as well as our weaknesses," Kawamura said.

The bond ratings and outlooks are used by investors to make decisions on whether they should purchase a certain state, city or corporation's bonds or debt obligations. Moody's analyst Nicole Johnson said many states are struggling with revenue shortfalls.

"It's not like they're the only one," said Johnson, who said other states with negative outlooks include Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Florida and Washington.

"It's been a rough time for states."

The report by Johnson and analyst Nicholas Samuels said Hawai'i's reserves were 8 percent of the general fund revenues at the end of fiscal year 2008 but are projected to fall to 2.4 percent at the end of the 2010 fiscal year in June.

The reserves are expected to remain under 2 percent in future years due to the use of one-time actions, including applying federal stimulus funds to balance the budget, the report said.

"Strong reserve levels are important for Hawai'i given the state's heightened vulnerability to national and international shifts in its essential tourism-based economy," the report said.

"The currently low reserve levels leave Hawai'i with reduced flexibility to address additional shortfalls that may emerge."

$534M BOND ISSUE

The Moody's report comes as the state readies to issue $534 million of bonds next week. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and Fitch Ratings also have assigned their third-highest ratings to the bond issue while S&P has maintained a "stable" outlook for the bonds.

Fitch maintained its negative outlook for Hawai'i's debt, having lowered it in June. At the time it said Hawai'i's revenue picture continued to weaken and thin reserve levels could limit the state's financial flexibility.

State Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-39th (Wahiawa), the chairman of the House Finance Committee, said he had yet to see the Moody's report, but said it was disconcerting news.

"It is disappointing because it may make it more difficult to issue bonds at lower interest rates and that has an impact on balancing the budget," Oshiro said.

Louis D'Avanzo, manager of the Hawaii Municipal Fund, a bond fund that concentrates on tax-free municipal bonds for Hawai'i investors, said he believed the negative outlook could add 0.01 percentage points to the interest rate cost of Hawai'i's upcoming bond issue.

That might translate into $50,000 more in interest costs annually, he said. Still, the bond sale should attract many interested buyers because part of the issue will be conducted under a program known as Build America Bonds.

The program allows states to issue bonds that draw a wider audience, because the interest rate is equivalent to those paid by corporations. But the cost to states and municipalities is the same as issuing a lower interest rate tax-exempt bond because the federal government subsidizes the issue.

Kawamura said the state expects to draw interest for the upcoming bond sale from foreign investors because of the interest rate and because of the high credit rating. For that reason, along with vagaries of the bond market, she said it was difficult to say how much Moody's negative outlook might affect the pricing.

"I'm still feeling positive that we'll get the investors and interest rates that we want," Kawamura said.

About $222 million of the bonds will go to replace bonds issued earlier at higher interest rates. The Moody's report said this will save $16 million this fiscal year and $72 million next year as the state postpones payment of principal to later years.

"All they've done is push the problem out," said Moody's Johnson, who explained Hawai'i and other states are using such tactics to delay expenditures in the hope that their economies will be stronger in the years ahead.

But that contributes to the negative outlook and uncertainty over what will happen should tourism take longer to recover at a time when state reserves are low. The report said a ratings downgrade could also be triggered by other actions, including a weakening economy that leads to more unemployment and further state budget problems.

Moody's report also noted Hawai'i has many pluses, including a history of being fairly conservative about its fiscal policies. The state's current Aa2 rating is a measure of that, having been at a lower Aa3 rating up until 2005 and at a still-lower A1 until 2000.

Moody's also called attention to the state's centralized government creating a heavy debt burden ranking among states. The 2009 debt per capita of $3,675 was third-highest in the country, it said.

Reach Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 4, 2010 5:30 p.m.

Honolulu Casino One Step Closer to Reality

Honolulu. The State House Judiciary and Consumer Protection & Commerce Committees today passed House Bill 2251, HD1 Relating to Gaming, which was introduced by Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu, D-41 (Waikele, Royal Kunia, Village Park, Waipahu). The bill establishes a gaming commission to oversee casino gaming and allows the gaming commission to issue one 5-year license to a casino gaming operation in a county with a population of more than 500,000. It limits casino gaming to persons over 21 and creates a wagering tax on casino gaming.

House Bill 2251, HD1 will be passed to the Finance Committee for further discussion.

"The House Judiciary and Consumer Protection & Commerce Committees passed the gaming bill to give the State of Hawaii an alternative source of funding to help address Hawaii's approximately $1.4 billion deficit and jump start Hawaii's economic recovery," said Rep. Karamatsu.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, House of Representatives)

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NEWS FLASH - February 4, 2010 4:40 p.m.

DLNR Prepares for Online Camping Reservation System

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks is preparing for the launch in the next few months of a new online camping and lodging reservation and permit system for Hawai‘i’s State Parks, a major step to increase efficient, user-friendly public service as part of the DLNR’s Recreational Renaissance initiative.

State Parks Division has been working with Hawai‘i Information Consortium (also known as eGov Hawaii) to create and test a new Internet-based site that will accept camping and lodging permit reservations and -- a major improvement for the general public -- payment by credit card.

The new system will eliminate the need for the public to physically visit State Park offices, and saves staff time and costs spent on processing mail or faxed permit applications and payment for camping and lodging reservations. However, the public may still come to the respective office for personal, same-day permit service, if they prefer. Mail-in permit requests will be discontinued.

This long-needed conversion to an Internet-based system, which is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing effort to provide more online services for the public, will vastly improve the service and convenience for both local and out-of-state park visitors in obtaining camping and lodging permits. Along with the added convenience, increased camping and lodging fees will go into effect.

This new Internet portal will also eliminate the need for photo identification, and significantly - allows for the public to instantly query availability of camping and lodging sites, also saving a significant amount of staff time that has been dedicated for years on informing the public of available camping and lodging sites over the phone.

“We are optimistic that this faster, streamlined service will also encourage greater camper compliance in obtaining permits, and reduce overuse and impacts to the natural resources at select and popular camp sites,” said Dan Quinn, State Parks administrator.

After State Parks staff is trained in the use and management of the site, there will also be live testing in Parks offices statewide for a specific time period concurrent with walk-in and mail-in permit applications. The new system is anticipated to be available to the public in March 2010.

In preparation for the startup of this system, State Parks offices will not be issuing camping or lodging permits at the Maui, Kaua‘i or Hawai‘i District offices for one day – February 9, 2010 –while parks permit staff receive training to use and manage the new system.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Land and Natural Resources)

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NEWS FLASH - February 4, 2010 9 a.m.

Former Honolulu Mayor Frank Fasi Dies at 89

Former Honolulu Mayor Frank F. Fasi died last night in his Makiki home at the age of 89.

A statement from his son David said Fasi "died peacefully of natural causes late last night ... surrounded by his adoring wife and children."

As news of Fasi's passing spread, tributes began to roll in.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who honored Fasi by persuading City Council members to change the law to rename the Honolulu civic center grounds and the Honolulu Municipal Building after Fasi, said he was "heartbroken."

"Frank Fasi earned a reputation as a maverick among the establishment politicos during his years in public office, but he was the bold and gutsy leader who shaped modern Honolulu," Hannemann said in a statement. "His enduring achievements are all around us: TheBus, the Fasi Civic Center, senior citizens programs, Honolulu City Lights, farmers markets, satellite city halls, and on and on. Even rail transit was a centerpiece of his administration."

Jim Loomis, Fasi's director of information and complaint from 1971 to 1979, said the mayor inspired those who worked for him.

"There was always something going on," Loomis said. "He always had a new project that inspired him, and through him, inspired us. You went into work every single day thinking that you were going to get the chance to do something important that day. And it was because of Frank and his leadership."

Honolulu's newest council member, Ikaika Anderson, said he's admired Fasi for years. Anderson's uncle, D.G. "Andy" Anderson, was Fasi's one-time rival and later his managing director.

"He was truly one of the greatest mayors Honoluu has ever had, a visionary who spoke with action rather than words," Ikaika Anderson said. "Mayor Fasi dedicated his best years to making this city the best it could be, and we have him to thank for many of the programs and services offered by the City and County of Honolulu today."

A former Marine, "Fearless Frank" is credited with establishing a number of innovations in Honolulu, from TheBus to satellite city halls to open markets.

Fasi was also known for his many political fights, with everyone from a series of governors to Honolulu's newspapers.

When City Council members objected to the loss of their parking spaces behind City Hall fronting Hotel Street, Fasi struck early one morning with a bulldozer and pulled up the asphalt, creating the mall that's now called the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center.

Former Fasi aide Carol Costa said that led the state to follow suit and create a "lei of green" on the state Capitol side of Hotel Street as well.

"When people look at it today, they don't realize that the Diamond Head side of City Hall used to be all parking," Costa said. "And now it's all green. He was ahead of his time, building an underground parking lot, putting a berm over it, and placing a child care center on top and the large municipal building next door."

In 2006, Hannemann renamed the Honolulu Municipal Building the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building.

Fasi was mayor from 1968 until 1980, when he lost to Eileen Anderson. But he was back four years later, defeating Anderson to reclaim his seat. He would remain mayor until 1994, when he resigned to run again for governor.

A tireless campaigner known for his independent streak, he instilled fear in the hearts of establishment Democrats for his ability to draw huge numbers of supporters from diverse sections of the community. Marketing himself as champion of the local guy, his campaign symbol became the shaka sign.

"The man affectionately known by many in Hawaii simply as 'the Mayor' truly loved this city of Honolulu and devoted much of his life in trying to improve it," the Fasi family statement says.

"A tireless champion for the 'little guy,' he was particularly interested in helping those who could not help themselves. He will be dearly missed."

Fasi was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on August 27, 1920. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce, and their children, Charles, Frank Jr., Gina, David, Gioia Fasi Arrillaga and Salvador, as well as his children from a previous marriage, Toni, Kathleen, Carl, Paul and Francesca Brittain, and numerous grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 4, 2010 8:25 a.m.

Gas Prices Drop in Hawai'i - Except Here

Gasoline prices fluctuated around the state last week, and the statewide average dropped by a penny, according to the weekly AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular was $3.42.

Honolulu's average price remained unchanged at $3.32 but 11 cents higher than last month and $1.04 higher than at this time last year.

Hilo's average was $3.47, two cents less than last week, but 17 cents higher than last month and $1 higher than at the same time last year.

Wailuku's average was $3.79, three cents higher than last week, 12 cents higher than last month and $1.30 higher than at the same time last year.

(Information Provided by AAA Hawai'i)

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NEWS FLASH - February 4, 2010 7:45 a.m.

A&B Reports 67 Percent Income Drop in '09

Alexander & Baldwin Inc.'s net income took a big hit last year, though the drop in the fourth quarter wasn't as bad as earlier in the year.

The Honolulu company yesterday reported earning $44.2 million in 2009, a 67 percent decrease from $132.4 million in 2008. Revenue fell to $1.4 billion from $1.9 billion.

Most of last year's profit decline occurred during the first three quarters, when decreases ranged from 57 percent to 93 percent over the same quarters a year earlier. Fourth-quarter profit was down just 16 percent, to $20.1 million from $23.9 million.

Fourth-quarter results were aided by commercial real estate sales and an accounting change related to Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co., A&B's Maui sugar plantation subsidiary.

Weaker results were turned in by A&B's ocean transportation, real estate leasing and residential real estate development operations.

"The company's modest profit in 2009 was hard earned in a very difficult operating environment for all of our lines of business," said Stan Kuriyama, A&B president and CEO. "We believe the (fourth) quarter's results represent the first step in the right direction."

Kuriyama, who took over the chief executive post at A&B from W. Allen Doane on Jan. 1, said some of last year's economic challenges will persist this year, but that the company is better positioned for near-term earnings growth.

"The cost-cutting actions we took in 2008 and 2009, the investments we have continued to make in our businesses and the company's firm financial footing will position us well in 2010 as the markets we serve begin to recover," he said.

A&B said it has placed an emphasis on investing in Hawai'i real estate as part of pursuing opportunities for growth in all its core businesses.

In the fourth quarter, real estate sales produced the biggest operating profit for the company at $20.4 million, or 6 percent more than the same quarter the year before.

During the recent quarter A&B sold $64.2 million worth of property, including the Honolulu office building Pacific Guardian Tower, a California shopping center and several unimproved parcels on Maui.

For the full year, operating profit from real estate sales totaled $39.1 million, down 59 percent from the year before. In 2008, A&B benefitted from many home sales at its Keola La'i high-rise on O'ahu and its Keala'ula single-family home subdivision on Kaua'i. Last year, however, A&B sold just 18 residential units. A&B's biggest residential development project, the Kukui'ula luxury resort community planned for 1,200 homes on Kaua'i, recorded no house lot sales last year.

At Matson Navigation Co., A&B's ocean transportation unit, operating profit fell 36 percent during the fourth quarter to $13.5 million. Hawai'i container volume was down 5 percent, but Hawai'i automobile shipments were up 35 percent. Container volume for China and Guam also was up, 22 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

Matson's operating profit was reduced by $6.3 million because of a failed rudder on one of its ships, the MV Mokihana, which required putting a replacement ship into service while repairs were completed during the quarter.

For the full year, Matson's operating profit was down 45 percent, to $58.3 million.

Ground transportation services separate from Matson produced an operating profit of $1.2 million in the fourth quarter, down 71 percent from a year earlier. Full-year operating profit for the unit was down 64 percent to $6.7 million.

Real estate leasing was a more stable business for A&B in the fourth quarter and the full year. Operating profit in the quarter was $10 million, down 2 percent from a year earlier due to lower occupancy and rents, primarily at Mainland investment properties.

Full-year operating profit for real estate leasing was $43.2 million, down 10 percent from the year before. Average occupancy at A&B's Mainland properties fell to 85 percent last year from 95 percent the year before, while occupancy for A&B's local property portfolio dipped to 95 percent from 98 percent.

A&B's most troublesome division in recent years, agribusiness, benefited from an accounting change that reduced an operating loss to $800,000 in the fourth quarter from a $6.1 million loss a year earlier despite sugar production falling 22 percent to 23,800 tons.

The accounting change was required when Gay & Robinson stopped farming sugarcane on Kaua'i in October and left A&B's HC&S as the sole member of what was formerly a sugar marketing and transportation cooperative. Consolidating the cooperative left A&B with a special $5.4 million gain for the quarter and full year.

For the full year, the operating loss for agribusiness was $27.8 million, up from a loss of $12.9 million the year before. Sugar production was down 13 percent, to 126,800 tons.

Shares of A&B stock closed down 31 cents yesterday at $33 before the earnings announcement. A&B stock reached a 52-week high of $35.78 on Jan. 11 and a low of $16.21 on March 9.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 4, 2010 7:15 a.m.

Law Would Put BOE Status in Voters' Hands

Two bills that advanced in the state House yesterday would let voters decide if the state Board of Education should be appointed by the governor.

The bills, passed out of the House Committee on Education, would give voters the opportunity to decide in November whether the state constitution should be amended to allow the governor to appoint a nine-member BOE from a pool of candidates selected by an advisory council. Those appointments would need to be approved by the state Senate.

Currently, board members are elected by the public.

"In this approach, it still makes the governor accountable for education, because the governor would appoint all the members of the school board just like the (University of Hawai'i) Board of Regents," said Rep. Roy Takumi, D-36th (Pearl City, Momilani, Pacific Palisades).

The proposed changes to the BOE were prompted in part by frustration over the inability of the governor, BOE, Department of Education and teachers union to end furlough Fridays. Public schools have been closed on nine Fridays this school year and will close another eight Fridays, including this week and next, if no action is taken. The furloughs were ordered to help balance the state budget, but have resulted in Hawai'i having just 163 school days a year — the lowest number in the country.

BOE Chairman Garrett Toguchi said he opposes the bills and is concerned that an appointed board would deprive the public of a voice in education policy. He also said he was concerned that a BOE appointed by the governor might become a partisan body, beholden to the governor's political leanings.

"The concern is about the quality of education, but there is no evidence that changing the governance structure results in improving the quality of education," Toguchi said. "The biggest concern I would have as an individual voter is that I would have no say in the selection of the school board."

Funding for the DOE, the state's largest department, is allocated by the governor and the state Legislature but the DOE is governed by the elected state Board of Education. The state constitution gives the school board the power to hire and fire the state schools superintendent and set educational policy.

Takumi said the bills were a work in progress. Lawmakers are still deciding whether each seat on the BOE should represent a specific island or constituency, or whether to include a seat for a voting student member, he said.

LINGLE'S REQUEST

Gov. Linda Lingle had requested a constitutional amendment to allow the governor to appoint the superintendent of schools and abolish the state Board of Education.

Takumi said there are no plans for the state House Committee on Education to hold hearings on Lingle's request. He said the state Senate could still do so.

"I think some of us felt abolishing the board and making the superintendent appointed by the governor really centralizes the policy making and governance of the school system. Essentially, it becomes a one-person school board," Takumi said.

Under House Bill 2376 and House Bill 2377, the appointed school board would be made up of members with staggered terms, and they would appoint the superintendent of schools, Takumi said.

Linda Smith, the governor's senior policy adviser, submitted written testimony urging the committee to adopt the governor's versions.

"These changes will make the governor directly accountable for the condition of public education within the state, as the governor will be held accountable for his or her selection of the superintendent, and the subsequent education performance under that superintendent," Smith wrote.

Rep. K. Mark Takai, D-34th (Newtown, Waiau, Pearl City), proposed including language that would allow for a student member with full rights and privileges . He also cautioned the committee on moving a bill that created a BOE without regional seats.

"If we're going to change the BOE, we are going to have to do it right," Takai said. "There might be some significant concerns from our Neighbor Island colleagues — legitimate concerns."

Currently, the BOE has 13 voting seats with three representing a Neighbor Island and the rest representing communities on O'ahu. The BOE also has one nonvoting seat.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 4, 2010 6:40 a.m.

New Bill Would Permit Casinos on Hawaiian Homelands

Casino operations could take place on Hawaiian Home Lands under a bill that advanced out of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee yesterday.

The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Hawaiian Homes Commission said they oppose House Bill 2759 but several others supported the idea.

The bill calls for 80 percent of revenues generated from gambling operations to go toward development of Hawaiian Homes communities. The remaining 20 percent would be deposited into the state general fund.

The commission and department have long been criticized for being slow to meet their main charge of delivering housing opportunities for those with 50 percent or more Hawaiian blood.

There were an estimated 25,000 people on the waiting list for home opportunities as of Dec. 31, DHHL executive assistant Robert Hall reported.

House Hawaiian Affairs Chairwoman Mele Carroll, a bill co-sponsor, pointed out that while DHHL receives $30 million annually for state use of Hawaiian Home Lands, that money runs out after 2014.

Allowing the commission to set up casinos in Hawaiian Homes communities it deems proper could help make up for that lost money and possibly provide significantly more.

"This is a mechanism to allow for the Hawaiian Homes Commission to consult with their beneficiaries," Carroll said.

Carroll visited the Tulalip Resort Casino in Washington, about 30 minutes outside of Seattle.

"We know that our people love to gamble," Carroll said after the meeting. "It is part of our culture. Not for all, but for some."

Hall said DHHL is projected to generate about $20 million on lease rents and other revenues annually.

Lobbyist John Radcliffe, a longtime supporter of legalizing gambling in Hawai'i, said a 2000 study estimated a single casino in Hawai'i could generate as much as $350 million annually.

Radcliffe said Hawai'i residents spend billions on illegal gambling locally and at casinos in other states. That money could be used to create jobs and wealth here, he said.

Kale Gumapac, of the Native Hawaiian group Kanaka Council Moku O Keawe, said he also went on the Tulalip trip and came away impressed by first-class medical and dental facilities that had been built for the Tulalip tribes with the proceeds from the operation of its casino.

Gumapac said tribal leaders told him without the money, the quality of life for the tribes would regress to that of the 1930s.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman Kaulana Park, in written testimony, said his agency is "concerned about the potential disadvantages associated with gaming like negative impacts to local businesses, difficulties with and cost of regulation, and social costs which may unintentionally cause a negative impact to our beneficiaries and the state."

Park added: "We cannot support an initiative like this that would work against the rehabilitation of Native Hawaiians as envisioned by our founder, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole."

Lingle opposed
Gov. Linda Lingle has repeatedly opposed legalized gambling as a solution to the state's recent economic crisis. Lawrence Reifurth, the state's director of commerce and consumer affairs, reiterated her position yesterday in written testimony.

City law enforcement officials also testified against the bill.

City Deputy Prosecutor Lori Nishimura said gambling is a form of regressive tax that usually has a significant impact on those least able to afford it.

Attendant crimes such as prostitution and other offenses also can increase, Nishimura said.

The Hawai'i Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, the League of Women Voters, and Hawai'i Family Forum also testified in opposition, speaking of the social ills that are often associated with gambling addicts.

Carroll said that despite DHHL's opposition, she hopes the agency would take the matter into the community to hear what Hawaiians have to say about the proposal.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of discussion within our communities, possibly both for and against," Hall said.

The latest version of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, which would create a process that could lead to creation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity that would be recognized and negotiate with the federal government, contains specific language disallowing gambling. The so-called Akaka bill is expected to be heard by both houses of Congress this year.

Separately today, the House Judiciary Committee will take up House Bill 2251, which would establish a gambling commission that would issue a single, five-year casino gambling license on O'ahu. The bill would bar Hawai'i residents from taking part in the gambling.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 3, 2010 4:50 p.m.

Water Tank Work Affects Wailuku Customers

WAILUKU - Department of Water Supply customers in Wailuku are asked to conserve water this weekend while the Waiale Tank is off-line for a tie-in project. Affected areas include Wailuku Heights, Waikapu, Kehalani (mauka of Honoapiilani Highway), Maui Tropical Plantation, Kahili Golf Course and King Kamehameha Golf Course. Conservation is requested from 9:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, to 8:00 a.m. Monday, February 8, 2010.

Customers are urged to conserve water by turning off irrigation systems and other non-essential uses of water for the weekend. This will allow the Department to preserve water levels in the storage tanks for health and safety purposes.

During this time, the 3 million-gallon Waiale Tank off of Waiale Road will be out of service due to a tie-in to connect the new Maui Lani Wells to the county system. The wells should be online by the beginning of April.

In addition, on Friday, the tank shutdown may cause low water pressure in Kahului. This includes the area around Lihikai School between Onehee Avenue, Palama Drive, South Wakea Avenue, and Kaahumanu Avenue. The Maui Lani subdivision, Lihikai and Pomaikai Elementary Schools, and Maui Waena Intermediate School will also experience very low water pressure.

Customers are urged to call the 24-hour service line (270-7633) only if a water problem occurs.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - February 3, 2010 4:10 p.m.

Dangerous Waves on North, West Shores Still Pounding

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued a HIGH SURF ADVISORY for NORTH and WEST FACING SHORES of MOLOKAI and NORTH FACING SHORES of MAUI in effect until 6:00 a.m. Friday.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.

2. EFFECTS: A combination of long period Northwest swell and shorter period North-Northwest swell will combine to produce elevated surf heights along North and West facing shores. With surf especially rough and choppy along North facing shores. The elevated surf is expected to last through Thursday night.

Surf along north facing shores of Molokai and Maui will be 12 to 16 feet.

Surf along west facing shores of Molokai will be 8 to 12 feet.

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

A high tide of approximately 1.8 feet is expected between 6:12 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. this evening. The next high tide of approximately 1.9 feet is expected between 5:10 a.m. and 6:28 a.m. tomorrow morning.

3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO STAY OUT OF THE WATER AND WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE BREAK DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS WAVE ACTION AND STRONG RIP CURRENTS.

4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio for any updates.

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. The NOAA Weather internet service can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.

Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov.

(Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense)

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NEWS FLASH - February 3, 2010 11:35 a.m.

Maui County 'Green Book' Accepting Entries

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Office of Economic Development announced today that the deadline to submit information on eco-conscious businesses for free inclusion in The Maui County Green Book is March 10, 2010.

The County of Maui has teamed with Haynes Publishing Company of Wailuku to create a comprehensive directory of all eco-conscious businesses on Maui, Molokai and Lanai that provide sustainable and, or, environmentally friendly products or services.

Publication of The Maui County Green Book, and its release to the public, is scheduled for May of 2010. The print edition will be produced on recycled paper, with soy ink. The guide will also be available digitally, as well as in the form of a searchable, interactive web directory.

To have your company included in The Maui County Green Book, fill out the application available at www.mauicountygreenbook.com , describing your products and, or, services.

For more information, contact the County’s Office of Economic Development at (808) 270-7710, visit www.mauicounty.gov or www.mauicountygreenbook.com.

(Report Provided by the Maui County Office of Information)

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NEWS FLASH - February 3, 2010 9:10 a.m.

Wailuku Teacher Arrested for Meth Posession

KAHULUI — A Wailuku Elementary School teacher was arrested yesterday morning after police reported finding crystal methamphetamine in a search of her Kahului residence.

Bail was set at $3,000 for Cheryl Bisera, 47. She was charged with third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possessing drug paraphernalia and promoting a controlled substance near a school.

Bisera has been placed on leave pending the state Department of Education's "suitability check" for employment, according to Bruce Anderson, the Maui Complex area superintendent. The evaluation involves determining whether Bisera can continue to work in light of the charges.

Bisera has been employed by the Department of Education since 1983 and has worked at other schools in the Maui District during her teaching career, Anderson said.

Capt. Gerald Matsunaga, commander of the police Vice Division, said police officers executed a search warrant at Bisera's residence on Molokai Akau Street at 6:40 a.m., finding 2.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia including a glass pipe commonly used to smoke ice, digital gram scales and a butane lighter.

Bisera was arrested at the residence, which is about 210 feet from Maui High School, well within the 750-foot distance required for the felony charge of promoting a controlled substance near a school, Matsunaga said.

Bisera allegedly was selling crystal methamphetamine, he said.

(Report Provided by The Maui News)

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NEWS FLASH - February 3, 2010 8:10 a.m.

Parents Reminded That Keiki Need Two Swine Flu Shots

State health officials are reminding Hawai'i parents that children younger than 10 must receive two doses of the swine flu vaccine to achieve maximum protection.

State Epidemiologist Sarah Park says the second dose of H1N1 vaccine for the youngsters is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Department of Health yesterday said Hawai'i and a number of other states have many children who have not received their second dose of vaccine. There are many other children who have not been vaccinated against H1N1 at all.

With adequate supplies of swine flu vaccine available in Hawai'i, health officials are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - February 3, 2010 7:05 a.m.

Avian Flu, West Nile Virus No Longer Major Threats

Got a dead bird? Unless it's a native bird or a large group of birds, don't call the state. The state last month discontinued testing of dead birds that had been done under a program aimed at early detection of the West Nile virus and potential avian influenza.

The program, which included a www.gotdeadbird.org Web site and a 211 hotline, encouraged the public to notify the state of dead birds, which would then be picked up for testing. The $350,000-a-year program paid for testing of dead birds and mosquito pools for the diseases.

Neither West Nile virus nor avian influenza (bird flu) is known to be present in Hawai'i. However, the concern is that either could arrive in the islands via migrating birds or infected mosquitoes brought in on planes or ships. Early detection of the arrival of either is considered key to response plans to protect native species and human life.

The decision to eliminate the program was a result of the state's budget crunch and a decrease in concern about West Nile virus because of lower illness and fatality rates.

The program was run primarily by the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Health.

"Maybe two or three years ago we were looking at a possibility of (West Nile virus) coming to Hawai'i, but since that time, with all the monitoring and testing, there hasn't been a single positive," said DOH spokeswoman Janice Okubo.

Last year, 663 people in the United States were sickened by the West Nile virus. Of those, 30 died, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's down from 4,269 cases and 177 deaths nationwide in 2006.

Money that otherwise would have been spent on dead bird testing in Hawai'i is being spent to help prevent the layoff of state agriculture inspectors.

Hawai'i isn't the only state to discontinue tests on dead birds. However, states typically stop the testing only after the virus has been established in an area, according to the CDC.

The state still conducts periodic tests for avian flu in live birds, Okubo said. In addition, there is limited funding available to test dead birds, but only if they're native species or are found in a cluster of 10 or more dead birds.

"We do have the capacity to gear up for it if we see a rise or legitimate threat," Okubo said. "It's just that we're not doing it regularly and we're not doing collections of dead birds."

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 3, 2010 6:55 a.m.

Offshore Fishers Required to Get Federal Registration

Many of the estimated 192,000 Hawai'i residents who fish in federal waters for food or sport are required to register under a new program aimed at learning more about the nation's recreational fish catch.

The requirement to sign up with the National Saltwater Angler Registry, which went into effect Jan. 1, affects recreational fishermen in Hawai'i because the state is one of 10 coastal states and territories that do not have a marine recreational fishing license.

"To protect the stocks, we have to know how many fish are killed both by commercial and recreational fishermen. The only real way to measure recreational catch is through doing surveys of recreational fishers, and the only way to do a survey is to know who they are and have the ability to contact them," said Bill Robinson, administrator of NOAA Fisheries' Pacific Islands Region.

The span of ocean from three to 200 miles out to sea, where fishermen troll for 'ahi, marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi and other species, is federal waters.

Those who limit their fishing activities to state waters within three miles of shore do not have to register. Neither do commercial fishermen or charter operators, who are licensed under separate rules, or anyone younger than 16.

Registration is required annually, and no fee is being charged this year. However, an annual fee of between $15 and $25 will go into effect in 2011.

Native Hawaiians who fish are required to register but will be exempt from the fee under a provision for "indigenous people."

Some local residents who fish are wary of additional regulation that might further restrict their activities, and Robinson said reaction to the new registration requirement "is mixed."

"There are some recreational fishermen who would like to see the state have a licensing requirement and some who don't want any kind of license or registration. And there are some fishermen who understand that in the long run we'll be better able to manage fish stocks for sustainability," he said.

Lisa Hamada, whose family fishes on their 25-foot boat almost every weekend, weather permitting, said she doesn't have a problem with the registry.

"I think it's pretty obvious our waters are getting overfished. Anything within reason that can be done to keep that going, where everyone can benefit and enjoy the water, would be a good thing," said Hamada, vice president of the Waianae Boat Fishing Club.

She said her family catches only what they can eat.

"If we have a big pot of fish, we stop. We don't wait for the fish to stop biting," she said. "But I know there are other fishermen who just keep going and figure out later what they're going to do with all the fish."

Kailua, Kona, fisherman Neal Isaacs doesn't see a need for a registry because he believes that recreational fishing has a small impact on the fish stocks in federal waters.

"The recreational guys just don't have the ability or the hours to fish more than a few miles north or south. We don't cover much area and it's mostly catch-and-release," he said.

Isaacs, who owns Anxious Fishing Charters, said he spends about 150 days a year out fishing on his 33-foot boat, half the time for business and the other half for sport.

He said he lands an average of 60 to 65 marlin annually and releases 90 percent, keeping only those that die before being hauled out.

"I can understand it for the commercial guys because they're the ones catching large numbers of fish. But for the recreational fishermen, I just feel that it's basically a lot of work and you're not going to gain anything and it's going to cost us money," he said.

ASSESSING IMPACT

NOAA Fisheries delayed for a year the start date of the registry to allow states, including Hawai'i, to qualify for an exemption by establishing a comprehensive license or survey program. Recreational fishing enthusiasts in the 15 coastal states that have such programs are automatically included in the National Saltwater Angler Registry.

Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources chairwoman Laura H. Thielen would not say whether the state plans to file for an exemption.

"We are meeting with NOAA to discuss options," she said.

The saltwater angler registry is a component of NOAA Fisheries' Marine Recreational Information System, a new data collection and analysis initiative that represents a shift away from single-species management of fisheries to an approach based on evaluating entire ecosystems.

The registry will be used to survey those who fish — anglers and spearfishers — to obtain a more comprehensive and detailed picture of numbers of fishing trips, number and species of fish caught, where and when fish are caught, and the economic impact of recreational fishing.

You can register online or by calling a toll-free telephone number. You will be asked to provide your name, birth date, address and telephone number. Officials said the entire registration pro- cess should take only two minutes.

NOAA Fisheries estimates there are 329,000 people fishing recreationally in Hawai'i, including 137,000 visitors.

According to the latest data, recreational fishing took 4.7 million fish from state and federal waters in 2008, weighing a total of 28 million pounds.

Commercial fishing, by comparison, harvested nearly 31 million pounds.

Hawai'i's recreational fishermen spend $751 million annually on tackle, charters, boats, vehicles and other fishing-related expenses and generate more than 7,000 jobs, the agency said.

Anglers and spearfishers are not required to report their catch to the registry, and only a random sampling of registrants will be contacted for surveys, according to Robinson.

NOAA Fisheries is not interested in tracking the activities of any individual angler, he said.

"There's no way we would ever use the information from fishing surveys on an individual basis. We simply want to know the universe of fishermen and do a random survey of them to get a better estimate of what the catch is," Robinson said.

SKIMPY DATA

DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources and NOAA Fisheries have been collecting recreational fishing data since 2001 through the Hawai'i Marine Recreational Fishing Survey, which relies on a phone survey of random households and data collected at shorefishing sites, boat launch ramps and small harbors.

The current survey methods are not providing adequate information to be useful to fisheries managers, according to Robinson.

"Prior to this registration requirement, we basically had to survey the phonebook, and 90 percent of people in the phone book don't fish. You get a very small sample of fishermen in the survey and the accuracy is very poor," he said.

Robinson also said the Hawai'i Marine Recreational Fishing Survey is heavy on data from nearshore fishing in state waters.

NOAA Fisheries said the improved data will help demonstrate the economic value of marine recreational fishing and provide a more complete picture of how recreational fishing is affecting fish stocks.

"One of the common concerns we hear from recreational fishermen is that the fishing isn't as good as it used to be," Robinson said. "The benefit to Hawai'i fishermen is that we would have sufficient information to know how big the catch is and be able to manage the fish stocks for long-term sustainability. That's what we're looking for.

"We want sustainable fishing so everyone can fish for a long time."

The registry of anglers was recommended in 2006 by an independent review by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences as a way to improve surveys of recreational anglers to help manage and rebuild fish stocks.

"There are some areas of the country, such as the Gulf and southeast Atlantic, where the recreational catch is larger than the commercial catch, and there was a strong push to try and get a handle on that," Robinson said.

"We think recreational fishing in Hawai'i is pretty substantial, too. It's a pretty popular activity."

Fishing is more than a sport in the state, which has the lowest catch-and-release rate in the nation — an indication of the importance of subsistence fishing here, according to NOAA Fisheries.

The agency, which has limited enforcement resources in Hawai'i, acknowledges it will need the assistance of state agencies and the Coast Guard in enforcing the registration rule.

Penalties for failing to register are under consideration.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - February 2, 2010 4:30 p.m.

February Proclaimed 'Got Choice? Think Local' Month on Maui

WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Flanked by a number of business owners, Mayor Charmaine Tavares issued a proclamation today declaring February “Got Choice… Think Local” month in the County of Maui.