Maui News

One bill seeks to repeal junior kindergarten programs; another proposes a fee collection for single-use checkout bags; and a separate measure proposes the establishment of a nine-member gambling commission to analyze of the social and economic costs and benefits of different forms of gambling in Hawaii.

The agriculture package includes legislation involving honeybee and coffee farming, as well as livestock feed production. As for healthcare legislation, House lawmakers responded to the closing of both Hawaii Medical Center locations, by passing a legislative package to minimize any further lapses in healthcare and emergency services.

“This measure encourages commercial air carriers to continue service to the remote parts of our State,” said Sen. J. Kalani English. “In effect, I hope it increase reliability and stabilize air fares.”

A Flash Flood Watch was cancelled this morning as the system that brought torrential rains to portions of the state over the last few days, weakened and moved east of the islands.

The hearing comes on the heels of a recent investigation that uncovered over payments to state employees in excess of $2 million.

The Hawaii State Senate cast a 24 to 1 vote in favor of advancing a $200 million ceded lands settlement proposal. The bill now advances to the state House for further review.

A Maui student is among the four who will represent Hawaii at the National MATHCOUNTS Competition in Orlando, Florida in May.

The state House is considering 286 bills today on third and final reading. The meeting began at 9 a.m. and includes several items introduced by Maui lawmakers.

This occurrence of a severe, sudden, and extraordinary event has caused extensive damages, losses, and suffering of such character and magnitude to affect the health, welfare, and living conditions of a substantial number of persons, thereby affecting the economy of the State, which is expected to be of such nature as to warrant rehabilitative assistance from the State.

The new initiative eliminates tobacco use of any kind anywhere on the hospital campus, including vehicles on hospital grounds. Existing designated areas where patients and visitors were allowed to congregate in the past, will also be eliminated.

A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday for Maui County and the rest of the state, with the exception of the Big Island.

The winning Maui team includes members: Steven Okada, Ashley Vidad, Bryson Galapon, Gabriel Salazar and Min Sung Kim.

The $200 million settlement involves the proposed conveyance of land at Kaka’ako Makai to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Another strong thunderstorm is headed toward Molokai’s south shore. The system is expected to move ashore over western Molokai between now and 10:45 p.m. Wind gusts are expected to be in the 50 mph range

Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing winds in excess of 58 mph. The National Weather Service issued the Watch for areas that include Lihue, Waimea, Hanapepe, Anahola and Hanalei.

Heavy rains over the last two weekends are being blamed for erosion to the soil foundation and the partial collapse of a 15-foot diameter steel culvert beneath the highway, according to the proclamation.

Maui Electric Company has appointed Sharon M. Suzuki as the company’s next president. Suzuki, whose appointment takes effect on May 1, 2012, fills the post being vacated by the retirement of Ed Reinhardt

Maui police say repairs to a utility pole forced the lengthy 10-hour closure of Kaupakalua Road in Haiku overnight. The closure went into effect at 8:24 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, 2012, and lasted until 6:30 a.m. today.

A special marine warning is in effect for Maui County windward waters after a waterspout was spotted earlier this morning. The warning has been extended until 1:30 p.m.

The Maui County Office of Economic Development purchased 10 booths for the show, which features the theme, Hawaii: Islands of Aloha.