Ka`u News Briefs Jan. 1, 2011

Hui Ho`omalu is hoping that more Ka`u families will step up to care for
foster children in 2011.

THE NEW PLAN FOR the 16,500-acre parcel at Nani Kahuku `Aina near Ocean View is far different than the plan earlier circulated in the Ka`u community. While the earlier plan included a commercial center and other development close to Hwy 11 and down near the shoreline, the new plan concentrates on a 1,600-acre resort development and parklands along the coast. Omitted is an airport. The owners plan to submit an Environment Impact Statement to the state Office of Environmental Quality Control in January. Spokesman Aaron Eberhardt said that delays in completion of the Ka`u Community Development Plan have prompted the owners of Nani Kahuku `Aina to move forward and seek land use approvals in the county General Plan and from the state Land Use Commission, County Planning Commission and County Council.

THERE ARE NO PLANS to bring Head Start to Ka`u, as a nonprofit from O`ahu is taking over the operations on this island. The organization is called Parents and Teachers Together, and it will run the 11 Head Starts on Kona and Hilo sides before considering expanding into Ka`u. Head Start serves low-income preschoolers, ages 3 to 5. It was formerly operated by the Community Development Institute and earlier by the Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council.

THE ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S DAY FIREWORKS show, which has been sponsored for years by Rodney Freitas, his family, and his Big Island Klimate Kontrol, has been put on hold this year. Freitas, who put out an appeal to help fund the spectacular fireworks display in Pahala, said that perhaps there will be enough money raised for January 1 in 2012. There will be no aerial fireworks display tonight in Pahala.

THE STATE HOUSE AND SENATE GO TO WORK in the New Year, starting this Monday, January 3, with finance committees holding briefings on budgets. Even though the Council on Revenues has forecast a three percent increase in tax revenues this year, fueled by increasing tourism, the state will still be short some $30 million dollars to fund its operations.

Dui offenders will have heavy expenses and must pass a
breath test every time they turn on their cars.

THE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE of alcohol laws just got tougher, as new legislation goes into effect today. Drivers who refuse breath or blood alcohol tests will have their driver’s licenses revoked for a year but may drive with an ignition interlock device that requires a clean breath test every time you start your car. First time DUI offenders will have to drive with the interlock device for a year, and second time DUI offenders will have their license revoked for 18 months but will be able to drive with the interlock device. Third time DUI offenders will have their license revoked for two years, but will be able to drive with the interlock device. Fourth time offender? Pau. Your license will be revoked for five to ten years – no driving at all. Not only do the new DUI laws require you to pay for the interlock device, you also must install a camera on your windshield to make sure you are the person turning on the vehicle and taking the breath test. If convicted you will also be required to take your vehicle to a station every month to download the data recorded by the interlock device and to make sure the system is working properly. Hawai`i is the 48th state to adopt the interlock system of controlling drunken driving. 

IF YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION is to help people, you might consider taking in a foster child. Hui Ho`omalu says that there is such a shortage of foster homes in Ka`u that keiki are being sent outside the district. If you want to help, call 987-5988.

CHRISTMAS TREES without ornaments and flocking are being accepted for recycling daily at Wai`ohinu transfer station.

THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I’S RUBBISH drop-off site at Kahuku Park in Ocean View is closed today, January 1. The site is locked, and everyone is warned to refrain from illegally dumping or littering around the closed facility. The site will open tomorrow, Sunday, January 2 and will resume the normal Saturday operation beginning Saturday, January 8.