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| `Aina Koa Pono's illustration of the process of creating biofuel. |
MAYOR BILLY KENOI IS APPEALING to the 2011 State Legislature for help in balancing the county budget. In his message to the lawmakers he said the county expects another budget shortfall that will once again force painful budget cuts. “The unavoidable truth is we now have a county government that we cannot afford. We will continue to reduce the size and to refocus our limited resources on core, critical services. Government must do more with less, and programs that are not essential to our core county mission must be set aside,” he said.
He pointed to declining property revenues and increasing costs forcing the county to cope with the largest budget shortfalls in county history in the last and current budget year.
Kenoi said he hopes to help stimulate the economy with state and local government making investments into the communities. He said he wants to carry forward momentum from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which injected more than $115 million in federal money into this county’s economy. “Now it is time for local governments to step up to their responsibilities and do their part to help stimulate the economy. Our working families are counting on us,” he said.
The mayor is proposing $56 million in capital improvement projects around the island and is hoping the legislature will help fund them.
Kenoi said he hopes to help stimulate the economy with state and local government making investments into the communities. He said he wants to carry forward momentum from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which injected more than $115 million in federal money into this county’s economy. “Now it is time for local governments to step up to their responsibilities and do their part to help stimulate the economy. Our working families are counting on us,” he said.
The mayor is proposing $56 million in capital improvement projects around the island and is hoping the legislature will help fund them.
THE `AINA KOA PONO HUI that plans to produce synthetic diesel oil with a processing plant in Pahala and from crops and trees grown on land around the community is asking the Public Utilities Commission to approve its contract with Hawaiian Electric Company to raise its rates in order to pay for the manufacturing of the diesel. In order to pay for the $320 million project, the average electric bill on O`ahu, Lana`i, Moloka`i, Maui and the Big Island would go up by an average of $1.55 to $1.86 a month for a typical residential customer. However, electric prices would stabilize over time, as the cost of synthetic fuel produced here would be stable, according to HELCO officials. The PUC will take comments from the public and consumer advocates.
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| State Department of Agriculture staff members Jimmy Nakatani, Leslie Campaniano and Gayle Nakamura with Chairman Russell Kokubun, at right. |
RUSSELL KOKUBUN has taken his position as chair of the state Department of Agriculture. In his message to the people of Hawai`i, he said the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture’s 260 employees statewide work to support, enhance and promote Hawai`i’s agriculture and aquaculture industries.
“Hawai`i’s transition from mono-crop plantations, such as pineapple and sugarcane, to diversified agriculture, including nursery products, seed crops and other vegetable and fruit crops, is important to the state’s economy, environment and lifestyle. Agriculture not only feeds our state, but it also keeps our unique working landscape green – a feature appreciated by residents as well as the millions of visitors to our islands.
“Hawai`i’s agricultural products are valued around the world for superior quality and the sharing of the Aloha spirit. Hawai`i is also a recognized world leader in aquaculture, producing the finest seafood products for Hawai`i consumers and export markets.
“In addition, the Department of Agriculture protects our agricultural interests with inspection for invasive species of incoming plant material and animals, safeguarding animal and plant health, supporting farmers with affordable land and water, providing financial assistance to farmers and assuring quality of produce,” said Kokubun.
He suggested that everyone keep in touch with him through the website at Hawaii.gov/hdoa.
After winning re-election to the state senate, Kokubun was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to head the Department of Ag.
His Senate seat is now held by Gil Kahele, also appointed by Abercrombie.
MEET THOMAS JAGGAR, the founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, this morning as he discusses his work during a living history program set in 1912. The program takes place every Friday in January at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as part of Volcano Awareness Month. Park entrance fees apply.
A CONCERT FEATURING the Honolulu Jazz Quartet and Junior Choy, with special guest Moons Landing, takes place tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for ticket information.
THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER offers square dancing tomorrow night, and every Saturday night, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is open to everyone, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
“Hawai`i’s agricultural products are valued around the world for superior quality and the sharing of the Aloha spirit. Hawai`i is also a recognized world leader in aquaculture, producing the finest seafood products for Hawai`i consumers and export markets.
“In addition, the Department of Agriculture protects our agricultural interests with inspection for invasive species of incoming plant material and animals, safeguarding animal and plant health, supporting farmers with affordable land and water, providing financial assistance to farmers and assuring quality of produce,” said Kokubun.
He suggested that everyone keep in touch with him through the website at Hawaii.gov/hdoa.
After winning re-election to the state senate, Kokubun was appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie to head the Department of Ag.
His Senate seat is now held by Gil Kahele, also appointed by Abercrombie.
MEET THOMAS JAGGAR, the founder of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, this morning as he discusses his work during a living history program set in 1912. The program takes place every Friday in January at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as part of Volcano Awareness Month. Park entrance fees apply.
A CONCERT FEATURING the Honolulu Jazz Quartet and Junior Choy, with special guest Moons Landing, takes place tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for ticket information.
THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER offers square dancing tomorrow night, and every Saturday night, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is open to everyone, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.