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| This aerial view of Pu`u O`o crater shows new flows that have been slowly filling the crater over the past few months. Kilauea's ongoing 28-year eruption is the topic at tomorrow night's After Dark in the Park program. |
TODAY IS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY WITH BANKS, POST OFFICES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED.
THE 2011 STATE LEGISLATURE opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with ceremonies in the Senate and House chambers. Members of both chambers say they are ready to work with the new Governor, Neil Abercrombie, after eight year of sometimes contentious relations with former governor Linda Lingle.
Senate President, Shan Tsutsui, said he has hope and optimism for the coming year following the challenging times during the recent economic slowdown. He said he looks forward to working with county council members to urge the state to preserve the transient accommodations tax and other contributions to the county coffers.
“Let’s not turn against each other to make up for financial shortfalls,” he said. Tsutsui said he plans to support the state legislature helping to fund water infrastructure and storage on neighbor islands. He said he will make sure that capital improvement money approved by the legislature will be released quickly by the governor.
He said there is hope for the economy and the state being able to pay its bills, with the Council on Revenues having reported an increase in projected state income based a double-digit increase in visitor spending and increase in visitor arrivals and an increase in consumer spending.
However, balancing the needs of today with one eye on the future will be critical, he said.
THE 2011 STATE LEGISLATURE opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday with ceremonies in the Senate and House chambers. Members of both chambers say they are ready to work with the new Governor, Neil Abercrombie, after eight year of sometimes contentious relations with former governor Linda Lingle.
Senate President, Shan Tsutsui, said he has hope and optimism for the coming year following the challenging times during the recent economic slowdown. He said he looks forward to working with county council members to urge the state to preserve the transient accommodations tax and other contributions to the county coffers.
“Let’s not turn against each other to make up for financial shortfalls,” he said. Tsutsui said he plans to support the state legislature helping to fund water infrastructure and storage on neighbor islands. He said he will make sure that capital improvement money approved by the legislature will be released quickly by the governor.
He said there is hope for the economy and the state being able to pay its bills, with the Council on Revenues having reported an increase in projected state income based a double-digit increase in visitor spending and increase in visitor arrivals and an increase in consumer spending.
However, balancing the needs of today with one eye on the future will be critical, he said.
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| Shan Tsutsui |
According to Tsutsui: "We know refusing to fund social programs today will end up costing us more in the future.
"We know burdening our residents and businesses with excessive taxes and fees may fulfill our immediate need for cash but slow economic recovery.
"We know putting our sole focus on tourism as a driver of our economy may make us comfortable but does little for the diversified economy that will support generations to come.
"We know that putting today’s comforts over building our sustainable future in energy and agriculture robs our state and counties of their full potential."
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights of Kilauea’s ongoing 28-year eruption and discusses the latest developments Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT will hold a meeting at Pahala Community Center from noon to 2 p.m. this Wednesday. Scheduled to be on hand is the Police Department’s command staff as well as Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira, Area II Assitant Chief Henry Tavares, Area II Maj. Randy Apela, Ka`u Capt. Andres Burian and Ka`u Community Police Officer Dane Shibuya. The police department asks that participation be limited to Ka`u residents. Residents are also invited to call 939-2520 or email Officer Burian at aburian@co.hi.us.
HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY geologist Tim Orr reviews highlights of Kilauea’s ongoing 28-year eruption and discusses the latest developments Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
THE HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT will hold a meeting at Pahala Community Center from noon to 2 p.m. this Wednesday. Scheduled to be on hand is the Police Department’s command staff as well as Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira, Area II Assitant Chief Henry Tavares, Area II Maj. Randy Apela, Ka`u Capt. Andres Burian and Ka`u Community Police Officer Dane Shibuya. The police department asks that participation be limited to Ka`u residents. Residents are also invited to call 939-2520 or email Officer Burian at aburian@co.hi.us.