Ka`u News Briefs April 12, 2012

Ka`u's trash could be trucked to West Hawai`i Landfill if county consultant's study is put into action. Photo from keepinghawaiiclean.com

NA`ALEHU GARBAGE IS trucked all the way to the West Hawai`i Landfill at Pu`uanahulu, and the rest of Ka`u’s trash could be added in if a county consultant’s study is put into action. Consultant R.W. Beck reported in a 226-page study that it would be less expensive to haul Ka`u and all the eastside trash to the westside than continue operating the Hilo Landfill.
      The study said proximity to Hilo Airport, along with the heavy rain and porous soil in Hilo, create poor conditions for a landfill and recommend against expanding it. It also contends that the county would save $1.5 million a year by trucking the garbage west. The County Council is weighing in on the issue, with its chair Dominic Yagong planning to draft a bill that would oppose the trucking. Both he and Council member Pete Hoffmann have said that the public is concerned about traffic and gas prices and would prefer to avoid long hauls of trash around the island. A story by Nancy Cook Lauer in this morning’s West Hawai`i Today quotes Mayor Billy Kenoi saying that the county administration will study the issue and has no plans so far to carry more garbage from one side to the other. The story also reports the study showing the westside landfill having 27 more years of service with eastside garbage added and 38 years without it.

Allegiant offers non-stop flights from Honolulu to mainland, starting late June.
Photo from sjgov.org

ALLEGIANT AIR FLIES NON-STOP TO HONOLULU from the mainland starting late June, according to a press release issued by the travel company on Tuesday. Founded in 1997, Allegiant offers air, hotel and car rental packages. Flights from Fresno, California, start on June 30, and flights from Las Vegas start on June 29. The press release emphasizes introductory low rates for the new flights starting at $174, one-way, available if booked before April 30. At press time, flights from Honolulu to Fresno depart on Saturdays and return on Sundays, while flights from Honolulu to Las Vegas depart on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays and return on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

Linda Chiem,
photo from 
linkedin.com

     Linda Chiem, of Pacific Business News, also reported on the announcement, stating that with Allegiant “joining the mix and upping the competition for travelers, Hawai`i reaps the benefits of getting up to 900 new travelers a week.” Chiem quoted Hawai`i Tourism Authority president and CEO Mike McCartney saying that “Allegient’s entry to the Hawaiian Islands is good news for the state. The U.S. west is our leading market, and these flights will help to provide additional direct service for visitors and is estimated to provide up to $29.8 million in visitor expenditures and $3.25 million in tax revenue.”
      Allegiant president Andrew Levy said the travel company plans to expand service to other mainland cities in the future. For more, see allegiantair.com.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are asked to meet tonight at 7 p.m. at H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. in Ocean View. For more call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

`IKE HANA NO`EAU cultural programs take place today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lanai of Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The Makuakane `Ohana shares the arts and music of Hawaiian culture, and Patricia Kaula demonstrates the art of traditional and modern lei making. The programs are free, and park entrance fees apply.

Photo from fhvnp.org

IMAGES FROM THE EDGE, a photo contest sponsored by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, is accepting entries through this Monday, April 16. The contest is open to anyone with an original photograph taken in the park within the last three years. Photos may be color or black and white and can cover any subject matter. All images will be considered for inclusion in a slideshow on Saturday, April 28 at Kilauea Visitor Center, and all finalists’ photographs will be exhibited from June 9 to 17 at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
      For full contest rules and to enter, visit fhvnp.org. The entry fee for up to three photos is $25, payable online by credit card.

A KEAUHOU BIRD CONSERVATION CENTER TOUR, offered by Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, still has openings for this Monday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The program cost is $20 for Friends members and $30 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are half-price. Email institute@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373. Visit fhvnp.org.

Image from rnh.com

AUDITIONS FOR CINDERELLA, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, will be held on Monday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 22 by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network for their annual summer musical. Auditions start at 6:30 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp’s Kilauea Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The show, directed by Suzi Bond, will have music directed by Pedro Ka`awaloa and choreography by Carmen Richardson. The play offers lead roles for six women and two men, featured roles for three men and a large singing and dancing ensemble of townspeople and children. All ages are encouraged to audition and are asked to come dressed comfortably and ready to move freely on the stage. Participants will be taught a song from the show and some dance steps. For more, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.