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| Hawaiian-style table decor at Philadelphia International Flower Show this week. Photo by Anthony DeMarco |
The title of the show is Hawai`i: Islands of Aloha. Displays include the inside of a volcano comprised of flowers, a 25-foot-tall waterfall, settings for tropical dining, a surfer’s hideaway on a lagoon and many more scenes of paradise.
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| Anthuriums with surfboard at Philadelphia International Flower Show. Photo by Anthony DeMarco |
The multi-ethnic diversity of Hawai`i is also gaining ground at the show. In addition to aloha wear, women are wearing orchids in their hair and Asian-inspired dresses. The Hawai`i Tourism Authority is expecting the event to help improve visitation from the East Coast. The most direct flight from Philadelphia is on U.S. Air to Phoenix and on to Hawai`i. New direct flights to the Islands are scheduled from Washington, D.C. and New York City.
HEALTH EXPERTS from around the Islands and around the country will gather at the state Capitol Auditorium this Wednesday at 8 a.m. for a public meeting. Challenges from making sure patients take or receive the right dose and type of medicine to new ways to deliver Medicaid services and care for chronic diseases are on the agenda. Gov. Neil Abercrombie will talk about his health care priorities.
FEHR & PEERS, a transportation consulting company based in Walnut Creek, CA, conducted a "focused transportation impact analysis" to evaluate the potential traffic impacts expected from building the planned Ka`u District Gym & Shelter. The report includes an analysis of existing and near-term future conditions with the project in place. It concludes that, given the low existing traffic volumes on the surrounding roadways, the anticipated future traffic conditions for the project will not warrant additional road improvements in the area.
The study recommends that the feasibility of providing a wider pedestrian path on Kamani Street, the main entrance to town, between Puahala and Pikake Streets, be investigated. It also suggests improving pedestrian and bicycle access to the site from Hapu Street, above Hu`apala St., as part of an emergency access. “While increased connectivity is always desirable to distribute traffic over the entire street network, this connection is not needed” for vehicle traffic, the report states. “However, an emergency access connection should be provided via a locked gate such that emergency responders can drive onto the school campus should vehicle access be blocked at the Kamani Street entrance."
HEALTH EXPERTS from around the Islands and around the country will gather at the state Capitol Auditorium this Wednesday at 8 a.m. for a public meeting. Challenges from making sure patients take or receive the right dose and type of medicine to new ways to deliver Medicaid services and care for chronic diseases are on the agenda. Gov. Neil Abercrombie will talk about his health care priorities.
FEHR & PEERS, a transportation consulting company based in Walnut Creek, CA, conducted a "focused transportation impact analysis" to evaluate the potential traffic impacts expected from building the planned Ka`u District Gym & Shelter. The report includes an analysis of existing and near-term future conditions with the project in place. It concludes that, given the low existing traffic volumes on the surrounding roadways, the anticipated future traffic conditions for the project will not warrant additional road improvements in the area.
The study recommends that the feasibility of providing a wider pedestrian path on Kamani Street, the main entrance to town, between Puahala and Pikake Streets, be investigated. It also suggests improving pedestrian and bicycle access to the site from Hapu Street, above Hu`apala St., as part of an emergency access. “While increased connectivity is always desirable to distribute traffic over the entire street network, this connection is not needed” for vehicle traffic, the report states. “However, an emergency access connection should be provided via a locked gate such that emergency responders can drive onto the school campus should vehicle access be blocked at the Kamani Street entrance."
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| A traffic study recommends improving pedestrian access to the Ka`u District Gym & Shelter. |
The Draft Environment Assessment is available at Pahala and Na`alehu Public Libraries and at hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html.
Comments, due March 23, can be sent to Tammy Kapali, Planner, PBR Hawai`i & Associates, Inc., 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650 Honolulu, HI 96813 or faxed to 808-523-1402. Comments can also be sent to County of Hawai`i Department of Public Works, Attn: David Yamamoto, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720 or faxed to 808-961-8630.
GAS PRICES ROSE AGAIN IN KA`U. This morning Ka`u Gas was selling at $4.66 per gallon in Pahala. In Na`alehu, the 76 station was selling for $4.66. In Ocean View, Kahala Gas was selling for $4.47, at Ocean View Market for $4.45 and Kahuku Country Market for $4.40. Around the state, over the last week, gas prices rose 4.6 cents per gallon, yesterday reaching an average of $4.33 per gallon. The national average reached $3.71 a gallon. See HawaiiGasPrices.com.
VOLUNTEERS CAN STILL SIGN UP for a Ka`u Beach Cleanup taking place Saturday. Contact Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
Comments, due March 23, can be sent to Tammy Kapali, Planner, PBR Hawai`i & Associates, Inc., 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 650 Honolulu, HI 96813 or faxed to 808-523-1402. Comments can also be sent to County of Hawai`i Department of Public Works, Attn: David Yamamoto, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720 or faxed to 808-961-8630.
GAS PRICES ROSE AGAIN IN KA`U. This morning Ka`u Gas was selling at $4.66 per gallon in Pahala. In Na`alehu, the 76 station was selling for $4.66. In Ocean View, Kahala Gas was selling for $4.47, at Ocean View Market for $4.45 and Kahuku Country Market for $4.40. Around the state, over the last week, gas prices rose 4.6 cents per gallon, yesterday reaching an average of $4.33 per gallon. The national average reached $3.71 a gallon. See HawaiiGasPrices.com.
VOLUNTEERS CAN STILL SIGN UP for a Ka`u Beach Cleanup taking place Saturday. Contact Megan Lamson at 769-7629 or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
COMPOSER AND MUSICIAN BOLO, who sings and plays the `uketar, `ukulele and slack key guitar, performs at a free concert Wednesday at Pahala Plantation House from 6:30 p.m. until pau. Bolo offers original songs, including Bull Kailiawa Coffee Farmer, anoher tune about the original Ka`u Coffee farm (now `Aikane Plantation) back in the 1800s and a composition he co-wrote about the misty mountain preserve called Kaiholena. Musician and dancer Sammi Fo will join him.
CERTIFIED KRIPALU YOGA teacher Jo Caron introduces the Five Tibetan Rites at the Old Pahala Clubhouse this Saturday at 10 a.m. The two-hour workshop explains the background of the Rites and their effects on health, as well as postures. Tea and fruit will be served after the workshop. All levels, including beginners, are welcome. Pre-registration is $25, or $35 at the door. Call 443-6993 or email jocaron7@mac.com.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS AT WWW.PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND WWW.KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM.