Government

Free Workshop on Coastal Construction, National Flood Insurance Program

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Department of Land and Natural Resources News Release

Engineers, architects, surveyors and community officials that deal with floodplain development in high risk coastal zones are invited to participate in a valuable four-hour training opportunity in February, through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and FEMA Region IX. The workshop is free but seating will be limited, so early registration is encouraged by Jan. 19, 2011.

A workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, Feb. 10 at the Pacific Disaster Center, 1305 North Holopono St., Kihei. Workshops will also be held in Hilo, Honolulu and Lihue.

Posted in Environment, Government, News Releases

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Apply Now for County Boards, Councils and Commissions

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

County of Maui News Release

Mayor Alan Arakawa announced today that applications are still being accepted for Boards, Councils, Commissions and Committees. The deadline for applications has been extended to this Friday, Jan. 14, 2011.

Responsibilities include hearing public testimony, reviewing policies and standards and

Posted in Community, Government, News Releases

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Young Brothers Announces Rate Increase

Monday, December 20th, 2010

Cargo company Young Brothers has announced they will be increasing their shipping rates statewide. This came shortly after a recent decision by the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to allow a second barge company, Pasha, into Hawaii’s interisland cargo market. Pasha has proposed a route that serves only larger ports, not providing shipment to smaller markets like Molokai.

A Young Brothers (YB) official said without Pasha in the market, YB would have had to raise their rates by 18.25 percent. With Pasha’s pressure, the company is applying for a rate raise of 24 percent. Some Molokai business owners said they were unsure yet as to how this raise will affect their business costs. The rates would go into affect around August 2011.

Posted in Community, Government

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It’s In The Bag

Monday, December 20th, 2010

Rushing out the door, you grab your keys, wallet, phone and grocery list. Did you remember your reusable bags for the store? Beginning Jan. 11, 2011, you’ll be paying for more than just your groceries if you forget – stores will no longer be carrying plastic bags.

The County of Maui ordinance is an incentive for residents to use reusable bags made from cloth or recycled material in place of plastic bags that can cause environmental damage.

“This is critical environmental law,” said Hanna Steel, Maui County Recycling Coordinator. “It will reduce harmful effects on marine life. This is our environment so it’s the important that we take care of it.”

change the way we do things.”

Molokai High School senior Karly Apo spent last Sunday morning handing out reusable bags in exchange for plastic bags. She made it her senior project to educate people about the latest plastic ban.

“I think it might be hard at first, but eventually people will start remembering to bring their bags to the store,” Apo said.

For more information on this topic go to: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/

Posted in Community, Environment, Government

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E Komo Mai, Mr. Governor

Monday, December 13th, 2010

Leaving bustling Oahu and its crowds behind, Hawaii’s new Governor Neil Abercrombie made his first official neighbor island stop on Molokai last week. After the state inauguration on Dec. 6 with political figures and famous musicians, Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz joined representatives of Molokai’s health care community, local artists, Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Society members, and a representative of the Dali Lama for a special confirmation service.

Kumu Opu`ulani Albino of Kualapu`u School’s immersion program was joined by her sister, Vanda Hanakahi, in welcoming Abercrombie and Schatz at a Hawaiian ceremony in Kalaniana`ole Hall on Dec. 8.

The ceremony, called an aha aina, is rarely practiced and is “an intimate way of cementing the relationship,” between the new governor and his people, according to Hanakahi.