DLNR investigating graffiti in reserve

A criminal investigation is underway after graffiti was found painted on rocks within the Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve last month.

Department of Land and Natural Resources officials said Sunday they discovered the graffiti midmorning April 28 along with graffiti painted on various property managed by the UH Office of Mauna Kea Management.

All geological features, including rocks, are protected under the Hawaii Administrative Rules due to their historical nature, according to DLNR officials.

The DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement is asking the public with any information to contact the DOCARE Hawaii Branch office, 933-3460, or call the DOCARE statewide hotline, 643-DLNR.

Kid’s Day unites kids, moms for Mother’s Day

Keiki O Ka ‘Aina Family Learning Centers hosted a Kid’s Day Saturday at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua to bring incarcerated moms and their children together to celebrate Mother’s Day. A total of 17 inmates and 37 children participated in this year’s event.

WCCC has partnered with Keiki O Ka ‘Aina Family Learning Centers to hold Kid’s Day since December 2005.

The time is used by mothers and children to interact in a positive setting, within a prison environment, through food, games, crafts and activities.

Demolition set to begin at Keauhou Beach Hotel

KAILUA-KONA >> A 1960s Hawaii hotel is scheduled for interior demolition work this week.

Contractors will begin gutting the old Keauhou Beach Hotel, West Hawaii Today reported. They will remove wood, plaster, glass and drywall.

The hotel is owned by Kamehameha Schools. It was built in 1969 and was in business for more than four decades. It closed in October 2012.

A private blessing was held last week. It included contractors, Kamehameha School leadership and the lineal descendants of the area.

“We held a blessing (Wednesday) to mark the next step of progression of not just bringing the hotel down, but standing this land up to become the education and cultural site that we want it to be,” said Kaimana Barcarse, West Hawaii regional director for Kamehameha Schools.

The hotel will move on to exterior demolition once the State Historical Preservation Division approves the archaeological preservation plan and archaeological monitoring plan for the work, Senior Communication Specialist Crystal Kua said.

The demolition work will cost about $11.5 million.

Educational complex Kahaluu Ma Kai is set to replace the hotel. The facility will blend science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics or STEM education with traditional Hawaiian activities, according to officials.

Lighting improvements scheduled for 3 airports

KAILUA-KONA >> State officials say lighting improvements are coming to three Hawaii island airports.

The Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, Waimea-Kohala Airport and Hilo International Airport are scheduled for lighting improvements, West Hawaii Today reported last week. A Department of Transportation spokesman said the airports will be getting LED lamps and lighting upgrades throughout the facilities.

The changes are a part of its Energy Savings Performance Contract. Replacing more than 47,000 fluorescent lamps with LED lamps should lead to $65.5 million in energy savings, according to the DOT.