Free water, soil testing available on Big Island

HILO >> Big Island residents and farmers concerned about heavy metals in soil and acidity and lead in catchment water as a result of volcanic activity can request free testing by the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

The testing is being offered to those in Puna, Volcano, Pahala, Naalehu, South Point and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Contact the Cooperative Extension Office in Hilo at (808) 969-8201 to arrange for testing and for information.

Highway to be partially closed for vegetation trimming

HANALEI >> Roving single-lane closures on Kuhio Highway will continue this week in the Princeville and Hanalei areas.

The closures, which will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, are necessary to accommodate the heavy machinery used to trim vegetation.

Motorists are asked to allow for extra travel time and to use caution.

Grant to fund Lihue town project

LIHUE >> More than 100 people attended a blessing at Kalena Park in Lihue Friday to celebrate a $15.1 million grant for the Lihue Town Core Mobility and Revitalization Project.

The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The county is contributing $2 million to the project, which includes an Eiwa Street transit hub; safety improvements and on-street parking on Rice Street; a Hoala-Kalena sidewalk connecting Lihue Court Townhomes and Kanikoo Senior Housing to neighborhood establishments; improvements to Hoolako Street to allow better bicycle and pedestrian travel between Vidinha Stadium, neighborhoods and the town core; a shared-use path from the Lihue Civic Center to Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall; and a Puaole-Malae bicycle boulevard parallel to Rice Street.

Construction is expected to begin in January.