Aloha State has head start on carbon cuts

Hawaii is ahead of most other states in accomplishing President Barack Obama’s goals to cut carbon levels.

The Obama administration announced a plan Monday to cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants nationwide by 30 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2030. Power plant emissions are the largest source of greenhouse gases in the country.

Under the proposal, Hawaii would have to reduce its emissions rate by about 15 percent by 2030. Most states tend to have higher rates of emissions from coal power plants and other fossil fuel sources.

Hawaii — the most fossil fuel-dependent state in the nation — has already embarked on an initiative to achieve 70 percent clean energy by 2030, with 30 percent from efficiency measures and 40 percent coming from locally generated renewable sources.

The proposed new rules under the Clean Air Act would give states flexibility to utilize energy efficiency and renewable energy, like rooftop solar.

Isle woman injured in Virginia accident

Virginia State Police say a Hawaii woman suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries after she was hit by debris from an overpass.

State police spokes­woman Corinne Geller says the boom of a military construction vehicle struck the overpass on northbound Interstate 81 at the Draper exit Monday afternoon. A 25-pound piece of concrete broke loose and crashed through a minivan’s windshield.

A passenger in the minivan, 46-year-old Beth Yos of Kai­lua, was injured by the debris. She was taken to Pulaski Community Hospital.

Geller says Yos’ husband, 46-year-old Thomas Yos, and the couple’s 8-year-old daughter weren’t injured.

Search ends for missing opihi picker

Hawaii County firefighters ended the search for a 30-year-old man who was last seen picking opihi Thursday.

On Monday seven Hawaii island firefighters used off-road and all-terrain vehicles to comb the shoreline fronting the Kapoho lighthouse.

Peter Mahoe was last seen Thursday between noon and 2 p.m., climbing down a cliff face. The Coast Guard reported that Mahoe’s all-terrain vehicle was found 200 feet from the area he was last seen. His family was camping in the area.

The Coast Guard, Hawaii Fire Department and Hawaii Police Department searched 1,414 square miles. The Coast Guard suspended its search Sunday evening after finding no sign of Mahoe.

Hawaii County search and rescue crews ended the search Monday night after finding no sign of Mahoe along the shoreline and ocean in the Cape Kumu­kahi area.

Resort condo plans to replace Lahaina sea wall

WAILUKU » A Maui resort condominium plans to replace an old sea wall to protect the property from winter storms.

The Maui News reports the Kahana Sunset in Lahaina aims to demolish an existing 114-foot sea wall.

The replacement wall would protect the property’s six buildings from winter surf. It would increase the beach area by more than 3,300 square feet in front of the resort at the water’s edge.

The state Office of Environmental Quality Control issued a finding of no significant impact as it accepted the environmental assessment for the proj­ect.

The condominium must obtain a special management area permit from the Maui Planning Commission to proceed. The Maui County Council must also approve zoning changes. The renovation work would also include a new stairway, drainage improvements and beach access.