Newswatch

Culture in education

Early-learning and elementary school instructors explore the relationship between culture and education at the third annual P-3 Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today at the 'Ihilani Marriott Resort at Ko Olina.

The conference is hosted by the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Big Island police to hold public meeting

The Hawaii County Police Department will hold a community meeting Oct. 14, from noon to 2 p.m., at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center.

The meeting gives the public a chance to meet the Police Department's command staff and to discuss concerns with the police chief and commanders who oversee the Hamakua and North Hilo districts.

Those interested in participating but unable to attend may e-mail their concerns or comments to mikanehailua@co.hawaii. hi.us.

For more information, call Capt. Mitchell Kanehailua at 775-7533 or stop by the Hamakua Police Station.

Permit issue delays harbor project in Hilo

HILO » Acting Transportation Director Mike Formby says the $57 million Hilo Harbor expansion project has been delayed over the question of whether a Conservation District use permit is needed to create an artificial reef.

Formby told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that the department will begin the process to obtain the permit next week. He did not know how long it would take.

Safety concerns have been raised over the state's plan to place the artificial reef at the end of Hilo's breakwater. The location is within the state personal watercraft zone.

Fisherman Ed Hayashi says such thrill-craft operators will not be able to see divers when they surface near the artificial reef.

Formby says the site has passed federal review.