Newswatch

Input on pedestrian safety sought

The state Department of Transportation will collect public input on a plan to protect pedestrians at a series of meetings across the state this month and next.

DOT officials are encouraging community groups and the public to attend meetings to help officials identify problem areas and suggest solutions for its forthcoming Pedestrian Master Plan.

AARP Hawaii has been actively promoting the meetings to its members.

All meetings run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m:

» Tomorrow, Hilo, Aupuni Center conference room, 101 Pauahi St.
» Tuesday, Kailua-Kona, Kona Outdoor Circle, 72-6280 Kuakini Highway.
» July 26, Wailuku, Maui Economic Opportunity, 99 Mahalani St.
» July 27, Lihue, War Memorial Convention Hall.
» Aug. 9, Kapolei, Hale Ponoi, 91-5420 Kapolei Parkway.
» Aug. 10, Kaneohe, Windward Community College.
» Aug. 11, Honolulu, Washington Middle School.

Governor picks Jencks for land panel

Gov. Linda Lingle has appointed former Maui Public Works Director Charles Jencks to serve as an interim commissioner on the state Land Use Commission.

Jencks replaces Ransom "Randy" Piltz, who resigned to run for Maui County mayor. The remaining term runs through June 30, 2011.

Jencks was director of the Maui County Department of Public Works and Waste Management from 1991 to 2000. He is a partner with Second & Peck Real Estate, LLC, and is also the owner’s representative for Honua’ula Partners, LLC, which is developing the Honua’ula project in South Maui.

Coming up

The 40th annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii takes place today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand. Free parking and shuttle buses will operate from the Kapiolani Community College parking lot.

For more information, go to www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org.