Abercrombie skips governors’ meet

Gov.-elect Neil Abercrombie will not attend a Colorado seminar for new governors because his mother-in-law is ill.

Spokesman Jim McCoy said Thursday that Abercrombie needs to give his mother-in-law his immediate attention.

His chief of staff, Amy Asselbaye, and his deputy chief of staff, Andrew Aoki, will travel to the conference instead.

The three-day biennial, bipartisan event features a series of workshops and business sessions led by veteran governors.

The experienced governors will discuss such issues as management of executive budgets, shaping a vision for their administrations, strategic scheduling, communications and emergency preparedness.

This weekend’s seminar in Colorado Springs is sponsored by the National Governors Association.

Arboretum holding annual sale

Lyon Arboretum will hold its annual holiday plant and craft sale today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A limited supply of Hawaiian taro varieties and many different varieties of colorful ti will be available for purchase. Arboretum volunteers from Hui Hana Hawai’i will sell handmade holiday decorations, including wreaths and ornaments. Free shuttle service will pick up at Poelua Street and Nipo Street, where they intersect with Manoa Road. Admission is free. For information, call 988-0456 or visit www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Park honors volunteers for services

Maui’s Haleakala National Park is recognizing the volunteer service of environmentalists, civic groups and high school students.

Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum honored them at an awards dinner Thursday night at Maui Tropical Plantation.

Hundreds of volunteers have contributed more than 84,000 hours of service to Haleakala since 2006.

Last year their work helped repair cabins, restore endangered species habitat and educate visitors. About half of last year’s 16,700 volunteer hours were dedicated to removing invasive pines and shrubs.