New kettles debut

The Salvation Army holiday bell-ringers are back, but some of their kettles won’t be jingling with coins as the organization unveils its high-tech "cashless kettles" Tuesday at noon at Tamarind Park downtown. The devices accept donations via credit cards and texting.

Redemption rates for containers rise

People who cash in cans and bottles at the state’s HI-5c redemption centers will be paid a bit more starting Dec. 1.

The Department of Health, which administers the program, announced that rates for HI-5c redeemable cans and bottles have been adjusted.

Here are the new rates:
» Aluminum cans: $1.60 per pound, up from $1.58.
» Bimetal cans: 29.5 cents per pound, up from 23 cents.
» Glass bottles: 12 cents per pound, up from 11.5 cents.
» Mixed-size plastic bottles: 94 cents per pound, up from 87 cents.
» Small plastic bottles (up to 17 fluid ounces): $1.315 per pound, up from $1.22.

Customers will continue to have the option of requesting a hand count of up to 200 containers per visit.

$1.2M will launch PBS student news

PBS Hawaii has received $1.2 million in donations to launch the country’s first statewide student news network.

The Hiki No project is expected to deliver community-based news and information to the entire state through PBS Hawaii’s television broadcasts and website.

The Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation has donated $225,000 to the program, while tw telecom Honolulu has given $119,000. Donations from individuals topped $70,000.

The first newscast is due to air in February. PBS Hawaii says it initially expects to carry one newscast a week, but it will eventually broadcast six a week.

NEIGHBOR ISLAND

Meeting talks about harbor

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a public informational meeting Dec. 8 on Molokai on proposed Kaunakakai Harbor improvements to serve the Maui-to-Molokai ferry.

The meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Center, 90 Ainoa St. in Kaunakakai.

Proposed work includes building a covered passenger waiting area, converting the existing ferry shelter to a comfort station, and installing new water and sewer lines.

Apply now to hunt deer

Hunting applications are being accepted through Dec. 3 for next year’s Lanai axis deer hunting season.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources says application forms are being offered at all Division of Forestry and Wildlife offices statewide.

Application and tag fees for the 2011 axis deer season have been waived due to a court ruling.

The season consists of three hunts, starting in February and ending in May.