Object ID’d as naval training device

The torpedolike object found in the intake screens of the Kahe Power Plant was identified by the Navy yesterday as a target that mimics a submarine in training exercises.

The formal name of the vehicle is the MK-39 Expendable Mobile Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Target, or EMATT.

According to manufacturer Lockheed Martin Sippican, the target has acoustic signatures and other attributes that mimic a sub in anti-submarine warfare exercises. It can be dropped from aircraft or surface ships.

A Navy explosive ordnance disposal team recovered the 3-foot-long object around 4 p.m. Sunday and took it back to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for analysis.

The EMATT was discovered in four feet of water, about six feet from the shoreline, by contract divers who were conducting routine maintenance for Hawaiian Electric.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Public invited to discuss aging plan

Kauai County is holding three public meetings on the proposed County of Kauai Area Plan on Aging, which will serve as a blueprint for future aging programs and services.

The plan includes results of a needs assessment, and proposed funding and services for the Agency on Elderly Affairs over the next four years.

People wishing to comment on the plan may attend one of the following meetings. All are 1 to 2:30 p.m.

» Dec. 7, Lihue Neighborhood Center, 3353 Eono St.

» Dec. 8, Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, 4480 Papalina Road.

» Dec. 9, Kapaa Neighborhood Center, 4491 Kou St.

Comments may also be submitted in writing at any of the public meetings or dropped off or mailed to Agency on Elderly Affairs, 4444 Rice St., Suite 330, Lihue, HI 96766, by Dec. 15.

The plan is available for review on the County of Kauai Aging and Disability Resource Center website, www.kauaiadrc. org. Call 241-4470.

Big Island mayor’s work ban denied

The Hawaii County Council is killing Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi’s proposal to ban county employees, their family members and their businesses from doing contract work for the county.

The Council defeated Kenoi’s bill on a 5-2 vote last week.

Kenoi told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald on Sunday he is disappointed that the proposals, which he made in September 2009, did not pass.

North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell said the measure would have been "totally unworkable" for an island community where family relationships are common.

The county’s Board of Ethics twice opposed the bill.