Shark warning

People who brave shoreline debris from recent storms should be on the lookout for another challenge — the type with big teeth. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is warning that heavy rains could increase the presence of sharks in nearshore waters. In a statement yesterday, department Director-designate William Aila said murky water conditions found near stream mouths are known to be frequented by sharks.

Akaka assigns blame for bill’s failure

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka says "misleading attacks" and "unprecedented obstruction" led to the demise of a measure granting native Hawaiians self-governance rights.

The Democrat from Hawaii, speaking on the Senate floor yesterday, said he’s committed to pushing the legislation even after newly elected Republicans take office next month.

Akaka said opponents of the bill spread misinformation about the bill by claiming it allowed native Hawaiians to secede, private lands to be taken and gambling to be permitted.

He asked his fellow senators to back Hawaii’s members of Congress in approving the state-specific measure.

The legislation, known as the Akaka Bill, passed the House in February but never received a vote in the Senate.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Court hearing stalls repair of parking lot

A project to rebuild the parking lot near the entrance to the Keawakapu Beach access on Maui will remain suspended for the time being, the Maui News reported.

An evidentiary hearing into the bid by Shep Gordon and Dana Naone Hall to force a review of the project got under way Tuesday in Circuit Judge Joel August’s courtroom.

The county provided two exemptions to get the project permitted, and August said that "in all likelihood" the court would find that the exemption from special management area review was done under "a misinterpretation" of the coastal zone management act or an "unwarranted excess of discretion."

Christian Porter, representing the Wailea Community Association, indicated that his client was willing to hold off on construction for now.

Mitt Romney visits Maui for holidays

While President Barack Obama is spending the holidays on Oahu, potential White House rival Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, are on a two-week break with their five sons, five daughters-in-law and 15 grandchildren on Maui.

Romney, a Republican, used a holiday trip to Utah four years ago to consult with his children before declaring his 2008 candidacy.

Kauai Council boosts access to documents

The Kauai County Council has approved a new policy aimed at opening local government and allowing access to public documents.

The measure, passed 5-2 yesterday, will boost Internet access to county meetings and documents.