Olelo center breaks aina at UH-Hilo

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has broken ground on a new facility for the Ka Haka Ula O Keelikolani College of Hawaiian Language.

Ceremonies last weekend included a genealogical presentation of native speakers who have taught Hawaiian language at UH-Hilo and Hawaii Community College since 1960.

The college’s operations are spread over five locations on campus. Some faculty and staff have to share office space with up to 16 people.

Kauai mayor leaves to visit Philippines

Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. left yesterday on his first trip to the Philippines.

Carvalho plans to meet with Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, where he will discuss the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit; the Renewable Energy Act of 2008; and sustainable agricultural practices, a news release said.

Carvalho will travel with Director of Economic Development George Costa and representatives of the Kauai Filipino Community Council and Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce. 

Truck owner offers reward to nab vandal

A 59-year-old Hilo man is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who knows who put a foreign substance into his pickup truck’s gas tank, causing $24,000 in damage.

Police said the vandalism occurred between Jan. 16 and 20 while the truck was in front of a Wiwoole Street business in Hilo.

Those with information are asked to call police at 935-3311, CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.