Honolulu among finalists for web tech

Honolulu is a finalist for a national program to build web-based technologies for city governments.

Mayor Peter Carlisle announced Friday that Honolulu was chosen from more than 20 government entities by Code for America, a nonprofit organization that is recruiting talent from the technology industry to create municipal web applications. Cities that win Code for America’s contest will be those submitting proposals showing a deep understanding of how technology can improve operations, a city release said.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Big Island official acknowledges park repairs are lagging

Hawaii County’s parks facilities have an estimated $80 million backlog in repairs, according to a report Friday from the legislative auditor.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that county Parks and Recreation Director Bob Fitzgerald concedes the problem.

In an eight-page written response to the audit, Fitzgerald said, "The department acknowledges that its inventory of assets is aging, many key facilities stemming from the plantation era, and that historically and continually deferred maintenance has only exacerbated the deterioration."

Roofs were leaking at 11 of the 16 facilities visited by auditors; six were infested with termites. Fifteen of those 16 facilities had critical maintenance and repair deficiencies.

Most of the problems precede Mayor Billy Kenoi’s tenure, Auditor Colleen Schrandt said in the 118-page report.

"The current administration and department management have inherited an inventory of facilities for which maintenance has been deferred for years," Schrandt said. "The point is not to point fingers. The point is to say, how can we fix it?"

Kauai hunters still have time to bag goats and pigs

Permits are still available for hunting feral goats and pigs on Kauai, the state says.

The next hunt will be Aug. 20-21 between Hoolulu and Kalalau valleys. Hunters can sign up at the Lihue Division of Forestry and Wildlife office at 3060 Eiwa St. during regular working hours. They will be notified if they are next in line.

Call the Lihue Division office at 274-3433.