Attorneys general question adult website
Attorneys general in 45 states, including Hawaii, are asking a classified ads website to explain how it handles postings for adult services.
The officials said in a letter to Backpage.com on Wednesday that hundreds of ads on the site are for prostitution, and that the site attracts people seeking to exploit minors.
Hawaii Attorney General David Louie is among the 45 attorneys general. According to an announcement from Louie’s office Wednesday, he signed on to a letter to lawyers for Backpage.com that says hundreds of ads on the site are clearly for illegal services.
Committee clears nominee for circuit court
A Senate committee voted 4-0 Wednesday to recommend approval of Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointment of Deputy Public Defender Karen Nakasone to a 10-year term as an Oahu circuit judge.
Nakasone, 41, testified Monday before the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee and drew overwhelming support.
The committee’s recommendation now goes to the full Senate, which is scheduled to take a final vote on the nomination today.
Kona hospital installs large-bore MRI machine
Kona Community Hospital has a new magnetic resonance imaging machine.
West Hawaii Today reported Wednesday the machine allows obese patients to get MRIs. The machine’s large opening also helps administer MRIs to people with claustrophobia.
It is the same model as the one used at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. It has a bore opening of nearly 2.3 feet in diameter.
Hospital officials said the cost of renovating the MRI suite, buying the machine and a six-year service contract is $2.5 million.
Hospital Assistant Administrator Lance Anderson said the new machine represents the best MRI technology on the neighbor islands.
Maui County seeks flower vendors for show in Philly
Maui County is looking for local vendors to showcase at a Philadelphia flower show.
The county Office of Economic Development announced Monday it has purchased 10 booths at the international trade show to be held in March. The show is the largest to display fresh flowers and gardening products in North America.
The county is looking for local vendors who want to participate and sell their products at the show.
The office is offering booth space and financial help.
The county will pick a diverse group of vendors who have a large number of products that can be ready to ship to Philadelphia in March. Fifty-one percent of the value of the product must be derived within Maui County. The company must have a website with an active shopping cart.
