Flags to dip for sailor killed in Afghanistan

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that all American and Hawaii flags at state offices and agencies be flown at half-staff today in memory of a Navy officer from Maui killed in Afghanistan.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Kraig Vickers was an explosive ordnance disposal technician. He was one of 30 American service members killed last month when a military helicopter was shot down.

The 1992 Maui High School graduate was married and about to become a father for the third time.

A memorial service is to be held today at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

Army change of command rite is Friday

The Army is scheduled to hold a change of command ceremony next week for the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Schofield Barracks.

Col. Christopher Vanek is due to assume command of the brigade Friday from Col. Malcolm Frost.

The brigade’s 3,500 soldiers will stand in formation and pass in review during the event.

The top Army commander in the Pacific, Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, is scheduled to attend the ceremony as the reviewing officer.

Upcoming Aloha Festivals events

» Waikiki hoolaulea, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.; Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers Street & Kapahulu Avenue.

» Floral parade, Sept. 24, 9 a.m., from Ala Moana Park, along Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

7 people rescued after boat capsizes off Kapaa Beach

Kauai lifeguards rescued seven people from an overturned boat off Kapaa Beach Park Friday morning.

The boat began taking on water while on a fishing charter, according to a Kauai County news release. Dispatch received the distress call at about 10:34 a.m.

Lifeguards on personal watercraft were able to bring four tourists and three crew members safely to shore by 11:22 a.m.

Medics treated and released all of them at the scene.

The 20-foot boat is owned by Blue Moon Fishing Kaua‘i.

Holua campground to close for 2 days for ant eradication

The Holua campground at Haleakala National Park will be closed on the nights of Sept. 8 and 22 to treat the area for an infestation of ants, particularly the Argentine ant.

The ant is an aggressive and dangerous invasive species native to South America and is a nuisance to humans, park officials said. The ants were originally found in relatively small areas of Haleakala, but are now spreading.

Backcountry camping permits for Holua will not be issued for those days.

Park managers will treat the campground and area around cabins with ant poisons that are of little to no risk to humans and non-target animals.

Treatment notices will be posted in the area. Visitors planning to hike near the Holua area during those days are encouraged to use other on-trail areas for resting.