Laura Bush to attend change of command

Former first lady Laura Bush is expected to speak at a change of command Wednesday for the submarine USS Texas, based at Pearl Harbor, the Navy said.

Cmdr. Andrew Hertel will relieve Cmdr. Robert Roncska as commanding officer of the Texas. The former first lady, a native Texan, is the ship’s sponsor, and has known Roncska since his time as naval aide to her husband, George W. Bush, from 2006 to 2008, officials said.

Commissioned Sept. 9, 2006, the $2.7 billion Texas was the second Virginia-class attack submarine constructed. The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Imiloa Center gets $1.1M for mobile lab

An astronomy education center in Hilo is getting a $1.1 million grant to take its knowledge on the road with a mobile laboratory.

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, chaired by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, donated the funds to the Imiloa Astronomy Center.

University of Hawaii at Hilo Chancellor Don Straney says the project will allow Imiloa and the university to reach Hawaii island students and families in rural areas.

The foundation is also donating money to build the Thirty-Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea’s summit.

Pharmacy college seeks building funds

HILO » The dean of the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy says not having a permanent building is making it tough to attract top researchers, faculty and students.

That’s why university officials are hoping the state Legislature appropriates the $38 million needed for the first phase of construction on a $55 million building. The burgeoning program is touted as the first school of pharmacy in the state and Pacific region, but it has been operating out of spread-out temporary buildings.

In June the national agency that regulates pharmacy schools granted the college full accreditation but noted the lack of a permanent building as a serious concern.

UH-Hilo spokesman Gerald De Mello told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that the building is vital to the success of the college.

Kaua‘i Bus rides are free during promotion

Residents and visitors can ride the Kaua‘i Bus at no charge for three weeks beginning Feb. 20. The promotion is aimed at raising public awareness of expanded service over the last year.

"We’ve added bus routes, bus stops as well as late-night runs and weekend service," said Mayor Bernard Carvalho. "This promotion will allow everyone the opportunity to check out the Kaua‘i Bus and see how convenient and comfortable mass transit can be."

During the free-ride promotion, bus riders will also have two ways to win bus passes: submit a photo of a memorable bus experience to sblane@kauai.gov or fill out a form. Photos selected will be featured on the county website or Facebook page and entered into the drawing.