Akaka honored by federal workers union
The nation’s largest independent union of federal employees has honored U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, for his support of federal workers. National Treasury Employees Union President Colleen Kelley said Akaka will be missed when he retires at the end of the current term.
Last week the union honored Akaka for his decades of service at the union’s annual legislative conference in Washington, D.C. Kelley said that in Akaka’s years in the House and Senate, he has never wavered in his support for federal employees. His support has included pushing for fair pay and fighting to protect collective bargaining rights.
The union represents 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
7 trees at park stripped of bark
Hawaii County police are investigating an unusual vandalism that left seven mature trees stripped of their bark.
Police say the 18-year-old trees at Waimea’s Anuenue Playground seem to have been damaged during the weekend. There are no leads or suspects.
West Hawaii Today said a resident contacted the Waimea Outdoor Circle after finding the damage Monday. Outdoor Circle President Cheryl Langton says the loss of the bark will likely kill the trees, two of which are native koa. She says peeling off bark interferes with a tree’s health.
The group planted 64 donated trees at the playground in 1994 to provide shade.
Langton filed a police report Tuesday.
Police say the investigation is hampered by not having a monetary value for the damaged trees.
Hospital’s van to offer services
South Kona residents will have improved access to health services through a new mobile medical van, state Rep. Robert Herkes announced Wednesday.
The van will initially focus on services to school-age children, offering vaccinations, immunizations and school physicals, said Herkes (D, Volcano-Kainaliu). Eventually the van will provide urgent care services, health education and disaster relief for the larger community.
Kona Community Hospital will own and operate the van, which is also equipped with wireless tele-health capabilities. The Ka‘u Rural Health Community Association will also help people receive online care at its resource center in Pahala.
There will be a blessing ceremony Saturday for the van, named Kaa Hoola, at the hospital.
