Tax refund delay cuts into rise in revenue

State tax collections are up 17.4 percent through the first eight months of the fiscal year, according to the state Department of Taxation, but the increase is 9.8 percent once the effects of a delay in tax refunds in 2010 is calculated.

The department reported Tuesday that general excise and use taxes — the largest category — are up 10.3 percent from the previous year. Hotel room tax revenue is up 18.7 percent.

The state Council on Revenues has projected 12 percent growth for the fiscal year that ends in June.

Falling tree kills man helping clear vacant lot

A 30-year-old man died Monday after a tree fell on him while he was helping to clear a vacant lot in Puna, Hawaii County police said Tuesday.

Police identified the man as Methodius Suda of Hilo.

Responding officers went to the lot on 15th Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park and learned that Suda had been helping cut down trees on a relative’s lot.

As he was cutting an Albizia tree, an ohia tree fell and hit him on the head, knocking him unconscious, police said.

The 30- to 40-foot ohia tree, about 8 to 10 inches in diameter, had already been cut and was leaning against the Albizia tree when it fell.

Suda was pronounced dead at 4:45 p.m. at Hilo Medical Center.

Police improve access to gated communities

Hawaii County police will be able to enter some gated communities more easily to respond to 911 calls, under an agreement announced Tuesday.

Communities that participate in this program will install radio-controlled gate openers that can be operated by a police radio.

Police said there are an estimated 200 gated communities on Hawaii island, each with its own device to allow access. “It is impractical for emergency responders to carry keys for every lock or keep track of every combination,” the department said in a news release.

Participation is voluntary. Communities will be responsible for acquiring and maintaining the equipment. For more information, go to hawaiipolice.com, click on “Police Stations” under “Contact Us” and call your district commander.