U.S. Chamber tied ads on Lingle to Obama
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $249,800 for production and media placement for television advertisements in Hawaii in February highlighting former Gov. Linda Lingle’s stance on tourism.
Lingle is the state’s leading Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case are the Democratic contenders.
The ads were classified by the U.S. Chamber as electioneering communications — which mention a clearly identified federal candidate — and not as an independent expenditure (which expressly advocates for the election or defeat of a candidate), according to the chamber’s filing with the Federal Election Commission. The filing also states that the federal candidate involved was President Barack Obama. The ad mentions that Lingle supports Obama’s plan to boost tourism.
Sources initially estimated that the chamber’s ad buy in Hawaii was worth $100,000, but that only roughly covered the network affiliates, not cable television.
Hilo man dies after jump into Wailuku River
A Hilo man died Saturday after jumping into the Wailuku River, Hawaii County police said Monday.
Police identified the man as Joseph Tancredi, 23.
Tancredi reportedly jumped into a tide pool just above Rainbow Falls in Hilo and was held under by white water for about two minutes, police said.
Police received a call at about 6:30 p.m. and found friends giving Tancredi CPR.
Fire Department personnel took him by helicopter to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:17 p.m.
Police said they do not suspect foul play. An autopsy was ordered.
3 portable toilets damaged in fire at Kapoho park
Hawaii County police are investigating fires at three portable toilets at Ahalanui Beach Park in Kapoho early Monday morning.
The fires were set sometime between 1:15 and 1:27 a.m., police said. Firefighters put out the fires. Damage was estimated at $3,100.
Police ask that anyone with information call the police nonemergency line at 935-3311.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
County officials to meet with Maui community
Mayor Alan Arakawa, some of his Cabinet members and County Councilman Joseph Pontanilla will be at a "County on Your Corner" event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Maui Swap Meet on the University of Hawaii-Maui College campus in Kahului.
The event allows community members to talk about issues important to them.
Call 280-1299 for more information.
