Rainbow trout stolen from Kauai reservoir
A theft of thousands of fish has left Hawaii taxpayers on the hook.
State officials reported Friday a theft of about 3,000 rainbow trout on Kauai destined to be available for trout season on June 16.
Officials said despite the theft, they still have enough to expect a good season — minus the 3,000 fish.
Kauai police received a report that people were observed near the floating pens at the Puu Lua Reservoir in Kokee, the state said.
There was also damage to the pens.
"We are very concerned about this action, which harms the opportunity for many Kauai and Hawaii families who look forward to the opening of Kokee trout fishing on June 16," said William Aila Jr., chairman of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
"The department encourages the public to comply with state regulations and to stop from damaging valuable equipment used in the rearing of the trout."
Anyone who observes suspicious activity at the reservoir, or may have seen someone in or around the reservoir in March, is asked to contact the Kauai Police Department or the state Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement on Kauai at 274-3521.
Sewage shuts Kalapaki Beach indefinitely
Kalapaki Beach in Lihue will be closed indefinitely until state health officials receive results of water quality tests following a sewage spill Wednesday, Kauai County said Friday.
Signs notifying people of the closure will remain posted along the beach until the water is deemed safe by health officials. The public is advised to stay out of the water until the signs are removed.
An electrical malfunction in the sewage plant at about 5 p.m. Wednesday caused 400,000 to 500,000 gallons of secondary-treated wastewater to spill into a storm drain that leads to Kalapaki Bay, officials said.
Officials will be limiting the production of R-1 quality irrigation water from the plant for the Kauai Lagoons golf courses until a new alarm system that monitors power interruptions is installed.
The water quality tests are being conducted at a lab on Oahu and are expected to be completed sometime this weekend.
New driver’s license rules to be explained
Hawaii County officials are holding a public meeting to explain new government requirements to receive a Hawaii driver’s license.
The meeting will be Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Aupuni Center conference room, 101 Pauahi St. in Hilo.
Federal and state regulations now require people applying for a license to provide proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security number and legal presence. Documents accepted as proof of a person’s legal presence include a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.
Information on the new requirements is available at www.hawaiicounty.gov/finance-dl-hi-legal-presence. People with questions may email vehiclerl@co.hawaii.hi.us.
