Hirono-Case debate delayed indefinitely
Oahu Democrats have postponed indefinitely a joint forum with U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono and former U.S. Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate that was tentatively scheduled for Thursday.
The forum was going to be the first of five debates between Hirono and Case before the Aug. 11 primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii.
Now it appears that a forum before the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association on May 29 will be the first test.
Tony Gill, chairman of the Oahu Democrats, said he made the decision to postpone the forum so there would be more time for preparation. Gill was scheduled to moderate the forum, which was to be televised on ‘Olelo Community Media.
The initial debate roster had only one firm televised forum: PBS Hawaii on June 14.
On his website Saturday, Case challenged Hirono to debate on Thursday anyway.
"We both have the date and time set aside," he said. "I’m sure we can secure a good location for the first debate in this critical election in no time. I’m sure we can work out the rest of the logistics in short order."
Betsy Lin, Hirono’s campaign manager, said Hirono has agreed to participate in the debate when the logistical issues are resolved.
Zoo renews appeal for help finding bird
The Honolulu Zoo is asking residents to remain on the lookout for a bird that went missing in March, after vandals cut holes in cages.
Two other birds were found shortly after going missing.
Tips on the third bird — a tawny frogmouth — continue to come in, but zoo staff said all the tips so far have turned out be misidentifications.
Zoo staff remain hopeful the tawny frogmouth is alive, however.
The bird is native to Australia and was hand-fed and docile. It has a large head with brownish-gray feathers and a froglike mouth.
The three exotic birds got out after vandals cut holes in 24 bird cages at the zoo.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Polluted water lingers at beach
Kalapaki Beach near the Kauai Marriott Resort remained closed Sunday after two rounds of tests by the state Department of Health showed continued poor water quality.
The beach has been closed since Thursday morning after 400,000 to 500,000 gallons of treated sewage spilled into the storm drain leading to Kalapaki Bay, adjacent to Nawiliwili Harbor.
State and county officials say they are continuing to monitor the water. Signs notifying beachgoers of the closure will remain posted until health officials deem it safe to go back in.
The spill happened at about 5 p.m. Wednesday after a partial power failure at the Lihue Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to the Kauai County Public Works Department. An internal circuit failed in the newly installed tertiary treatment process designed to produce water for irrigation.
Officials said they have taken the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of Wednesday’s spill and have limited the production of irrigation water for the Kauai Lagoons golf courses until a new alarm system is installed and tested. The alarm will monitor power interruptions in the tertiary plant.
Sign-wavers promote safety
The Hawaii County Police Department launches its "Click It or Ticket" seat belt campaign today through June 4.
To urge drivers to buckle up, officers with the Traffic Services Section will wave signs today on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo.
Sgt. Robert Pauole, section chief, said officers also will conduct roving patrols and set up checkpoints across the island. The fine for a violation is $92.
