Hawaii to get $1.3M for preparedness system, new sirens

The U.S. Commerce Department says it will grant Hawaii $1.3 million to upgrade its disaster preparedness system and build new tsunami warning sirens.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank said in a statement Friday the money is meant to help protect isle homes and businesses during natural disasters.

Oahu and Hawaii island will get the new sirens, which include remote control devices and solar power. Six will be placed in new locations while 10 existing sirens will be replaced.

Officials say the grant is part of $200 million in funds going to places that received a major disaster designation during fiscal 2011.

Cold front will aid vog’s spread as it cuts off tradewinds

Afternoon showers and voggy skies are forecast as tradewinds weaken because of a cold front northwest of Kauai. The cold front is expected to dissipate before reaching the islands but will cut off the normal tradewind flow, forecasters say.

The light and variable winds will allow vog from Kilauea to move over other islands starting today, National Weather Service forecasters say. The hot and humid weather may also bring afternoon showers, with clearing skies at night.

Kona winds from the southeast will prevail Monday and Tuesday until tradewinds return.

Dinners kick off Lanakila fundraisers to help feed seniors

A series of fundraising events for Lanakila Meals on Wheels that will benefit elderly people during the upcoming holiday season begins Thursday at 6 p.m. when nearly 400 people sit down for a meal at 50 Oahu restaurants for "The Good Table" benefit dinners.

The event is planned to raise awareness and provide meals for one of the fastest-growing senior populations in the nation, Lanakila director Lyn Moku said in a news release.

Participating eateries include Alan Wong’s Honolulu, Orchids, Tango Café, 3660 on the Rise, California Pizza Kitchen and Side Street Inn.

Other Lanakila fundraisers are "Sponsor Our Seniors" and "Santas for Seniors," in which community members may sponsor meals and donate cards, favors and gifts for people in need. To learn more or to volunteer, call 531-0555, email cr@lanakilapacific.org or visit www.lanakila­pacific.org.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Suit by Kauai lifeguard claims retaliation

A longtime Kauai lifeguard is suing his employer, the Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau, charging that he faced retaliation after he testified before the county Ethics Board in a case involving two supervisors.

Myles Y. Emura, of Kekaha, filed the civil suit Thursday in Circuit Court.

The Garden Island newspaper reports Emura testified under oath before the board in March that the supervisors were involved in a private business that conflicts with their official duties. He also said they were seen taking county fuel for their private equipment.

As a result of his testimony, Emura, a lifeguard for 28 years, was placed in a hostile work environment and suffered unwarranted reprimands, humiliation, harassment and threats, according to his lawyer, Roman Amaguin.

He left his job in May, using vacation time, medical leave and other benefits until the situation is resolved. Kauai County officials said there would be no comment on pending litigation.

Campaign finance project is running dry

Hawaii County’s public campaign financing pilot project is running out of money, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports.

Launched in 2010, the program was the first in the state to provide full funding to candidates.

It was scheduled to end after the 2014 elections, but Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission Executive Director Kristin Izumi-Nitao said she doubts there will be enough funds after this year.

At issue is a requirement that the commission have at least $3.5 million left in its trust fund to continue the program.

"Next year, will we have that money?" Izumi-Nitao said. "Not likely, if you just look at the numbers."

The program is funded through a $3 optional check-off on state income tax forms. The money is directed from the state’s general fund.