Program singles out yearly whale census
The Take Pride in American program is naming an annual whale count organized by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary an outstanding federal volunteer program.
The project began in 1996, when 150 volunteers counted humpbacks and documented their behavior off Oahu. More than 2,300 volunteers now participate on Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii island.
Sanctuary Superintendent Malia Chow said Thursday the survey engages local communities and visitors in ocean conservation. The U.S. Interior Department administers the Take Pride in America program.
2 sides to meet on geothermal
Hawaii County has hired a mediator to work with supporters and opponents of geothermal energy.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that Peter Adler, a mediator from Honolulu, has a contract worth $50,000.
Adler said he plans to establish a "working group" to study data on geothermal impacts and making recommendations for future actions, including the establishment of a health study on Puna Geothermal Venture, the state’s only geothermal plant.
That group will likely include doctors, University of Hawaii-Hilo scientists and Puna residents both in favor of and against geothermal power.
The group could be formed in about a month. It would finish its work in March or April, he said.
Adler’s work comes at a time when Hawaii Electric Light Co. is looking to expand geothermal power on the island.
Police, public to get together
The Hawaii Police Department will hold a community meeting from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Kealakehe police station.
The purpose is to allow the public to meet the department’s command staff and to discuss concerns with the police chief and commanders who oversee police operations in the Kona District. The department’s community meetings are rotated throughout the eight police districts on the island.
Those interested in participating but unable to attend may email comments to copsysop@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Call Capt. Richard Sherlock at 326-4646, ext. 299, or stop by the Kona police station.
