Water main break closes school
Board of Water Supply crews continued Wednesday night to repair a 12-inch water main break in Hawaii Kai that caused the closure of Kamiloiki Elementary School.
A Department of Education spokeswoman said 9 p.m. Wednesday that the school will reopen today if water is available, but parents should check the website for updates and any traffic updates. For updates, go to http://doe.k12.hi.us and click on "School Closures."
Students were sent home at about 10 a.m. because there was no water at the school.
Board spokeswoman Tracy Burgo said the break, initially thought to be an 8-inch main, appears to be in an area where an 8-inch main connects to a 12-inch main.
Hawaii Kai Drive remained closed between Ahukini Street and Lunalilo Home Road Wednesday night, and eastbound traffic continued to be rerouted onto Ahukini. More than 200 homes were estimated to be without water, the water board said.
The break happened at 7788 Hawaii Kai Drive near the entrance to the school, according to BWS and Kamiloiki officials.
Wahiawa bridge to reopen
A month after it was closed for repairs Wahiawa’s Karsten Thot Bridge will reopen in both directions at 5 a.m. Friday.
The speed limit will be reduced to 15 mph between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day through the end of the month as work continues, state officials said. The work includes sandblasting and repairs under the bridge.
The bridge was closed on Sept. 17.
The state Department of Transportation received dozens of complaints from infuriated motorists stuck in the ensuing traffic mess. Two days later, DOT officials revised its plans and opened the southbound lane on the bridge for the morning rush hour, and last week decided to open one lane during the afternoon rush hour as well.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Police, county to hold session on Kona crime
Police and members of the Hawaii County administration will hold a second informational meeting today about a recent rash of burglaries and car thefts in Kona and other areas.
The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Konawaena High School cafeteria. This is a follow-up meeting to one held Sept. 11.
For additional information call Bobby Command, executive assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi, at 323-4442 or police Capt. Richard Sherlock of the Kona District at 326-4646, ext. 299.
Grant from OHA to fund tutoring on Hawaii isle
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has awarded a $125,000 grant to Goodwill Industries’ Ola I Ka Hana Youth Program, aimed at helping improve standardized test scores among Native Hawaiian students in public middle schools and high schools on Hawaii island.
The funds will allow Ola I Ka Hana to provide services to 60 youth.
Students who perform below proficiency in standardized testing will receive additional tutoring and educational services.
Goodwill is looking for a full-time mentor and part-time tutor in West Hawaii. For more information, call 836-WORK (9675) or email info@higoodwill.org.
