Shark sightings in Nanakuli bring warnings

Three aggressive reef sharks spotted Saturday morning within 10 yards of the shoreline at Nanakuli Beach Park prompted lifeguards to put up warning signs, a city Department of Emergency Services spokeswoman said.

The sharks were seen around 9:30 a.m. Ocean Safety officials reassessed the situation around 1:30 p.m. and determined that the sharks had not left the area. The warning signs were removed at 5:30 p.m. after another check.

Warning signs also went up at beaches between the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Kaimana Beach after six Portuguese man-o-war stings were reported, Ocean Safety officials said. Warnings were to remain overnight.

China-tour scholarships open to students

Public high school students are urged to apply for scholarships to cover the cost of two-week study tours to China next summer offered by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.

Students will meet and interact with Chinese students and get a taste of urban and rural life in China, traveling from Beijing to Xian and Shanghai. They will visit cultural treasures such as the Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors, study Mandarin and spend a weekend with Chinese families.

Full and partial scholarships are available for students in grades nine to 12 at public schools, including charter schools. Ten spots without scholarships are open to private or public high school students.

The trip takes place in June and is funded by a grant from the Freeman Foundation. Applications are available online at www.paachawaii.org under "High School Program." Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 19.

Firefighters monitor site of Keauhou fire

Hawaii County firefighters kept watch Saturday on a brush fire that started in the Keauhou Ranch area Friday, officials said.

Crews arrived just before 4 p.m. Friday to find roughly 4 acres of mixed ohia and koa engulfed in steadily growing flames, officials said.

Crews conducted water drops from a nearby reservoir throughout the day and the fire was deemed 80 percent contained by nightfall, officials said.

When helicopter operations stopped, ground crews continued to work into the night to contain the perimeter. By midnight the fire was 95 percent contained, officials said.

Officials said that overnight crews worked to keep the fire from spreading and put down hot spots.

Kauai County offers savings on sewer bills

Low-income households on Kauai can lower their sewer bill by $20 per month under the county’s sewer credit program, the county announced. To receive the credit in 2013, people must apply by Dec. 31.

The credit will be given to households with an adjusted gross income of less than $40,000 in 2011, the county said.

For more information, call the Wastewater Management Division at 241-4082 or go to www.kauai.gov.