Department’s chief unfit for job, suit says
A Hawaii County councilwoman is suing to overturn the appointment of a department head.
West Hawaii Today reports Councilwoman Brenda Ford claims Bobby Jean Leithead Todd is unqualified to be director of the Department of Environmental Management.
Ford’s attorney, Michael Matsukawa, says the County Charter requires that the director have an engineering degree or a degree in a related field.
The lawsuit filed last week in Kona Circuit Court says Leithead Todd doesn’t have an engineering degree.
She holds a law degree, and she directed the department for two years under former Mayor Harry Kim. She’s also worked as the planning director.
Mayor Billy Kenoi called the lawsuit "political grandstanding." Council members approved the appointment 6-3 last month.
Police dispose of spent flare found on beach
A spent military flare, or ocean marker, that washed up on a Kauai Beach has been removed.
The 2-foot metal cylinder was spotted last week on Marine Camp Beach on the island’s east side.
The devices are used in sea rescues and activate when they hit water.
They carry a warning label that says, "Flammable. Do not handle. Contains phosphorous. May cause serious burns. Notify police or military."
The Garden Island reports the marker did not pose an immediate threat because it had burned out. Kauai police removed the cylinder Monday.
A Kauai resident in June 2011 found a live marine marker on Aliomanu Beach. Markers can burn for 40 to 60 minutes.
