Hawaii County to start foreclosing on land
KAILUA-KONA » Hawaii County officials are preparing to ask a federal bankruptcy judge to allow foreclosure proceedings to begin on 80 acres of oceanfront land.
Mayor Billy Kenoi said the decision to begin the process gives the county more options as it prepares to build the long-awaited Mamalahoa bypass road in South Kona, West Hawaii Today reported Tuesday.
"It’s putting on notice the bankruptcy court and the debtors that the county is moving ahead," Kenoi said.
The Hawaii County corporation counsel will represent the county’s interest in a May hearing to confirm a bankruptcy plan by the debtor, 1250 Oceanside Partners.
Oceanside was part of a failed Hokulia luxury development that also included plans for the bypass road. The project ran into numerous setbacks, leading to bankruptcy.
In a 2012 settlement, Oceanside was ordered to pay the county $12.5 million and either build the road or pay an additional $20 million to the county. The $12.5 million already has been paid.
The foreclosure would be for land Oceanside used to secure the $20 million it still owes the county to build the bypass.
Sunday was the deadline for Oceanside to pay.
Food industry union endorses Abercrombie
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union in Hawaii is endorsing Gov. Neil Abercrombie in his bid for re-election.
The union announced its support of Abercrombie on Tuesday. It represents 4,500 workers in the grocery, retail, food processing and meatpacking industries.
Union President Pat Loo says the state’s economy has turned the corner since Abercrombie took office in 2010. He says Abercrombie has created jobs and reduced unemployment.
Abercrombie will face a challenge from state Sen. David Ige in the primary election in August.
Coast Guard aids snorkelers hurt by jellyfish
The Coast Guard transported for medical treatment four people stung by jellyfish while snorkeling near Molokini Crater on Tuesday.
Coast Guard Station Maui received a call from a charter vessel saying one adult and three children had been stung, the Coast Guard said.
A 25-foot Coast Guard response boat was sent to the scene and arrived at 10:10 a.m.
The boat took the four to the Kihei Boat Ramp in Kihei, Maui, where county Emergency Medical Services personnel were waiting to take them to a hospital.
The adult was in shock, and the three children sustained minor injuries, the Coast Guard said.
Assault suspect caught on video in Hilo attack
Hawaii County police are looking for an assault suspect who was caught on a video surveillance camera early Monday morning in Hilo.
Police said a 51-year-old Hilo man reported an unidentified man punched him while another man held him down at 1:30 a.m. near Kilauea Avenue and Aupuni Street.
The video appears to show a man wearing a hooded flannel jacket and shirt.
Both suspects are described as in their 30s, 5 feet 6 inches tall, about 150 pounds, with medium builds and tan complexions.
The case is classified as a misdemeanor assault.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Scott Amaral at 961-2276 or samaral@co.hawaii.hi.us. Anonymous tipsters may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.
