Pair charged with burglary in May break-in

Two Hawaii island men have been charged with burglary in connection with a Puna break-in in which jewelry and electronic items were taken May 21.

The burglary occurred at a house on Ihope Road in Mountain View. Police said tips from the public helped police solve the case.

On June 2 police arrested 24-year-old Ethan Bailey of Mountain View. He was taken to the Hilo police cellblock and charged Wednesday with first-degree burglary, second-degree theft and third-degree theft. He was released after posting $36,000 bail.

On Friday police arrested 23-year-old Ronald Altura Jr. of Hilo, who was later charged with first-degree burglary. His bail was set at $5,000.

Council sends $600M budget to Maui mayor

The Maui County Council has passed a $603.6 million budget for fiscal year 2015.

Council Budget and Finance Chairman Mike White said the budget is $18.5 million less than what Mayor Alan Ara­kawa had proposed. The budget also reflects a 3.1 percent reduction for all real property tax rates, White said.

A $10 million appropriation for countywide mainline and water infrastructure improvements was also included, he said.

White said the Budget and Finance Committee declined increases proposed by the mayor in residential ref­use collection and tipping fees, and in water system development fees, particularly for 5⁄8-inch pipes.

The FY 2015 budget was sent Friday to the mayor for his consideration. The fiscal year begins July 1.