Boaters must show proof of safety course
All boaters will be required to show proof of successful completion of an approved boating safety course after Nov. 10.
That’s when the Department of Land and Natural Resources will start enforcing a rule that went into effect about two years ago. The delay in enforcement was to give the public time to take boating safety courses.
Internet courses and classroom courses are available throughout the state. Also, the department’s own home study course is available to boaters, said William Aila, who serves as chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
"Some of the compliance methods available are free. Surely there is a compliance method that fits every boater’s schedule, budget and situation," Aila said. "The department has tried very hard to put information into the hands of boaters to reduce accidents and save lives."
Violators face a fine of $50 to $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail, or both, for each violation. A rule violation may also prevent a person from operating a vessel in state waters for up to 30 days.
Lava advances 85 yards, says Civil Defense
Lava has advanced about 85 yards since Sunday, and the front of the flow is a little more than a half-mile from the outskirts of Pahoa, officials said after a Monday morning overflight by Hawaii County Civil Defense.
The front of the flow is about 0.6 mile from the Apaa Street area. If the flow maintains its average rate of advancement of about 81 yards a day since Oct. 6, the lava could reach Apaa Street by Nov. 1, Civil Defense officials said.
According to Civil Defense, burning is limited to vegetation in direct contact with the flow and is producing moderate to heavy smoke conditions in the Kaohe Homesteads area. The lava is not an immediate threat to homes, and no evacuations have been ordered.
A community meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Pahoa High School to update the public on the lava flow.
Burglars steal private school’s camera, ukes
Hawaii island police are investigating a burglary during which camera equipment, ukulele, cash and a Bible were stolen from Haili Christian School in Hilo.
The burglary occurred between 1:30 p.m. Friday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, when a Canon camera and lenses, two Kamaka ukulele, another ukulele imprinted with foreign words, a red HD Web camera and the other items were taken from several classrooms at the private school, police said.
Police ask that anyone with information about this case or the identity of the burglars call the department’s nonemergency line, 935-3311, or officer Wayne Kenison, 961-2213.
