2 sharks spotted off Waimanalo beach
An off-duty lifeguard spotted two sharks Friday afternoon at a Waimanalo beach.
Two sharks about 8 to 10 feet long were seen 30 to 50 yards offshore at about 2:15 p.m. in the area of Bellows Air Force Station, Shayne Enright, Emergency Services Department spokeswoman, said in an email statement.
"The sharks were acting aggressively, thrashing in the water," she said.
Lifeguards immediately cleared the water and warning signs were posted.
The area will be reassessed at about 9 a.m. Saturday.
Makapuu Lighthouse hike set for Jan. 1
The state will host its fourth "First Day Hike" at Makapuu Lighthouse Trail on Jan. 1.
Organized by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the early-morning event is part of a nationwide recreation effort.
The gate to the trail parking lot opens at 5:30 a.m. Attendees are advised to arrive early as the lot fills up quickly. Parking is also available along Kalanianaole Highway.
The 1.5-mile paved trail is rated as moderate in difficulty because the climb is steep in some areas, but DLNR officials say it’s well suited for children. Strollers also are welcome.
Sunrise will take place at 7:09 a.m. Early risers should bring a flashlight, water, light jacket, sturdy footwear, warm beverages and a camera. Pets are allowed but must be on leashes.
Sam Gon of The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i will give a traditional Hawaiian oli on the summit before sunrise. Drummers from the Taiko Center of the Pacific also will perform.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
County Council kills GMO-related tax measure
LIHUE >> The Kauai County Council has killed a bill that could have resulted in higher taxes for companies researching genetically modified crops.
The bill would have changed the way taxes are assessed on biotechnology research companies. It had passed the Kauai County Council but then was vetoed by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who said it could affect Kauai’s agriculture industry.
The Council affirmed the mayor’s veto Wednesday in a 5-1 vote, according to The Garden Island newspaper.
The bill had proposed to use lease amounts, instead of fair market values, to calculate property tax assessments on biotech companies.
Councilman Gary Hooser cast the lone vote against the veto, saying that large landowners can charge higher lease prices to companies that can absorb the financial impact.
“It’s frustrating because the underlying policy, I believe, is a very, very valid one: Different types of activities deserve different types of treatment,” Hooser said.
Carvalho vetoed the bill because it would have unfairly targeted businesses, said county spokeswoman Beth Tokioka.
Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura cast a silent vote on the bill, which is counted in the affirmative but is a way to show lack of support.
Associated Press
