California librarian to head isle system

Stacey Aldrich has been named state librarian to oversee Hawaii’s system of 50 public libraries.

Previously, Aldrich served as state librarian of California and as deputy secretary for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania.

Aldrich, who holds a master’s degree in library science, replaces Richard Burns, who retired at the end of the year after 30 years with the library system.

"Stacey brings a wealth of experience in library leadership and community engagement," said Don Horner, chairman of the state Board of Education, which hires for the post. "She is committed to working with our dedicated staff to reposition our libraries to meet the 21st-century needs of our individual communities."

The salary for the head of the state’s public libraries is set by law at no more than $120,000 a year.

A bill moving through the Legislature, however, would raise the cap to $200,000. The value of the current cap, which hasn’t been adjusted since 2001, would be at $164,000 if adjusted to meet the cost of living, the BOE testified in support of the bill.

Warden put on leave after allegations

Kulani Correctional Facility warden Ruth Forbes has been put on leave pending a review of allegations by employees at the facility, the state Department of Public Safety said Tuesday.

Department spokeswoman Toni Schwartz said Forbes is presumed innocent and that a review of the allegations is pending.

Schwartz said the department hopes to complete the investigation in three to four months.

Forbes, who has been a warden at the Hawaii island facility for more than a year, was put on leave at the end of January.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees has been representing Forbes.

Schwartz said the nature of the allegations is confidential and declined to specify the type of allegations involved.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Fire destroys Kauai home, displacing 7

A Kauai family of seven was displaced Wednesday morning after fire destroyed a Kekaha house.

No one was at home when the fire broke out shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the four- bedroom house on Akikiki Place, the Kauai Fire Department said in a news release.

Fire inspectors determined the blaze caused an estimated $270,000 in damage, and the house was considered a total loss. The cause remained under investigation Wednesday afternoon.

The blaze appeared to have originated in a back bedroom, fire officials said.

The American Red Cross and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands are assisting the family.