The owner of a plantation on Maui wants to turn the 1,600 acres into a development with homes and small businesses.
The Maui News reported Sunday that Mike Atherton, 66, is making plans for the area near the small town of Waikapu, which was once an epicenter for sugar cane production and commerce on Maui.
An environmental report outlines construction of retail stores, restaurants, an elementary school and nearly 1,500 homes on both sides of Honoapiilani Highway.
Atherton says home construction would be a mix of single-family, multifamily, rural and country town mixed-use homes around the village center.
H-1 lane closures set for next week
More H-1 freeway construction is scheduled for next week.
Eastbound lane closures at the Aiea pedestrian overpass between the Kaamilo Street overpass and the Aiea/Kaneohe/Honolulu offramp (Exit 13A) will be from Monday through Friday morning from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., nightly:
» Three center lanes will close from 6 to 9 p.m.
» Four center lanes will close from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Construction will replace approximately 10,000 square feet of deteriorated pavement on the H-1 freeway in the eastbound direction. The concrete deck will be replaced by approximately 84 precast panels.
There will be lane closures on the freeway in the westbound direction between the Pearl City/Waimalu offramp (Exit 10) and the H-1/H-2 split Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for deck widening:
» One right lane closed Monday through Wednesday and Friday.
» Two right lanes closed Thursday.
Police warn of uptick in scams seeking ‘advance fee’
Hawaii County police are warning the public about a new wave of "advance fee schemes" that attempt to trick victims into sending money in exchange for nonexistent winnings, gifts or other enticements.
Police cited a recent case in which a woman received a check for more than $6,000 that appeared to be from a legitimate bank along with a note explaining that she had won a lottery and was to deposit the check, then wire a fee to the sender. The woman took the check to her bank, which confirmed that it was counterfeit.
Police said there are numerous variations on the scam — promises of winnings, investments, loans, etc. — but that all involve paying someone with the expectation of receiving something greater and not receiving what was promised.
Anyone receiving a suspicious check is advised to take it to a financial institution to verify its authenticity. No payments should be sent unless the check clears the bank, police said.
The public is advised that if they are unfamiliar with a business, they should check with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau to see whether it is legitimate and reputable.
Big Isle man is charged with escape
Hawaii County police have charged a 20-year-old man who escaped from the Hale Nani reintegration program Feb. 16.
Railee Santos of Mountain View was apprehended Thursday afternoon.
On Thursday evening police charged Santos with second-degree escape, violating terms of probation and contempt of court. His bail was set at $10,150.
