‘Safety zone’ imposed for lava watchers

Visitors viewing the lava flow on the Big Island from a vessel will be required to maintain more than a 980-foot distance from its entry point in the ocean.

The Coast Guard announced Tuesday it is imposing this “temporary safety zone” through 8 a.m. Sept. 28.

The Coast Guard said it was taking the action to ensure public safety because of the volcanic shrapnel and toxic gases emitted by the lava flow and the unstable sea cliffs.

The Coast Guard said U.S. Geological Survey experts recommended 300 meters, or 984 feet, as the minimum safe distance to avoid hazards from the lava flow.

HAWAII ISLAND

Big Isle’s population rises most

Hawaii island saw the largest increase in population among the counties in the year ending June 30, the U.S. Census Bureau reports.

The island welcomed an additional 2,293 people, according to the data.

Maui came in second place, with 1,117 people moving to the island.

As of July 1 the population on Kauai was 72,029, a 0.8 percent increase from 2015. That was a gain of 551, according to the data.

During that same time period, there were 903 births and 664 deaths.

As of Jan. 1, 2016, the population on Oahu was recorded at 992,605, a 0.1 percent decrease from the previous year.

Many of the people moving to Kauai are retirees, said Realtor Phil Fudge.

He said he works mostly with people from the mainland who want to buy a home on Kauai.

Over the years, Fudge said, he’s seen an increase in people who aren’t seeking to move right away. “It seems a lot of people wanting to relocate for the future,” he said. “A lot of these people, they’ve been coming here for years, and it’s time to retire.”

People moving to Kauai from the mainland tend to buy homes in Princeville, Poipu and Kalaheo, Fudge said.

As of July 2015, 18 percent of Kauai’s population was 65 years and older, according to the U.S. Census.

Leaders clash over contract

HILO >> The Hawaii County Council and Mayor Harry Kim remain at odds over the canceling of a contract related to the organic waste diversion program on the Big Island.

The county’s agreement with Hawaiian Earth Recycling covers both mulching operations and construction of a $10 million composting facility to process food waste, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.

Kim cited costs in his decision earlier this year to cancel the contract by June 30. But the County Council voted last week against a resolution allowing for a new contract to continue mulching services after the current agreement expires.

“We’re still not in agreement that the composting contract should be canceled,” said Council Chairwoman Valerie Poindexter.

Puna Councilwoman Eileen O’Hara said Council members believe the county should instead pursue amendments to the contract to avoid potential litigation and disruption to mulching services.