Disabled signs can go on dashboards

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed into law a measure that allows people with disabilities to display their disabled parking placards on a vehicle’s dashboard as well as a rearview mirror.

Abercrombie approved the legislation Tuesday.

Lawmakers said in their committee reports that the bill clarifies requirements for displaying parking placards. Under the new law, disabled parking placards can be displayed on a vehicle’s dashboard if the design of the vehicle’s rearview mirror hinders the placard from being securely hung.

Sign-ups taken for affordable units 

Applications are being accepted for affordable apartments in  Leeward Oahu.

Housing Solutions said in a news release Tuesday the first residents of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Sea Winds Apartments in Waianae are expected to move in by August.

More than 400 people lined up at the project Monday to be among the first applicants.

The project includes 30 long-term townhouses and a village of 20 transitional studios on 4.3 acres at Kauiokalani Place.

Application information is to be available at the site weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon beginning Monday.

Diver’s death spurs inquest by coroner

Hawaii County police said Wednesday they have initiated a coroner’s inquest case in connection with the death of a diver Friday in waters off Hilo.

Mickey McGuire, 52, of Keaau had been scuba diving off Waiolena Beach Park in the Keaukaha area and was found unresponsive 25 feet under water. Rescue personnel took him to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:42 a.m.

Geothermal on agenda at Capitol

State lawmakers are discussing development of additional geothermal energy as a  source for electricity.

The briefing on geothermal power production will be held today at the Capitol.

Legislative leaders will hear about a geo­thermal business model that involves Native Hawaiians in its development.

Geothermal energy, generated from underground heat, is already used to provide nearly one-fifth of Hawaii island’s electricity.

Organizations participating in the meeting include Innovations Development Group, Mililani Trask of Indigenous Consultants and leaders of the Hawaii Geo-thermal Working Group.

House blaze suspicious, officials say

Hawaii County police are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a house Tuesday in Waikoloa. Fire officials said the cause is suspicious.

No one was injured in the fire, which caused an estimated $310,500 damage to the home at 68-3820 Manuaihue Place.

Nine fire companies responded to the 4:23 p.m. alarm. Firefighters were on the scene in seven minutes and had the fire under control by 5 p.m., a news release said.