State briefs 1-31

Bill urges drivers pass emergency vehicles safely

HONOLULU — Two recent traffic fatalities involving police officers have state lawmakers urging motorists to “move over” when they see flashing lights on the road ahead.

On Monday, the Senate Transportation Committee advanced a measure requiring motorists to exercise reason when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.

That means drivers should slow down to a reasonable speed and change lanes to create a buffer between moving traffic and the emergency vehicle.

Hawaii is the only state that doesn’t have a “move over” law to protect its first responders.

On Jan. 21, Garret Davis was killed on the H-1 Freeway when his squad car was struck from behind. Davis had pulled over to help a stalled vehicle.

In September, officer Eric Fontes was killed while assisting another officer with a traffic stop on Farrington Highway.

Hawaii could collect more vacation rental taxes

HONOLULU — Tightening regulations on vacation rentals could allow the state to collect up to $35 million more in taxes each year.

A bill before the state House aims at ensuring transient accommodation taxes are paid, even when Hawaii visitors rent their lodgings from out-of-state property owners.

The measure seeks to accomplish this by requiring nonresident owners to work with licensed real estate brokers and salespeople when renting out their homes for short-term stays. Those transactions would then be subject to the transient accommodation tax.

Exclusive Getaways President Dan Monck told the House Tourism Committee Monday the bill would allow the state to collect $27 million to $35 million in taxes that currently doesn’t make it to the islands.

Hawaii lawmakers voting on organ transplant center

HONOLULU — State lawmakers are moving quickly to fund an organ transplant center in Hawaii.

They could send a bill to Gov. Neil Abercrombie to sign as early as today. Both the House and Senate held off on a final vote scheduled for Monday.

The bill stalled in conference committee last session, but committee members were motivated to reach agreement quickly when they returned to the table last week.

Hawaii hasn’t had a Medicare and Medicaid Services-certified organ transplant facility since Hawaii Medical Centers closed its two Oahu hospitals in December.

That means that the 400 Hawaii patients on national kidney and liver transplant waiting lists have to get on waiting lists at mainland hospitals.

Abercrombie recommended the Legislature immediately pass the bill at the start of session.

Funeral held for N.J. Marine killed in Afghanistan

WOODBRIDGE, N.J. — Hundreds of people packed a central New Jersey church for the funeral of a Marine corporal killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Family members and friends referred to Kevin Reinhard as a “white knight” who was known for his courage and generosity.

The 25-year-old Woodbridge Township man was one of six Marines killed in the Jan. 19 crash. They were supporting combat operations in the Helmand province.

Reinhard and the other Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu.

Reinhard enlisted in the Marines in the spring of 2008 and was serving his second tour of duty overseas He was due to return home to New Jersey in a few weeks.

Marijuana operation found at house fire

HONOLULU — Honolulu police are investigating an indoor marijuana growing operation discovered at the scene of a house fire.

Firefighters responded to fire in the Waipio area early Monday. When they put out the blaze, potted marijuana plants, air filters and other materials were found inside the home.

Fire Capt. Carlton Yamada says it appears the fire started from an electrical meter near the garage.

No one was home when the blaze broke out, and no arrests were made.

By wire sources