By wire sources New scenic byways added to state roads ADVERTISING HONOLULU — Two new routes have been designated as scenic Hawaii byways and state officials are looking for nominations for others. Scenic byways include routes for vehicles where sights
New scenic byways added to state roads
HONOLULU — Two new routes have been designated as scenic Hawaii byways and state officials are looking for nominations for others.
Scenic byways include routes for vehicles where sights can be seen or are close to the roadway.
Corridors on the Big Island and Kauai were recently given scenic byway designation, bringing Hawaii’s total to four.
The Big Island route travels along Highway 11 from Manuka State Park in Kona to the eastern end of the island at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At 54 miles it’s the longest stretch of unspoiled natural scenery in the islands.
The state’s most recent byway is on Kauai, where a 19-mile route connects historical and cultural sites in the Koloa-Poipu area.
Nomination applications for other byways are due March 31.
Workplace bullying could become safety violation
HONOLULU — Bullying, abuse and verbal harassment in the workplace may cause employees physical and psychological harm.
That’s part of the rationale behind a proposal to make abusive conduct against an employee an occupational safety violation. Victims would be eligible for workers’ compensation.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee today will decide whether to send Senate Bill 2487 to the full Senate for approval.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor recently held a hearing on the bill. Two employees testified about the emotional distress they suffered because of an abusive supervisor. Although the employees got a restraining order, the abuse continued for another two years.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety defines workplace bullying as intimidation, slandering, social isolation or humiliation by one or more persons against another.
Kealia Pond refuge has new headquarters
HONOLULU — Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui has a new 7,500-square-foot building that serves as its headquarters and visitor center.
The new facilities were funded through a $4.9 million grant that was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. They replace offices in a trailer that had previously served as its headquarters.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, who attended grand opening ceremonies Thursday, said the facilities will expand opportunities for visitors, including school groups, to learn about native wildlife.
The roughly 700-acre wetland, established as a refuge in 1992, is home to endangered Hawaiian stilts, Hawaiian coots and the hawksbill turtle.
The refuge is also home to migratory birds from late summer to early spring.
Tree trimmers blamed for power outage
KANEOHE, Oahu — Two men who were trimming the branches of a tree are being blamed for sparking a series of events that knocked out the power to about 2,000 homes and businesses Saturday afternoon.
The Hawaiian Electric customers in Kaneohe were without electricity for about an hour after a branch that had just been cut from a plum tree by Thomas Cormack and a friend fell onto power lines
When the branch pulled on the lines, it created a pull that snapped a utility pole several hundred yards away.
Cormack declined to identify his friend but termed his cutting of the branch as “an honest mistake.”
The power outage left Windward Mall and the surrounding area in Kaneohe without power for more than an hour.
By wire sources
