State briefs 1/8

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Toddler nearly drowns in hotel pool

Toddler nearly drowns in hotel pool

WAIKIKI, Oahu — A 3-year-old boy was taken to a hospital after nearly drowning in a hotel pool on Oahu.

Hawaii New Now (https://is.gd/P6tEds) says the toddler was taken to the hospital in serious condition late Sunday night. Officials say the incident happened at approximately 10:44 p.m. at the Sheraton Waikiki.

Hawaii gov appoints Keith-Agaran to state Senate

HONOLULU — Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has appointed former state Rep. Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran to an open state Senate seat representing a district in Maui.

Abercrombie’s office announced the appointment Monday to replace Shan Tsutsui, who became the state’s lieutenant governor after Brian Schatz was appointed to U.S. Senate.

Schatz replaced Daniel Inouye, who died last month.

Keith-Agaran has held several public sector positions, including chair and deputy director of the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources.

His term representing Hawaii’s 5th senatorial district begins immediately.

Swimmer missing off Kahena Beach

HILO — A swimmer is missing on the southeast side of the Big Island.

The Hawaii County Fire Department began searching for the swimmer on Sunday afternoon at about 3 p.m. The Coast Guard assisted in the search, which continued until sunset. Reports were that the swimmer was swept off the cliff and into the rough waters at Kehena Beach.

Hawaiian plans to buy 16 new Airbus planes

HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines plans to further expand its fleet by buying 16 new Airbus planes.

The airline said in a statement Monday the A321neo will seat about 190 passengers. The planes will allow Hawaiian to open new markets and complement existing aircraft used on routes between the islands and West Coast.

Hawaiian says its pilot and flight attendant unions must sign agreements covering operation of the new planes to complete the deal. Hawaiian plans to add 1,000 jobs to accommodate the aircraft if they do.

The single-aisle plane will carry fewer passengers than the 294-seat Airbus A330 and 264-seat Boeing 767 jets Hawaiian current flies between Hawaii and the West Coast.

But it will carry more than the 123-seat Boeing 717 the airline uses on interisland routes.