In Brief | Big Island & State 2-17-13

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Road work slated in many areas

Road work slated in many areas

Alternating lane closures in both directions are planned this week for waterline tie-in and sidewalk work on Mamalahoa Highway between South Point Road and Punaluu Road in the vicinity of Naalehu, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Alternating lane closures in both directions will also be in effect on Mamalahoa Highway between Haawina Street and St. Paul Road, in the vicinity of Honalo, for bank stabilization work, according to the department.

Alternating lane closures in both directions will also be in effect on Mamalahoa Highway between Waiea and Yee Hop Ranch roads, in the vicinity of Kaapuna to Kaohe, for roadway reconstruction work, according to the department.

Alternating lane closures in both directions will also be in effect on Mamalahoa Highway between Kiloa and Rabbit Hill roads in the vicinity of Captain Cook for bank stabilization work, according to the department.

Crews will be working from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Road work is weather permitting.

Powerful winds sweep Hawaii

HONOLULU — Powerful winds are expected to rake Hawaii this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the main Hawaiian Islands until tonight, saying the winds will be strong enough to bring down tree branches.

The agency also issued a gale wind warning that will remain in effect for Hawaii coastal waters beyond 40 nautical miles until Wednesday evening, which means winds of up to 54 mph are imminent or occurring. A high surf advisory for that time span will be in effect for east-facing shores of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and the Big Island. Other coastal stretches are also under advisory through Monday evening.

The service said the state can expect surf building up to 22 feet along some of its shores.

Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii CEO to retire

HONOLULU — The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii says its CEO will retire in August after 12 years of leading the state’s largest business organization.

The chamber said Friday that Jim Tollefson will be succeeded by Sherry Menor-McNamara.

The 41-year-old will be the group’s first female president in its 162-year history. She will also be the youngest.

Menor-McNamara is currently the chamber’s chief operating officer and senior vice president of government affairs.

She was the events manager for ESPN Sports’ Sheraton Hawaii Bowl before joining the chamber in 2006. She has also worked for Sony Corp. and the state Legislature.

The chamber said Tollefson will continue to be involved with the organization nationally and as president emeritus. The 70-year-old will also serve as board member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Helicopter makes emergency landing at Magic Island

WAIKIKI, Oahu — No one was hurt after a helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday at Magic Island.

Hawaii News Now reported the Federal Aviation Administration said the Robinson R-44 was forced down shortly before 4 p.m. because of a crack in the left door window.

It’s unclear what caused the damage.

By local and wire sources