Keehi Lagoon reopens after molasses spill
Keehi Lagoon reopens after molasses spill
HONOLULU — Keehi Lagoon is open for business about two weeks after a molasses spill fouled the water and killed thousands of fish.
Hawaii News Now reports that the lagoon reopened for recreational and commercial activities Saturday, but business is sluggish.
State officials had closed the lagoon to ocean recreation on Sept. 13, five days after a pipe leaked up to 1,400 tons of molasses into Honolulu Harbor.
More than 26,000 fish and other marine species suffocated and died as the molasses spread about 5 miles west of Waikiki’s hotels and beaches.
Greg Longnecker says he lost thousands of dollars in revenue when his jet ski business was shut down for 10 days because of the spill.
His business X-treme Parasail reopened Saturday but there weren’t many customers. He hopes business will return to normal soon.
Woman hurt after jump from Maunawili Falls
KAILUA, Oahu — A woman who jumped 70 feet at a popular Oahu hiking spot suffered multiple injuries.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports Honolulu firefighters airlifted the woman Sunday afternoon off a trail at Maunawili Falls.
According to a fire department spokesman, the hiker, who is described as being in her 20s, jumped from an upper level of rocks into the pond below around 11 a.m. yesterday.
She then reported to her hiking group feeling lower back pain and a loss of feeling in her legs and feet.
The group then called for emergency responders.
Details about her condition were not immediately available.
Teacher training developer wins
Hawaii award
HONOLULU — A Hawaii school administrator who developed teacher effectiveness training used as a model statewide has won the Department of Education’s Employee of the Year award.
The department said Donna Therrien’s program started in the 2012-2013 school year, when she took initiative to provide the training for teachers in 16 schools.
The training offers strategies to help teachers boost student achievement.
Six members of the Kaala Food Services Team won team of the year. The team serves food to about 450 students, 75 staff and students in Head Start.
About 85 percent of Kaala students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Department officials say the team has been introducing the students to new, healthy foods the past three years.
The awards were given Friday at the Hawaii Capitol.
Inmate on furlough goes missing
HONOLULU — Authorities in Honolulu are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing inmate who was on work furlough.
The state Department of Public Safety said Ernest Vierra was discovered missing at Laumaka Work Furlough Center on Thursday morning after a headcount.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports Vierra is serving time for robbery and unauthorized control of a vehicle.
Authorities say Vierra was considered on “community custody status,” the lowest custody level.
They say anyone who sees Vierra should call 911.
by wire sources