Candidate’s shuttle service OK’d

It’s OK for a state House candidate to drive voters to the polls today, a state official said.

Gil Riviere, a Republican candidate for House District 46 (North Shore-Kahuku-Schofield) yesterday announced that volunteers for his campaign will be at Laie and Haleiwa elementary schools to shuttle voters to polling places in Kahuku and Waialua.

Riviere said he is offering the free rides because voting stations were closed in Laie and Haleiwa.

The ride offers are legal, said Rex Quidilla, spokesman for the state Office of Elections. Riviere is not offering anything material, nor is the service contingent on the recipient voting for the candidate, Quidilla said.

Riviere is the only GOP candidate for the seat, and is assured of advancing to the Nov. 2 general election.

Flight to isles makes emergency stop

SAN FRANCISCO » A US Airways flight from Phoenix to Hawaii landed safely yesterday at San Francisco International Airport after the pilot declared an emergency because of smoke in the cockpit.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor says the Boeing 757 landed in San Francisco just after 5 p.m. yesterday.

Airport spokesman Michael Brown said the plane landed "uneventfully" and taxied to the gate. No injuries were reported.

The diverted passengers were to be put on another US Airways flight for their delayed trip to Hawaii.

Sewer work to close lane

The city is advising motorists to be aware of sewer construction starting Monday on the Diamond Head side of Kalakaua Avenue from Kapiolani Boulevard to Philip Street.

One mauka-bound lane will be closed as Ideal Construction Inc. begins work on the Kalakaua Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation project to replace 1,500 feet of 6- and 8-inch pipe under the sidewalk.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Counties get $5.67M for new buses

Kauai, Maui and the Big Island will receive a total of $5.67 million to buy new buses and enhance transit services, U.S. Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced yesterday.

Honolulu also received $196,000 to buy two additional paratransit buses for disabled passengers.

"The transportation of our citizens and visitors is critical to our economy. Kauai, Maui and Hawaii island do not have the transportation infrastructure that exists on Oahu so it is critical that government provide alternatives to driving and hopefully lessen the traffic burden experienced by commuters," Inouye said.

Akaka said, "These federal funds will allow Kauai, Maui and the Big Island to invest in new buses and improve service for neighbor island residents. Buses help families, commuters and the environment by providing greater accessibility, reducing traffic congestion and lowering overall pollution."