Coffee plants to be quarantined

An emergency interim rule creating two quarantine zones to halt the spread of the coffee berry borer on and off the Big Island is expected to take effect in a few days.

The state Board of Agriculture passed yesterday the rule halting the shipment of unroasted coffee berries, coffee plants and related bags off the Big Island, unless properly treated to kill the alien beetle and its larvae.

Contaminated coffee farm areas from Kaloko in South Kona to Manuka State Park in Kau also are barred from taking unroasted coffee berries, coffee plants and related bags to areas on the Big Island that are still free of the coffee berry borer.

The quarantine rule will go into effect when it is published in newspapers in a few days and can remain in effect for a year, the state said.

The state Department of Agriculture has approved several treatment and mitigation methods, including fumigation and heat treatment.

Bail of $1M is continued for Maui man WAILUKU » A 44-year-old Maui man charged with nearly 200 counts of sexual assault against two children will continue to be held on $1 million bail.

Circuit Judge Joel August continued bail Monday for William Barrios Jr., who is accused of assaulting the daughter and son of his former girlfriend over five years.

Deputy Prosecutor Melinda Mendes said Barrios could be a flight risk if he were released from jail.

Mendes said he does not think Barrios would stay in the area if released, because he faces a potentially long sentence.

The Maui News reported that Barrios is being held at the Maui Community Correctional Center, and his trial is scheduled for Jan. 24.

Big Isle park seating areas will be fixed

Parts of the Big Island’s Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area damaged by earthquakes in 2006 are being repaired.

Department of Land and Natural Resources employees will repair seating areas in six gazebos.

Solution Contracting will fix dislodged walls, wood beams and seating areas in a pavilion and comfort station.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Monday that the project will cost $89,000.

The gazebos and their surrounding areas will be closed during construction, which is expected to be completed in February, but the rest of the park will remain open.

Dean Takebayashi, district superintendent for Hawaii state parks, says park users should be careful and avoid construction areas.