Camp for military kids

Hawaii Operation Military Kids, in collaboration with the YMCA’s Camp Erdman, will hold camp Feb. 4-6 for families of all branches of the military whose parent/spouse will be deployed through February. Applications are due by Jan. 7. For more information, visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/4h/OMK, e-mail omk@ctahr.hawaii.edu or call 956-4125.

Bay area blocked off for Obama visit

The Coast Guard will enforce a temporary maritime security zone in Kailua Bay beginning today to ensure the safety of President Barack Obama and his family during their visit.

The security zone will be in effect from 10 a.m. today to Jan. 5 unless canceled by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard is coordinating efforts with the Marines, police and other law enforcement agencies under the direction of the Secret Service.

The security zone, which will be marked by yellow buoys, includes an area of Kailua Bay from Kapoho Point west to the shoreline at Namala Place near the Castles surf spot. It also includes the adjacent channel from near Kapoho Point to a point about 150 yards south of the North Kalaheo Avenue bridge.

Anyone violating the zone is subject to a prison term of up to 25 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

Obama is expected to arrive tomorrow at the earliest. His wife, daughters and dog arrived Saturday.

175 students at UH-Hilo get scholarships

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has awarded nearly $500,000 in privately funded scholarships to 175 students this school year.

The University of Hawaii Foundation says 65 percent of the campus’ 4,000 students depend upon some form of financial aid to pay tuition, the highest rate for the 10-campus system.

UH-Hilo Director of Financial Aid Jeff Scofield said last week the financial aid office had processed 6,500 applications this year, 800 more than 2009.

State to build new ramp for boats in Hana

The state plans to break ground on a new boat ramp in Hana.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources says the $3.8 million project, due to begin Thursday, will replace the existing boat launch ramp and rock revetment.

William Aila, director-designate of the department, says the boat ramp is essential for residents and visitors of the small Maui community to gain safe and easy access to the ocean.