Akaka, Schatz OK $60B aid measure
Hawaii’s two senators voted with the majority Friday in supporting a $60.4 billion disaster aid package.
U.S. Sens. Daniel Akaka and Brian Schatz voted for the measure. It was one of the first major votes for Schatz, who was sworn in Thursday to succeed the late Sen. Daniel Inouye.
Most of the money in the bill is aimed at recovery and rebuilding efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy, which struck the East Coast in October.
The measure also includes such items as $150 million for fisheries disasters and $56.8 million for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to track, map and clean up marine debris. The measure now goes to the House.
Makapuu trail hike to mark new year
The Department of Land and Natural Resources invites the public to its second annual New Year’s Day hike to the summit of the Makapuu lighthouse trail Tuesday.
For this event, the state parks staff opens the gate along Kalanianaole Highway to the trail parking lot at 5:30 a.m. Last year the parking lot was full by 5:45 a.m.
A chanter will offer a traditional Hawaiian oli to greet the first sunrise of 2013, expected at 7:09 a.m.
The Makapuu lighthouse trail hike, one of about 550 "First Day" hikes taking place in every state, is about 1.5 miles round trip and is stroller-friendly.
Participants are encouraged to bring windbreakers, warm beverages and cameras. Call 587-0300 for more information.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Hakalau gets louder, reliable warning siren
Hawaii County Civil Defense has replaced an emergency warning siren at Hakalau in North Hilo that was damaged and made inoperable in a 2011 traffic accident.
The siren is on Highway 19 just north of mile marker 15 near Chin Chuck Road.
The new Hakalau siren is louder and more reliable because of features such as electronic activation, and photovoltaic panels and batteries to maintain constant power.
The new siren is mounted on a pole made of composite materials, not wood, making it more resistant to the elements and termites.
