Enright tapped as ag board’s new chief
The governor is appointing a new chairman of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture.
Scott Edward Enright has been named to replace Russell Kokubun, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Enright’s appointment Thursday. The appointment is subject to state Senate confirmation.
Abercrombie touts the Hamakua Coast resident’s agricultural experience, including his efforts to develop the state’s grass-fed beef industry. Enright has served as Kokubun’s deputy since February 2012. His previously worked as a consultant for the Hawaii Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy Project and as a cultivation and irrigation superintendent for Hamakua Sugar Co.
Hospitals to get funding boost for renovations
Maui Memorial Medical Center will receive $4.75 million for capital improvement projects, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced Thursday. The money will go toward construction and equipment for renovations to the imaging, laboratory and oncology departments, his office said by email.
Hilo Medical Center will get $1.77 million to replace its dietary equipment, which is more than 20 years old.
Kula Hospital on Maui will get $500,000 for repairs of the patient rooms, support areas and exteriors of the hospital building, which is more than 75 years old.
Lanai Community Hospital will get $200,000 for design, construction and equipment for repairs of patient rooms, kitchen and support areas of the hospital, which is more than 40 years old.
At Maui Memorial the money will expand and renovate patient care areas for oncology and remodel the imaging department to accommodate new equipment.
The expenditures are part of $21.7 million for capital improvement projects that will upgrade and improve state hospital facilities and services, Abercrombie said. Of that, $14.3 million will go to the statewide electronic medical record system.
Illegal vendors cited on Kauai
State officials say there has been an increase in illegal vendors hawking crafts and other merchandise on Kauai.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Thursday that citations have been given at Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls.
State law bans commercial activity of any kind on public land without a written permit from the state.
DLNR Director William Aila says illegal vendors detract from visitors’ experiences when going to state parks.
