Voter information shared online by Maui-based anti-GMO group
WAILUKU » A group gathering signatures for an initiative to ban genetically modified organisms on Maui is being criticized for posting voter information on its website.
The group, called SHAKA Movement, told the Maui News that it did not intend to make the information public. The group says it wants to share the information with people gathering signatures to get an anti-GMO county initiative on the November ballot.
Maui County spokesman Rod Antone said he received complaints and saw his own voter information posted online. The posted information included voters’ addresses. "I don’t think this was a deliberate attempt to not obey the laws," Antone said. "I think they made a mistake, and they corrected it very quickly."
The group’s use of the data, intended only its petitioners, is a "legal use," said SHAKA spokesman Bruce Douglas,
County Council raises some property tax rates on Kauai
LIHUE » Hotels, resorts and some homeowners on Kauai would pay more in taxes next year under increases passed by the island’s County Council.
The county had faced a $6 million shortfall in its $182.3 million budget. Council members approved a 30-cent increase per $1,000 in value for residential-class homes. They also voted to raise the tax rate on hotels and resorts by $1.85 per $1,000 in value.
The measures are expected to generate almost $8 million for the county.
The Garden Island newspaper reported Wednesday that homeowners in the agricultural, homestead and conservation classes won’t see increases. Residential-class homes are those occupied by someone other than the owner, such as renters.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Head-on crash kills motorist, injures 6 others
A 69-year-old man died from injuries received in a two-vehicle crash on Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 11) in Mountain View, and six others were taken to the hospital.
Hawaii County police said fatal head-on collision occurred Wednesday just before 1:45 p.m. at the 13-mile marker.
Police said the man killed was driving a 2002 Ford four-door sedan, heading north on the highway, when a 23-year-old male driver of a 1995 Ford pickup truck heading south crossed the centerline and struck the car.
The sedan driver was pronounced dead at 3:01 p.m. at Hilo Medical Center.
A 64-year-old female passenger in the car was taken to the medical center in stable condition.
The pickup truck driver was also taken in stable condition to the hospital.
The four male passengers in the truck, ages 19, 20, 21 and 22, were treated for minor injuries and released.
Police opened a case of negligent homicide and two counts of negligent injury. An autopsy is scheduled.
Anyone with information is asked to call officer Keith Nacis at 961-8119.
Pellet gun injury is investigated
An 8-year-old Lanai girl was shot in the head Saturday with a pellet gun, Maui police reported Wednesday.
The girl was taken with non-life-threatening injuries to the Lanai Community Clinic, where she was treated and released in good condition.
Police Lt. William Juan said it is unknown who shot the girl, and whether it was intentional or accidental. Police are continuing to investigate the case, classified as a miscellaneous accident.
The girl was in a pasture with her mother at about sundown at the time of the shooting, he said.
Star-Advertiser staff
