Expected strong winds prompt warnings
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory until 6 p.m. today for all Hawaiian islands.
A high-pressure system north of the state will generate winds of 20 to 35 mph, with localized gusts up to 50 mph.
Winds will be strongest at higher elevations and the downslope of mountains, the weather service said.
Officials said people driving high-profile vehicles should take extra caution, and that people should watch out for fallen tree limbs and other wind-blown objects.
3 cubs born to lioness at Honolulu Zoo
There are three new babies at the Honolulu Zoo.
Lioness Moxy gave birth to three cubs Saturday night.
The sex of the cubs is not yet known. Zoo director Manuel Mollinedo says officials do not want to get too close or place any unnecessary stress on Moxy, whose first pregnancy ended in a stillbirth. He says she is being an excellent mother, cleaning the cubs and picking them up when they start to wander off.
The mother and cubs are isolated from Moxy’s mate, Ekundu, and are being kept from public view for now. Mollinedo wasn’t sure when they would have their public debut.
Historic church seeks $850,000 for big repairs
A landmark church in Wailuku is struggling to raise money for extensive repairs, including to remedy termite damage and a leaning steeple.
Pastor Wayne Higa of the Ka‘ahumanu Church told The Maui News that after years of small fundraisers, the congregation of 20 to 30 hasn’t raised $50,000. An estimated $850,000 is needed to refurbish the 19th-century church.
Higa said the church plans to seek grants from larger donors, such as corporations. He said letters to potential donors are expected to be sent early next year.
Higa is hopeful a restoration project will lead to growth in church membership.
The church was established in 1832, at the site of a Hawaiian temple and royal compound of High Chief Kahekili. The church structure was built in 1876 and named in honor of Queen Kaahumanu.
Maui squatter gets 1 year of probation
A man who was living in a foreclosed home on Maui and pretended to be its caretaker has been sentenced.
The Maui News reported that Joseph McKibben, 44, received one year of probation Friday. He also was given credit for the 146 days he already had been in jail.
McKibben pleaded no contest to first- degree criminal trespassing and third-degree criminal property damage as part of a plea agreement. A first-degree burglary charge was dismissed.
Records show that McKibben stayed in a home on Ulana Street in Makawao from June 1 to July 21.
