Faaumu tabbed as new Maui police chief

The Maui Police Commission has named Capt. Tivoli Faaumu as the new chief of police of Maui County.

Faaumu, a 29-year veteran of the Maui Police Department, has spent the past three years as patrol commander for the Kihei district.

He previously served in the U.S. Army for 31 years.

Faaumu succeeds Gary Yubata, who retired in July to take the job of director of the federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas initiative for Hawaii. Faaumu’s appointment begins Monday.

Emergency room for monk seals opens

KAILUA-KONA » A new emergency room for endangered Hawaiian monk seals has officially opened on Hawaii island.

The Marine Mammal Center held a blessing and grand opening celebration for its Hawaiian monk seal hospital on Wednesday. The $3.2 million facility in Kailua-Kona is named Ke Kai Ola.

The hospital received its first patients in July when scientists brought in four malnourished seals they picked up during a research trip to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Veterinarians and trained volunteers nursed the seals back to health. The seals headed back to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on Sunday.

Community plan meeting draws questions, input

LIHUE » The Kauai County Planning Department has begun taking comment on a Lihue community plan, a seven-chapter document aimed at preparing for responsible community land use through 2035.

The goal is a cohesive and walkable community that keeps its character, The Garden Island reported. About 20 people attended a meeting Wednesday on the plan.

"It was a very intense public process. It’s long overdue, and I am looking forward to see this all come to fruition," said Leanora Kaiaokamalie, a county planner. "The implementing is going to take work, but hopefully we set the framework to support all of those who are wanting to move in that direction."

Cheryl Soon, a planning group manager from SSFM International, said demographics show a need for 9,000 new housing units over 20 years. The plan outlines an "urban edge boundary" to define limits of urban development and protection of agriculture land and natural resources.

The county is taking public comment on the plan through Sept. 12.

Some in the audience cautioned planners that the proposed zoning allowed for oceanfront lots north of Hanamaulu Beach, giving the appearance of allowing luxury development in conflict with other values.

Some questioned whether water supplies are adequate for sustained growth, how bypass roads would be used and whether utility lines will be buried.

Kauai County Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. said the plan shows how Lihue and neighboring towns can connect in ways that require fewer cars.