Revenue forecast for state downgraded
The state Council on Revenues on Thursday downgraded the state’s revenue forecast for the fiscal year that ended in June based on actual tax collections.
The new fiscal year 2014 forecast is minus 1.8 percent, down from a negative 0.4 percent in May, a difference of about $72 million.
The Abercrombie administration has been touting a $664.8 million budget surplus at the end of the fiscal year, but tax collections were off as the state’s economic recovery slowed.
The council left its 5.5 percent growth estimate for fiscal year 2015 intact.
"As in the past, the state’s financial management team is prepared to exert measured controls of the state’s budget to ensure that programs are sustainable through any economic cycle. You will continue to see that exhibited in fiscal year 2015," Kalbert Young, the state’s budget director, said in a statement.
"While the fiscal year 2014 revenue collection is down 1.8 percent compared to fiscal year 2013, revenue growth over a five-year period from fiscal year 2009 to fiscal year 2014 has been substantial — about 21.7 percent. The council’s forecast shows revenue and economic growth of at least 5 percent a year for the next five years."
Island School’s leader to retire next year
The head of Island School on Kauai, Robert Springer, plans to retire in June after leading the campus since 1997.
During his tenure, enrollment at the independent school in Puhi grew to 362 from 172 students. The campus, near Kauai Community College, was expanded and its college-preparatory curriculum enhanced. The school educates students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
"Bob Springer has provided outstanding leadership to the Island School community for 18 years," said board President Kathy Richardson. "Bob’s passion for education has positively impacted the hundreds of children who have attended Island School."
Springer began his career teaching music and social studies at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and rose as high as acting president of that institution.
Man charged in assault, robbery
A 30-year-old Hilo man was charged Thursday with second-degree robbery, first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and third-degree assault in connection with a robbery near a restaurant on Kanoelehua Avenue.
At 10:58 a.m. Wednesday, Hilo patrol officers responded to a report of the robbery.
According to police, Shannon L.Y. Estocado reportedly approached and entered the passenger door of a car that was occupied by a 54-year-old woman. He then struck the woman in the chest and head with a fist and stole her car keys, cellphone and prescription medication.
The assailant then left in a brown Jeep being driven by an unknown person.
The victim went to Hilo Medical Center, where she was treated for her injuries and released.
Water agency cancels advisory
The Department of Water has canceled the boil-water advisory Friday for Lihue and Hanamaulu after test results indicated the water is safe.
Crew members tested the water after dirt entered the system Wednesday night while contractors were working on waterline improvements to Hoomana Road. When the line was turned back on, it created a mixture of brown water and air that was released into neighboring service areas. About 3,280 customers were affected, prompting the Water Department to issue the advisory.
Four schools — Kauai High School, Chiefess Kamakahele Middle School, King Kaumualii Elementary School and Wilcox Elementary School — closed Friday as a precautionary measure. Classes at the schools will resume on varying days next week due to staggered schedules.
