Schatz touts Army’s Pohakuloa intentions
The Army is moving forward with plans for a $29 million Infantry Platoon Battle Course at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Thursday.
After conducting an environmental impact statement analysis of alternatives, the Army decided on the "Western Range" alternative.
The 110-acre battle course will be used to train and test infantry platoons and other units on tactical movement techniques and to detect, identify and engage stationary and moving infantry and armor targets with small arms, machine guns and other weapons systems, the Army said.
"This project will both create jobs in Hawaii and provide our troops with an apt training ground to ensure the safety of our state and our nation," said Schatz, D-Hawaii.
"Hawaii has long been a strategic and imperative training ground for the U.S. Army. I’m happy to announce that our local economy and defense preparedness will both be improved with the construction of this battle course."
11 saved from stricken vessel
The Coast Guard rescued 11 people on a 44-foot commercial vessel that developed engine failure on a snorkeling cruise a mile off Olowalu, Maui.
The boat was taking on water through its cooling system when the Coast Guard Station Maui got the call at 8:54 a.m. Wednesday. The Coast Guard launched a 45-foot boat; the crew transferred the seven passengers and four crew members from the Lei<>lani onto the Coast Guard boat and brought them to shore, Petty Officer Nicholas Garcia said. The Lei<>lani was towed to Maalaea Harbor.
Roof, PV work shutter library
Waimea Public Library on Kauai will be closed for re-roofing and photovoltaic installation beginning Aug. 31.
The book drop will be inaccessible starting at 4 p.m. Aug. 30. Items may be returned to other public libraries; the closest are Hana<>pepe Public Library and Koloa Public & School Library. An announcement will be made when the Wai<>mea library is ready to reopen.
