The International Astronomical Union’s first general assembly in Hawaii is bringing a pair of rare opportunities for the public to survey the night sky with professional astronomers.

More than 2,500 astronomers are expected to attend the triennial general assembly, which will be held Monday through Aug. 14 at the Hawai’i Convention Center.

To celebrate the opening of the convention, the IAU is inviting the public to attend a stargazing party on Monday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Magic Island picnic areas in Ala Moana Beach Park. IAU astronomers will be on hand with professional telescopes to help guide those interested in learning more about the heavens.

A second stargazing party will be held at the same time and place on Aug. 13.

Other public events include a talk by master navigator Kalepa Baybayan of the Polynesian Voyaging Society on Tuesday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the convention center; and the Exoworld Ceremony, Aug. 11, 7 to 9 p.m. at the convention center, featuring presentations by Institute for Astronomy Director Gunther Hasinger and UCLA astronomer Andrea Ghez, an expert on the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

Free tickets for the convention center events may be obtained through uhifa.ticketbud.com.

Testimony sought on Big Isle pCard audit

HILO » Hawaii County residents will have their chance to comment on an audit of the county’s government credit card program this week. The audit revealed that the misuse of county credit cards was not widespread, but mainly confined to Mayor Billy Kenoi’s office.

The public can testify Tuesday at the County Council Finance Committee chambers in Hilo. Those who want to testify can also do so via videoconference from the West Hawaii Civic Center, Waimea council office, the county facility in Kohala, Naalehu state office building and the Pahoa neighborhood facility.

Finance Committee Chairwoman Karen Eoff said Wednesday that although the report showed that most pCard transactions had been appropriate and in compliance with county and state laws, there is still room for improvement.

"I do agree with the recommendations of the legislative auditor that to make sure all expenditures provide a clear benefit to the county and taxpayers, we should consider adding explicit language to the code to address any gaps in existing policy and to more closely follow state law."

West Hawaii Today first reported a pattern of misuse of the cards by Kenoi in late March. The audit found that Kenoi’s record keeping was inconsistent, with many purchases going without receipts or explanations.

Council members are currently working on legislation to address the holes in existing policy.