The state Department of Taxation reported Friday that state tax collections are up 9.9 percent through May, 11 months into the fiscal year.
The collections are higher than the 6.7 percent revenue growth projected by the state Council on Revenues for fiscal year 2013, which ends in June.
General excise and use taxes are up 9.7 percent. Hotel room taxes are up 13.4 percent. Individual income taxes are up 13.9 percent.
UH student found dead in dorm identified
The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the 26-year-old student whose body was found in an University of Hawaii dorm last month as Brandon Sidney.
The cause of death has been deferred pending further investigation.
Sidney was found unconscious by his roommates in a University of Hawaii dormitory May 21.
Homicide detectives have classified the incident as an unattended death, pending the outcome of the autopsy. Police said initial investigations have not found indications of foul play. University officials have declined to provide any information about Sidney.
Farmer to scan crops from sky
A Hawaii island farmer says he’s ready to incorporate aerial imaging into his agricultural operations.
Richard Ha of Hamakua Springs Country Farms said he has volunteered his 600-acre farm in Pepeekeo for a pilot project using cameras mounted in drones to look for problems in crops.
KITV reported that the small flying machines can detect plant diseases, weed density and nutrition levels in crops.
Ha said information from unmanned aerial vehicles is relayed in real time, allowing problems to be detected more quickly.
Researchers from Cal State University Long Beach are in Hawaii developing a UAV program for use in California.
University of Hawaii staff members also hope to start an unmanned aerial vehicle program.
(Correction: A previous version of this story said the researchers are from Cal State Fullerton.)
Pump station work scheduled
The replacement of valves and auxiliary work at the Hanapepe sewer pump station adjacent to the fire station is scheduled for next week, Kauai County announced.
The weeklong project will begin Monday with work hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., a news release said.
Part of the work will involve the excavation and refilling of the shoulder along Kaumualii Highway. During the work, slight changes will be made to the traffic pattern. Flagmen will be on site directing traffic.
County officials advise motorists to use caution while driving through the area, obey all traffic control devices and flagmen, as well as allow for extra travel time.
Anyone with questions can call Eric Agena at 241-4083.
