Hawaii has received $4.1 million for AmeriCorps projects from the federal agency that oversees volunteering and service programs.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced the appropriation Friday from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
“This federal funding will support educational opportunities for students, increase environmental stewardship, and help low-income individuals and families receive access to key legal resources, and is an investment in Hawaii’s future,” Hirono said in a statement.
The federal investment includes three grants totaling $2 million that will support 490 AmeriCorps members.
CNCS will also provide up to $1.5 million in education scholarships for the AmeriCorps members to help pay for college, vocational training or student loans. The funding also includes $645,437 for the governor-appointed Hawaii Commission on National and Community Service.
Currently, 109 AmeriCorps members teach in 38 high-needs schools on Oahu and Hawaii island as part of Teach for America Hawaii. Another 18 AmeriCorps members help low-income individuals and families navigate the justice system as part of Project Kaulike.
Under the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps, 363 AmeriCorps members will improve Hawaii’s public lands and promote environmental stewardship.
HAWAII ISLAND
No one hurt as fire destroys Pahoa home
An early-morning fire destroyed a one-story home in Pahoa on Saturday. Firefighters responding to a 4:05 a.m. emergency call found the Moho Road residence engulfed in flames.
The Hawaii County Fire Department dispatched nine companies staffed with 11 personnel — plus six volunteer firefighters — to the scene. The fire was brought under control at 4:27 a.m. and extinguished by 4:45 a.m.
No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated at $67,000.
Judge hands man 15 years in meth case
A Hilo man has been sentenced to 15 years and eight months in prison for possession of more than 5 pounds of methamphetamine.
Lathan Laimana Rosa, 39, pleaded guilty to the charge in July. U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor handed down the sentence May 26.
As part of his plea deal, Rosa will get credit for time served in state prison for felony theft. That term runs through May 1, 2019.
According to court documents, postal inspectors obtained a search warrant on July 21 for two priority mail envelopes sent from Las Vegas, one to Hilo, the other to Keaau, and both addressed to phony names.
A postal inspector posing as a mail carrier delivered the first package to Rosa’s former workplace in Hilo and arrested Rosa and another individual who accepted the parcel for him, documents state. The parcels collectively contained more than 5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, or ice.
KAUAI
Mariners swim to safety after boat flips
Two fishermen swam to shore after their boat capsized Saturday evening off Kapaa, the Kauai Fire Department reported.
Three units responded to the report of boaters in distress off Pono Kai Resort at about 7 p.m., Fire Chief Robert Westerman said by email. When the crews arrived at the scene, they found the bow of the boat bobbing in the ocean about 200 yards outside the Lihi Canal.
On shore they found the boat owner and his passenger, who had made their way to safety without injury. The fishermen said they were heading into Lihi Canal when a large wave overturned their boat.
