The Maui Invasive Species Project has received $895,000 from the county Office of Economic Development, part of $2 million in grants for the second half of the fiscal year.
The mission of the project, under the auspices of the University of Hawaii, is to detect and control invasive species in Maui County that “threatens the environment, agriculture, economy and quality of life, while educating the public on invasive species issues,” the county announced.
Another $300,000 went specifically to the UH Coqui Frog Eradication Project to fund pest control around Maliko Gulch.
The grants also included $305,000 to the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to help Maui’s farmers and ranchers stay competitive.
More than $53,000 went to the restoration and maintenance of Iao Theater. Other grants went to the friends of Old Maui High School ($65,000), the Maui Economic Development Board $45,000), the 4-H Upcountry Fair ($32,000), the West Maui Youth Theater ($17,000) and the Makawao Paniolo Parade ($10,000).
“These economic development grants are a vital way that our tax dollars help create jobs and sustain our local economy,” Mayor Alan Arakawa said in a statement. “Funds have helped preserve our environment and open space, support our small businesses, and share our host culture with residents and visitors. I’m pleased to see how far these funds go toward strengthening our community on many levels.”
Molester failed to update data on Kauai
A Kapaa man was arrested this week for failing to keep his registration current as a sex offender, the Kauai Police Department announced Friday.
In custody was Herbert A. Daligdig, 61.
The police and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted a check of the 142 sex offenders on Kauai and found 137 to have current registrations.
Five could not be found and are the subject of an ongoing investigation, the county said.
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, an agency of the state Department of the Attorney General, keeps a public listing of all registered sex offenders in the state. To search for a registered sex offender, visit the HCJDC website at ag.hawaii.gov/hcjdc.
