Newswatch
Hawaii Republicans have distanced themselves from their dominant Democratic counterparts by approving a platform that opposes tax increases and that calls for a vote on a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage, a matter now before the state courts.
Isle Republicans also concluded their three-day state convention yesterday by approving a plank that supports random drug testing for welfare recipients to ensure that government funds "go to provide support (for) needy children instead of their parents' drug dealers."
Democrats, at their convention a week earlier, supported resolutions to raise taxes to help fund health and human services that have been slashed by budget cuts.
A comparison graph of party issues can be viewed here.
The proposal has civil-rights attorney Dan Foley scratching his head.
Gov. Ben Cayetano approved new rules last month that ban all sales of T-shirts, soft drinks and other merchandise at state parks. But the rules allow the department some leeway.
"It's more than ironic," said Foley. "It undermines their purpose for keeping others out. ... They don't violate their rule, but they make it easier for someone to challenge it."
They're outraged by the $10 million cost, and worried that a rock wall instead of a traditional guardrail would destroy the road's scenic views. The path would run for 2.5 miles from Hanauma Bay to Sandy Beach.
Eve Decoursey of the Hawaii Bicycling League says bikers would like a path there but wouldn't support the cost.
State Rep. Gene Ward says the money could be better spent elsewhere.
State Highways Chief Hugh Ono says the state is reviewing options before proceeding. The guardrail has already had to be replaced once because of rust from exposure to the salt air.
The state is paying $2 million of the cost; the rest is from the federal government.
The child was taken to Kapiolani Hospital in critical condition.
The case was first reported to Fire Department paramedics about 12:30 p.m. yesterday when the infant began suffering seizures at a Waianuenue Avenue apartment complex, police said.
Philimena Haili, 50, died of multiple gunshot wounds in the garage of her home.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots at about 10 p.m. Police arrived at the scene to find Haili's husband holding a gun in the driveway of 1544 Akahele Place.