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Kauai County to get funds to fight drugs

LIHUE » Kauai County will receive a $1.47 million grant to support the county's anti-drug programs, U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye announced yesterday.

The funds will be used to support an Ice Task Force that targets methamphetamine users. Part of the grant also will be used to hire an additional prosecuting attorney to focus on drug cases. A portion of the money also will be used to promote youth activities, Inouye's office said.

Inouye said announcements on additional funds for other neighbor island counties are forthcoming.

Ridge rejects reports of his resignation

As he wrapped up a three-day Honolulu trip, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge refuted reports out of Washington yesterday that his resignation from President Bush's Cabinet was imminent.

"Those decisions haven't been made," Ridge said. "If and when the decision is made, I would prefer to convey it to the president of the United States, rather than to hear about inaccurate reports from elsewhere.

"So, I have not resigned. Period."

Ridge, who has been in Hawaii since Sunday attending a regional security conference, made similar statements when asked about his Cabinet standing on Monday.

In Washington yesterday, officials close to Ridge said he is ready to return to private life, but may be willing to stay for a few months; Ridge and Bush are expected to talk soon.

Ridge was leaving Hawaii yesterday for meeting at U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Sierra Club presents lesson on solar energy

Learn about using solar energy at home at a free Sierra Club informational session tomorrow.

Participants in this installment in the club's "Sustainable Living" series will receive information on how solar hot-water heaters and photovoltaic systems work, how much they cost, and what rebates and tax credits are available.

The session is presented by Rick Reed, president of Inter-Island Solar Supply, and other solar experts 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the YWCA of Oahu, 1040 Richards St. For information, call 538-6616.

A list of licensed solar contractors is available on the Sierra Club's Web site at www.hi.sierraclub.org/solar.

Haleakala birds star in free slide show

The public is invited to attend a free slide show and lecture Friday on the birds of Haleakala by Dr. Fern Duvall of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

He will also lead a hike to observe the native birds Saturday.

The lecture will be held in the multipurpose room of the Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.

Both the slide show and hike are sponsored by the Friends of Haleakala National Park.

For more information, visit www.fhnp.org or call 572-9724.

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