President's sister lends voice to Schatz

Tens of thousands of Hawaii Democrats will soon be hearing the voice of President Barack Obama's half sister asking them to support Democratic lieutenant-gubernatorial candidate Brian Schatz.

A 37-second automated call was recorded by Maya Soetoro-Ng, who campaigned extensively for Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign.

During the robo-call, Soetoro-Ng does not mention that she is Obama's kin, but lauds Schatz as someone guided by his roots in Hawaii.

Schatz says the calls began Thursday and will go to Obama supporters who are likely to know who Soetoro-Ng is. He says her message will later be made into radio advertisements.

A Schatz spokesman says Soetoro-Ng has returned to Hawaii after spending part of last year in Washington.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Suit alleges utility failed to help birds

Four groups plan to sue the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative alleging the company has failed to prevent deaths of rare native seabirds.

Hui Hoomalu i ka Aina, Conservation Council for Hawaii, the Center for Biological Diversity and the American Bird Conservancy are being represented by Earthjustice.

They sent the utility a notice Wednesday declaring their intention to sue.

They charge the utility has long refused to implement measures to protect Hawaiian petrels and Newells' shearwaters from fatal collisions with power lines.

They argue this alleged failure violates the federal Endangered Species Act.

The cooperative says it is developing a bird protection plan with the help of state and federal agencies and has already taken steps to protect the birds.