State Rep. William Stonebraker (R, Hawaii Kai) will have a story from the South Seas to share with colleagues when the state Legislature begins another special session today. Isle legislator works for
rights of civilians in
Marshall IslandsStonebraker recently returned from a diplomatic visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where he met with RMI officials to encourage closer relations with Hawaii.
Part of the talks focused on how to handle civilians working at Kwajalein Atoll if they are charged with criminal activity. Some 2,500 civilians work there and are subject to Hawaii law. But there are no formal guidelines on how to transfer them here if they are accused of a crime, he said.
Stonebraker pledged to adopt this block of civilians so they can be heard when there are issues that directly affect them.
Hamakua ditch fix: The state has released $1.8 million for repairs to the Lower Hamakua Ditch Watershed. The money will be used to repair lining in the ditch and repair structure flumes.
"This is great news for the farmers and ranchers," said state Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye (D, North Kona-North Hilo).
The ditch provides irrigation water for agricultural businesses along the Hamakua Coast. Once it is fixed, water will flow once again to Paauilo from Waipio Valley. Many small businesses produced papayas, talapia, cattle and vegetable crops in Paauilo up until the ditch fell into disrepair.
The $1.8 million will be matched by $2 million from the federal government. The project began in early October and is expected to be completed next summer.
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