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Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
Harris vetoes bill to cap city spending
Mayor Jeremy Harris has vetoed two bills that would have capped the city's operating budget and limit debt in its construction budget."These bills are unworkable and unnecessary," Harris wrote in his veto message to the Council.
But Councilman Charles Djou, who introduced the measures, vowed to muster enough votes to override the mayor's veto.
"His analysis is completely incorrect," Djou said. "The mayor is flat-out wrong."
The Council voted 5-4 to pass the measure earlier this month. Six votes are needed to override a veto.
Djou said the spending and debit limits are necessary for the city's long-term financial health. But Harris said the bills would have a negative impact on the city and jeopardize the its credit rating.
$2.5 million purchase of Aiea land made final
The state's purchase of five lots at the former Aiea Sugar Mill for $2.5 million has been finalized, the property's landowner announced yesterday.State officials have said they would preserve the site for public use, including a possible library. The property was home to the sugar mill and refinery for nearly 100 years.
Gov. Linda Lingle announced last month that she would release the money for the purchase from Bank of Hawaii, citing the site's significance.
In 2001 the bank gained title to the land from Crazy Shirts in lieu of foreclosing on a $38 million loan to the financially strapped retailer, which has since declared bankruptcy.
Last year, the bank sold eight lots at the former mill's grounds to the City and County of Honolulu for the proposed Aiea Town Center.
"The combined sales of these parcels will ensure that the vast majority of this historic site will be preserved for public use," said Bank of Hawaii Vice Chairman Bill Nelson.
"This will give the residents of Aiea more options as to how that land can be utilized and bring them closer to realizing their vision of developing a community center."
[ TAKING NOTICE ]
>> The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released nearly $13.7 million in funding for the research and management of Hawaii's fisheries and ocean resources. The grants will cover the study of the endangered monk seal, coral reef health and management, physical oceanography and climate change. The funds will also be used to protect the endangered sea turtle population while supporting the fishing industry.
>> Ka'ala Farm Inc. in Waianae has received $25,000 from First Hawaiian Foundation, the charitable arm of First Hawaiian Bank, for the purchase of a parcel of land. The land will be used to develop the organization's Cultural Learning Center programs, which are focused on teaching children the values and practices of their Hawaiian ancestors.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffNEIGHBOR ISLANDS
A 52-year-old Hilo man has been charged with first-degree terroristic threatening for allegedly making a bomb threat Tuesday at a Big Island bank.
Hilo man is charged in bomb threat at bankDavid Austin Lenhard is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
Hilo police arrested Lenhard on Tuesday on Kilauea Avenue about four hours after a man made a bomb threat at the American Savings Bank on Pauahi Street. Charges were filed Thursday.
Police say that Lenhard walked into the bank about 8:30 a.m. and told employees that there were explosives set to detonate in his safety deposit box.
He then left on foot, and employees called police and shut down the bank, which remained closed all day, according to police.
Nearby businesses also closed because of the alleged threat.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
