Go! passenger traffic jumps 11.9%

Mesa Air Group's interisland carrier go! showed a healthy gain in passenger traffic in February.

The 56,052 passengers carried represented a near 12 percent gain over the 50,090 carried in February of last year. Its February 2009 load factor — or percentage of seats filled — was up to 66.2 percent from 65.9 percent a year ago.

The airline's available seat miles — or one seat transported one mile — rose 9.4 percent to 12 million from 11 million, while revenue passenger miles — or one paying passenger transported one mile — went up nearly 10 percent, to 8 million from 7.2 million the previous February.

Lavaman Keauhou set for September

The Hawaii Sports Connection is launching the Lavaman Keauhou triathlon Sept. 13 on the Big Island.

The Lavaman Keauhou includes an Olympic-distance 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike and 10-kilometer run, traversing a course steeped in Hawaiian history.

“;Over the past 11 years, Lavaman has dedicated its resources to upholding the tradition of great triathlons here on the Big Island.”; said Hawaii Sports Connection founder Gerry Rott. “;Lavaman Waikoloa opens triathlon season, and Lavaman Keauhou, scheduled the month prior to Ironman, will add tremendous excitement to end of season racing.'

The new event is expected to bring about 500 athletes in September to Keauhou Resort, a 2,400-acre property owned by the for-profit arm of Kamehameha Schools.

HCDA to decide on Kalaeloa shuttle

The Hawaii Community Development Authority is expected to decide this morning whether or not to fund two shuttle vans for the homeless in Kalaeloa.

A total of $60,000 is being sought for the purchase of two 15-passenger vans that would help transport shelter residents to and from the Kapolei transit station, where they can catch a bus to school and work.

Currently, no city and county bus travels the 2.5-mile stretch out to the four shelters in Kalaeloa, and the roads are devoid of sidewalks or bike lanes.

“;From my perspective it's a very worthwhile thing, and I view it as consistent with HCDA's mission as far as Kalaeloa is concerned,”; said state comptroller and homeless solutions coordinator Russ Saito.

Currently, nonprofit group H5 (Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope) uses two diesel vans donated by Roberts Hawaii to shuttle 100 to 200 residents a day. One of those vans is in the shop to replace its tire.

Authority board members debated whether to fund the vans last month and could not agree, postponing the decision to today. If approved, the funds would be transferred to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.