Senators decry tourism cuts

Slashing funding for high-visibility visitor programs as proposed by the Hawaii Tourism Authority will hurt efforts to attract repeat visitors, say state senators who oversee tourism.

Sen. Clarence Nishihara (D, Waipahu-Pearl City-Crestview), chairman of the Senate Tourism Committee, and Sen. Donna Mercado Kim (D, Moanalua-Aiea-Fort Shafter-Kalihi Valley-Halawa Valley), the former vice chairwoman, asked the authority to reverse its decision to slash funding for several popular programs.

The authority recently announced it would cut about $17 million to fund Sunset on the Beach, evening hula and torch-lighting in Waikiki, and Hawaiian entertainment and greeters at airports and harbors.

Nishihara and Kim, the new Senate Ways and Means Committee chairwoman, suggested in a news release that the authority's action appears to be an effort by Gov. Linda Lingle to micromanage tourism.

“;These are high-visibility events that build warm and lasting memories for our visitors,”; Nishihara said. “;They make Hawaii someplace special and encourage visitors to come back. ... We need to set ourselves apart (from competing destinations) and these programs are one way we do that.”;

Kim said, “;When we start cutting back on programs that give visitors a sense of Hawaii as a special place, we're threatening our brand.”;

UH aims to improve bomb-finding

The University of Hawaii's Applied Research Laboratory is trying to develop a technique to detect improvised explosive devices, or roadside bombs.

UH officials say the lab will work with two university partners, Arkansas State and Florida A&M, and three private companies to develop the technique.

Officials say that if successful, the new detection method would provide greater safety to civilians and military personnel, and could also be used to safeguard airports and harbors. The lab wants to use multiple optical methods to rapidly detect the chemical signature of the bombs at a safe distance so they can be properly contained and disposed.

It says non-explosive material will be used for tests, so UH will not use or store any explosive material.

Trial in Kauai man's killing to end

SAN DIEGO » Lawyers for a man accused of murdering former Hawaii surfer Emery Kauanui will present closing arguments tomorrow in a California courtroom.

Seth Cravens struck Kauanui in the head with such force that the surfer hit the pavement with “;a thud, a sickening, hollow thud,”; prosecutor Sophia Roach told jurors Friday.

Raised on Kauai and nicknamed the “;Flying Hawaiian,”; Kauanui, 24, was a fixture at San Diego's Windansea Beach, just a few blocks from his house, where his favorite surf break is now called “;Emery's Left.”;

Four others were initially charged with murder but pleaded guilty to lesser charges and were sentenced in September to between 90 and 249 days in jail.

If convicted of murder, Cravens, who did not testify during the trial, faces 15 years to life in prison. He is also charged with assault, battery and making a criminal threat for fights dating to 2005.

2 libraries get $195,600 in repairs

The state is spending $195,600 in improvements to Waipahu and Wahiawa public libraries.

The work includes renovations to increase accessibility for disabled people, as well as electrical and book-drop improvements, and the installation of emergency lights and fire-alarm stations. The state has previously released $73,300 for the projects.

Construction is scheduled to begin in February and be completed in October, according to a news release from the governor's office.