HAWAII

Deadline looms to be in parade

Groups wishing to participate in President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., have until noon Hawaii time on Tuesday to get their applications in.

The organization that is coordinating the parade, the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee, extended its deadline for the public to submit applications.

About 400 applications have been received so far for the Jan. 20 event, but the organizers would like representatives from each state.

Applicants have traditionally included local groups from across the country, including school and community marching bands, floats and a variety of performers who fit into a parade format, as well as nontraditional parade groups such as vocal ensembles, hand-bell choirs and orchestras.

Those interested in participating must send photos, videos or audio clips along with the application.

All applications are organized by AFIC and presented to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, whose members ultimately select the participants.

To submit an application, go to the AFIC Web site at www.afic.northcom.mil/participation/parade.html. For other parade application questions, contact the AFIC band control office at (202) 691-2247.

7-0 vote revives biotech crop ban

The Big Island County Council voted 7-0 yesterday afternoon to override Mayor Harry Kim's veto of the bill to ban research or grow genetically modified taro and coffee on the Big Island.

The bill makes it a criminal violation punishable by a $1,000 fine.

Councilmen Stacy Higa and Donald Ikeda were not present for the vote.

Councilman Pete Hoffmann said about 85 percent of the 100 testifiers—many coffee and taro farmers—yesterday spoke out “;very strongly”; of their concerns of testing coffee and taro, in addition to the hundreds of e-mails and written testimony against the mayor's veto.

The vote was “;a disappointment because we have to think global, and I really believe Hawaii has a very special role of food as well as other things,”; Kim said. “;I'm sorry that did not happen.”;

UH-Manoa to hold open house

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is holding its first campuswide open house tomorrow to showcase itself to Oahu high school students.

What the university is calling the “;Manoa Experience”; will feature an academic open house, campus and dorm tours, financial aid and admissions specialists, and an activities fair.

“;This is a terrific opportunity for potential students to visit our campus and discover the many reasons they should consider Manoa as a 'first-choice' destination,”; UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said in a news release.

The event starts at 8 a.m. with a welcoming ceremony at the Stan Sheriff Center and goes to 2:30 p.m.

The activities fair will feature information booths by student services programs, student clubs and organizations, athletics, the Rainbowtique, and food vendors from the campus' food services.

There will be prize drawings from the Rainbowtique and Athletics and entertainment by Kahiau and Kapena. Radio personalities from 102.7 Da Bomb will be deejays for this event.

For more information, visit www.hawaii.edu/admrec/rsvp_manoa_experience.html or contact Merrissa Uchimura, events coordinator, Office of School and College Services, at 956-7137 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Vets, internees offered diplomas

The state Department of Education is offering symbolic diplomas for veterans and former internees from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

A Kupono Diploma Program announced yesterday grants honorary high school diplomas to war veterans and others whose schooling was interrupted because of internment in relocation camps during World War II.

“;We will never be able to repay our debt to veterans and former internees who changed the world forever through their dedicated service and allegiance to our country,”; state Sen. Norman Sakamoto said in a news release. “;The Kupono Diploma is a small token of our gratitude to Hawaii's unsung heroes.”;

The program originated from Act 101, passed by the Legislature in 2007. The Hawaiian word “;kupono”; means “;honest, upright, decent and reliable.”;

The Education Department is encouraging current or former Hawaii residents who are eligible for the program to apply for the free diploma. Diplomas may also be awarded posthumously to the family of a veteran or former internee. Veterans or former internees who completed a general education diploma also are eligible.

Applications, which will be accepted any time, must be submitted no later than Jan. 30 by those wishing to participate in a planned graduation ceremony in May.

NATION

Senate resignation is set for Sunday

CHICAGO » President-elect Barack Obama said yesterday that he will resign from the Senate effective Sunday.

In a statement, the junior Illinois senator called his four-year term “;one of the highest honors and privileges”; of his life and said the people of Illinois will stay with him as he leaves the Senate to begin his work as president.

Under state law, Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich will name Obama's replacement for the remaining two years of his term. Blagojevich has said he expects to make a decision by year's end, and has ruled out appointing himself. Obama, elected in 2004, is the only black senator.

His resignation reduces the Democratic majority to a bare minimum for the post-election session that begins next week. The party retains control as long as Independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut sides with it.

Blagojevich's appointee would serve until the next national election in 2010.