Authorities close pot-growing sites

WAILUKU » Maui police and state drug agents have recently shut down two indoor marijuana-growing operations discovered in the residences of medical marijuana patients.

Officials say in both cases, the amounts of marijuana seized exceeded the legal limit for medical use.

A 32-year-old man was arrested and about 140 plants were seized at a Kihei home that was searched Wednesday.

On Feb. 11, police arrested a 61-year-old man and seized 12 mature plants, 1 ounce of processed marijuana and growing equipment at a Makawao home.

Under state law, a patient registered to use marijuana for medical purposes can have no more than three mature plants, four immature plants and 1 ounce of usable marijuana for each mature plant.

Big Isle hospital to get new CEO

John White, chief executive officer of Samaritan Healthcare, a 50-bed acute care hospital in Washington state, has been named chief executive officer of North Hawaii Community Hospital, effective April 15.

He will succeed Ron Vigus, who has served as interim CEO of the Big Island hospital since last July.

Bob Momsen, president of the hospital board of directors, said its top goal has been to find “;a leader who embraces the mission of the hospital and can help us re-establish a trusting and open relationship with the staff, the physicians and the overall community.”;

Waipahu teacher wins biotech honor

Waipahu High School teacher Michael Sana won the 2009 Biotechnology Explorer Award sponsored by Bio-Rad Laboratories and the National Science Teachers Association.

Sana teaches Advanced Placement biology and general biology. The award recognizes a teacher who customizes instruction for students of all levels, brings cutting-edge biotech applications and exercises into the classroom and motivates and trains fellow teachers.

Sana will be honored in March at a banquet in New Orleans.