Hawaii excels in use of seat belts

Hawaii had the second-highest rate of seat belt use in the country last year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Hawaii's use of seat belts reached 97 percent, behind only Michigan at 97.2 percent.

Several states have pushed for tougher laws that allow law enforcement officers to stop motorists whose sole offense was failing to buckle up. In 27 states and the District of Columbia, there are such enforcement laws.

The remaining states have laws that allow tickets for seat belt violations only if motorists are stopped for other offenses.

Seat belt use in 2008 climbed to 83 percent, an all-time high. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia had rates of 90 percent or better.

$10 million goes to stadium repair

Gov. Linda Lingle has released $10 million in additional design and construction funds for various health and safety improvements at Aloha Stadium.

Lingle said yesterday that the improvements are aimed at keeping Hawaii's largest outdoor arena safe and comfortable for spectators and participants.

She says the work will also ensure the stadium's continued operation as the primary host of major sporting and entertainment events in the state.

The projects include structural upgrades and re-coating corroded steel surfaces. The cost is estimated at more than $19 million. Design work is scheduled to be completed in October, with construction set to begin in March. Completion is set for August 2011.

Hunters sought to take aim at goats

The state is inviting archers and shooters to help control a feral goat population in an area known as Hunting Unit F in Waimea Canyon on Kauai.

Hunting will be limited to weekends and state holidays, a Department of Land and Natural Resources news release said.

Archers can hunt until May 31, and shooters will be able to hunt June 6 to 28.

Hunters need to show a valid hunting license and sign an animal control permit at the Lihue Division of Forestry and Wildlife office at 3060 Eiwa St., Room 306, in Lihue. Participation is unlimited.

The Kauai Aquatic Life and Wildlife Advisory Committee recommended the animal control measure on March 5.

For questions, call the Lihue office of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 274-3433 or check under “;announcements”; on the DLNR Web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw.

State ID cards available in Ewa

State officials will go on the road monthly to make it easier for island residents to apply for state identification cards.

Personnel from the ID office of the Department of the Attorney General will be at Campbell High School in Ewa Beach on April 18 to receive applications. They will be at the school cafeteria from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A new applicant must complete the application form and bring an original Social Security card and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate, or resident alien card if applicable.

To renew a current ID card, no documents are required if there has been no change in name or citizenship.

Changes in status or name due to marriage, divorce, adoption or citizenship must be supported by a certified government document. For detailed information call 587-3111 or visit http://www.stateid.hawaii.gov.

The cost is $15 in cash, $10 for people 65 and older.

Community outreach days will also be held on upcoming Saturdays:

» May 9, Kamaile Elementary School, Waianae

» June 6, Enchanted Lake Elementary School, Kailua

» July 11, Waipahu High School