Harbors and parks get $1M for fixes

The state is spending more than $1 million for improvements to recreation areas and boat harbors on Oahu and the Big Island.

Gov. Linda Lingle says the projects will build on continuing efforts of the Department of Land and Natural Resources to improve recreation for residents and visitors. She says they will also help ensure the continued safety of park and small boat harbor facilities.

Two-thirds of the money, or $850,000, is designated as construction funds to replace the sewer and water system at Oahu's Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor.

The other Oahu projects will be at the Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area and the Sand Island Ocean Recreation Park. Work will also be done at the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor and the Honokohau Small Boat Harbor on the Big Island.

Sewage spills into 2 Oahu streams

Warning signs were posted yesterday after 150 gallons of sewage entered Nuuanu Stream.

A vandalized access pipe yesterday morning caused the spill into Pauoa Stream, which flows into Nuuanu Stream, a state Department of Health news release said.

The public was warned to stay out of Nuuanu Stream from Kuakini Bridge to Honolulu Harbor.

Neighbor island watch

WAILUKU » An update on improvements to Haleakala Highway will be presented Wednesday by Charlene Shibuya of the state Highways Division. The public meeting of the Governor's Maui Community Advisory Council will be held at 5 p.m. at Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. Shibuya, assistant district engineer in the Maui District Office, will also give updates on the Airport Access Road, Hana Highway, Upcountry-Kihei Highway, Haliimaile Road to Kihei and the Paia Relief Route.

HILO » Traffic will be slower due to roadwork beginning today on Hawaii Belt Road. The work, which continues daily through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., affects Volcano-bound traffic near Panaewa, Kahawailiilii Bridge near Honokaa, Honokaa-bound traffic near Maulua Bay and Waiaka Bridge near Waimea. Road work will also slow traffic on Queen Kaahumanu Highway at Henry Street in Kona.

NAWILIWILI » Volunteers picked up beer bottles, cigarette butts and other trash from the rocks at Nawiliwili Harbor Saturday in a pre-Earth Day effort coordinated by environmental groups and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Garden Island newspaper reported that sunny weather favored the volunteers from the Surfrider Foundation, the Sierra Club and the Nawiliwili Harbor Yacht Club.

UH talks focus on climate shift

Climate change is the topic of two talks this week at University of Hawaii campuses.

“;Helping Vulnerable Communities Adapt to Climate Change”; will be the subject of a free lecture celebrating Earth Week at 5:30 p.m. today at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Speaking will be Maxine Burkett, new director of the Center for Island Climate Adaptation and Policy and professor of law in the school's Environmental Law Program.

UH-Manoa meteorology professor Kevin Hamilton will discuss “;Our Climate Dilemma: What We Know and What Options Remain”; from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Windward Community College, Hale Akoakoa, Room 101. Hamilton is interim director of the International Pacific Research Center.