First public preschool to open at Kalaeloa

The lease to open the first public preschool at Kalaeloa has been signed, and will serve families from Ewa to Kapolei with infant, toddler and preschool programs.

Hunt Development and Kamaaina Kids have signed a lease to open a Kamaaina Kids preschool in the former Navy facility.

The preschool building, which is about 9,000 square feet, sits on a 1.88-acre lot.

The large lot size will allow Kamaaina Kids to offer amenities such as a large outdoor sports and activity field.

The management of 499 acres in Kalaeloa, formerly known as Barbers Point, was transferred from the Navy to Ford Island Ventures earlier this year, and Hunt Development Group is developing the property for Ford Island Ventures.

New commander named for Hickam Air Force Base

Air Force Maj. Gen. Herbert J. “;Hawk”; Carlisle has been nominated to be the next commander of the 13th Air Force at Hickam Air Force Base.

The appointment means a promotion to lieutenant general and is subject to U.S. Senate confirmation. Carlisle, who is now legislative liaison with the office of the secretary of the Air Force, will replace Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, who is retiring.

Carlisle graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1978 and is an F-15 command pilot with more than 3,400 flying hours. He holds a master's degree in business administration from Golden Gate University.

The 13th Air Force is responsible for air operations throughout the Pacific and Asia, except for those on the Korean peninsula.

Neighbor island watch

LIHUE » The Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program will become permanent on Kauai following a pilot program that ended last month, Kauai County said. About 450 pairs of used athletic shoes were collected between March 13 and April 26. The shoes are sent to a recycling facility in Oregon and made into other products, including cushioning for outdoor basketball and tennis courts. Old rubber-sole shoes can still be dropped off. See kauai.gov or call 241-4841.

HILO » Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi presented U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo with a koa wood key to Hawaii County Monday. Kenoi, County Prosecutor Jay Kimura and police Chief Harry Kubojiri thanked Kubo for his assistance in law enforcement efforts on the Big Island including establishing the Weed and Seed anti-drug program in Pahoa. Kubo plans to retire on the Big Island.

WAILUKU » Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares and members of her administration will be featured in an upcoming episode of Al Gore's “;CurrentTV”; discussing the county's past and future efforts to reduce its dependence on imported oil. Tavares will also be featured in the documentary film “;Power,”; due out later this year.