Cleanup nets 1,500 pounds of trash

Navy divers and SEALs removed 1,500 pounds of trash Monday during a cleanup of Honolulu Harbor.

The cleanup, coordinated by Wikoliana Educational Excursions, was in celebration of World Earth Day.

According to Ian Jeffrey Lansdown, owner of Wikoliana, divers spent five to six hours retrieving items such as window frames and various metal pieces, and used the project as an extra training opportunity. The Navy had such a good experience cleaning the harbor, it offered to come back quarterly to do this, said Lansdown. He said the other sponsors are on board, too.

School kids vote 'Inkheart' as favorite

Young readers in Hawaii picked a popular fantasy novel as winner of the 2009 Nene Award.

“;Inkheart,”; by Cornelia Funke, was announced as the winner at the 44th annual Nene Award ceremony last month at the Windward Community College Paliku Theatre.

Some 7,550 children in grades 4 through 6 cast ballots at 105 public and school libraries.

The 2003 novel is one of several by the German author whose stories have made the New York Times bestseller list.

“;The City of Ember,”; by Jeanne DuPrau, was second in the voting and given the Nene Honor Book Award.

About 30 students received awards in poster, essay, digital arts and performance contests linked to the 2008 Nene Award-winning book.

The corporate sponsor of the award, Perma-Bound Books, presented copies of the winning book to all participating libraries and schools.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Kauai County gets half back on new A/C

Kauai County received a $11,483.50 rebate yesterday for installing an energy-efficient air conditioner and matching condenser in the Kauai bus administration building, according to a news release.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. received a check from the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.

“;We are very pleased that our Transportation Agency worked closely with KIUC in determining the appropriately sized air-conditioning unit for their space,”; said Carvalho. “;This resulted in a tremendous savings to the county.”;

The Mitsubishi units were purchased for $22,967, and officials expect the investment to pay for itself within three years. Officials estimate that the air conditioner and condenser will reduce kilowatt hours by 20 percent annually.