'Mighty Mo' has 3-month date with dry dock

Following a Sept. 2 ceremony marking the anniversary of the end of World War II, the battleship Missouri will be towed from its museum berth at Ford Island across Pearl Harbor to spend up to three months in dry dock for maintenance.

BAE Systems Ship Repair has the contract to overhaul the 887-foot battleship Missouri.

Preliminary estimates for the work, which will include refurbishing the ship's restrooms for visitor use, is more than $12 million. In addition, the ship's fantail will be equipped with a new tent for ceremonies and events.

The deck of the Missouri was the site of Japan's surrender that ended the Pacific war. The battleship has been berthed at Ford Island since 1998.

The Navy donated the ship to the USS Missouri Memorial Association in 1998, and the nonprofit became responsible for its maintenance.

B&B-ban bill delayed again

A City Council committee has again delayed action on a proposal to lift a prohibition banning bed and breakfasts from operating in residential areas.

The original deadline for action on Bill 6 was Aug. 6, but the Council's Zoning Committee yesterday granted a 90-day extension, saying it needed more time to work on the proposed legislation.

Chairman Rod Tam said he plans to hold a lengthy public hearing on the measure sometime this month.

He said the bill has been reworked so many times he hopes to be able to present all versions of the bill to the public in an understandable manner.

“;I wish to avoid a version that comes as a surprise to anyone,”; Tam said.

The extension also allows time to complete a special election to fill the seat of former Councilman Duke Bainum, who died June 9, before the Council makes a final decision.

The special election will conclude Aug. 7.

State IDs issued in Waipahu

State workers will be at Waipahu High School on July 11 to process applications for state ID cards.

Workers will be at the school from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will only accept cash for the applications. State ID cards cost $10 for senior citizens (age 65 and older), and $15 for everyone else.

Priority will be given to applicants with completed forms and required certified documents. New applicants must bring their Social Security card and a copy of their birth certificate (or resident alien card). For ID card renewals, no other documents are required. For more information, visit www.stateid.hawaii.gov.

Isles get $9.8M for housing

U.S. Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka say the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated more than $9.8 million for “;affordable”; housing in the islands.

The Hawaii Democrats said in a statement yesterday the money is coming from federal economic-stimulus funds, and will encourage the development of affordable rental units in the islands, as well as save and create construction jobs.

It also will allow state housing finance agencies to continue funding affordable rental housing, they said.