Vog, wind and fires harm Kona air

Light winds, vog and smoke from two brush fires are causing poor air quality on the Big Island.

Big Island Civil Defense officials are advising residents in Kona who might be affected by the smoky air to stay indoors and use an air conditioner.

The National Weather Service forecasts light wind conditions to continue until Thursday.

Recent flare-ups within the firebreaks at the Hokukano and Kealakekua brush fires are causing smoke problems for Kona residents, especially in the early-morning hours, officials said.

The light winds also mean the volcanic emissions from Kilauea are lingering.

Residents sensitive to smoke are also being advised to limit physical exertion, drink plenty of fluids, and to make sure medications are readily available.

Teens raise $18,000 for homeless

Two Punahou School students generated more than $18,000 from a race-walk fundraiser they recently organized to help the homeless.

Sophomores Tama Fukuyama and Maya Grossmann, who are both involved in cross country and track, organized the event to benefit homeless families at the Institute of Human Services. The 5K event was held Dec. 20 at Manoa Valley District Park. More than 360 people participated.

The teens organized the event entirely on their own, meeting with the neighborhood board, obtaining permits and insurance, and recruiting sponsors and volunteers. “;The sponsors, volunteers and runners were amazing. We are ecstatic with the results,”; Fukuyama said in a news release.

Kaneohe school earns star rating

Kaneohe Elementary School is the first Hawaii school to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Mitchell Otani, principal of Kaneohe, said: “;Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while lowering our energy costs. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Michael Chong from the Chong Group for making our school an ENERGY STAR.”;

The award signifies that the school's energy performance rates in the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide, a news release said. ENERGY STAR commercial buildings use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The school's administration building was constructed and designed as a low-energy building that takes advantage of natural air ventilation and uses fans in lieu of air conditioning. To date, the school has reduced its annual energy bill by $14,822, the news release said.