Kaiser to begin renovations

The second phase of expansion and renovation of Kaiser Permanente's Moanalua Medical Center will begin this spring.

The center's six-floor ancillary wing will see refurbishment of 158,000 square feet and addition of more than 80 patient beds, family waiting areas, a meditation room, advanced imaging technology and an outdoor garden lanai for patients and staff, Kaiser announced.

The first phase of the project was completed in April 2008 with a new six-story, 134,000-sqare-foot tower.

Susan Murray, Kaiser Permanente's regional hospital administrator and vice president of quality and service, said the second phase “;will add more private rooms, state-of-the-art imaging technology and other amenities, with design elements including warmer furnishings and soft lighting, all serving to provide high-quality care to create a total healing environment.”;

The $140 million Phase II project is expected to be completed in late 2011.

Jellyfish cause Hanauma to close

City officials were to reassess conditions at Hanauma Bay this morning to decide whether to reopen it after scores of box jellyfish on the shoreline and in the ocean prompted city lifeguards to shut down the beach yesterday.

Ocean safety and lifeguard officials posted warning signs at the bay at about 7:30 a.m. yesterday.

Officials said more than 400 box jellyfish were also found at Yokohama Bay on the Waianae Coast, with smaller numbers at Ala Moana and Waikiki beaches.

Jellyfish stings can cause allergic reactions in some people.

People stung are advised to flush the sting area with lots of white vinegar, the city Emergency Services Department said.

Anyone having difficulty breathing or muscle spasms should get immediate medical attention, the city said.

Public information about ocean conditions is available at 922-3888, ext. 51, or at www.hawaiibeachsafety.org.

Volunteers sought for bay program

Residents who enjoy Hanauma Bay have an opportunity to help protect it and educate visitors about marine resources as volunteers for the University of Hawaii Sea Grant Hanauma Bay Education Program.

Training sessions will be held on Saturday mornings through February for new interpretive guide volunteers. Sessions will be at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and will cover the history and geology of the bay, reef ecology and Hawaiian culture.

Volunteers need no experience, but a six-month commitment with four hours per week is required. Shifts run from 8 a.m. to noon and noon to 4 p.m. daily except Tuesday, when the park is closed.

Volunteers especially are needed now on weekends, said Cindy Knapman, the program's communications leader.

For more information, contact Morgan Mamizuka, volunteer coordinator, at 394-1374, by e-mail at hbvp@ hawaii.edu or see www.HanaumaBayEducation.org.

Shipwreck sites focus of exhibit

A new exhibit on shipwreck sites and the maritime heritage of Papahanau- mokuakea Marine National Monument opened Friday in Hilo.

Bells from two ships that sank in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands years ago will be on display in the exhibit, called “;Lost on a Reef.”;

More than 60 ships and 67 planes have sunk in the monument over the past 200 years.

The exhibit is at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center downtown.

A new film on the monument's maritime heritage is also part of the exhibit.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Maui seeks energy audits for facilities

Maui County is soliciting bids for energy audits of 12 county facilities, including fire stations, senior centers and a community center.

The county hopes to use the audits to increase energy efficiency, according to a county press release.

Money for the audits was provided by federal stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The deadline for proposals from qualified vendors is 4 p.m. Feb. 26. Proposals will be accepted by the Department of Finance, Purchasing Division at the Wells Street Professional Center, 2145 Wells St., Suite 104, in Wailuku.

Solicitation documents are available at the office or online at www.maui-county.gov/bids/aspx.