Senate might OK just a little pot

Possession of small amounts of marijuana would be decriminalized under legislation advancing through the Hawaii Senate.

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed a measure Thursday capping the penalty for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana at $100.

A separate bill that cleared its final Senate committee Monday would permit medical marijuana “;compassion centers”; to dispense the drug.

Both measures will be scheduled for votes before the full Senate next week, and if passed they would move to the House for further consideration.

Hawaii already has a medical marijuana law licensing patients to use the drug, but they are not allowed to buy it. The law allows patients to grow small amounts for personal use.

Monthly Civil Defense siren test goes on today

State Civil Defense will test its emergency sirens at 11:45 a.m. today, as is usual on the first business day of the month.

The siren test is a steady, 45-second tone coordinated with a live audio broadcast on radio and TV stations.

There were complaints Saturday from residents in Waiau, Kalaheo and Kunia that their sirens did not sound to alert them to the tsunami warning after a magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Chile. A state Civil Defense spokeswoman said the faulty sirens would be repaired, but it was unclear when that would happen.

Residents in areas around Campbell Industrial Park, Honokai Hale, Makakilo and Kapolei might also hear a “;whooping”; tone, a test of the hazardous material warning system, today.

Agency wants panelists for pedestrian plan talks

The state Department of Transportation is looking for applicants for a citizen advisory committee that will help the state complete its statewide pedestrian master plan.

The committee will provide input about what should be in the plan, identify areas of concern to pedestrians and recommend projects or programs. A statewide pedestrian master plan will increase pedestrian safety and mobility. It will identify the most critical needs of the highway system and prioritize projects to address the problems, the Transportation Department said.

Persons interested in volunteering for the committee should e-mail the Transportation Department's public affairs office at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 587-2160. Visit hsblinks.com/226 for more information.

Doctors and engineers join Asia-Pacific mission

The Navy plans to send doctors and engineers to six Asia-Pacific nations this year as part of its annual humanitarian aid program.

The U.S. Pacific Fleet said last week that the USNS Mercy hospital ship is due to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and East Timor between June and September. Another vessel is expected to sail to Palau and Papua New Guinea.

The program's doctors will be ready to diagnose ailments, hand out medicine and perform surgeries.

The engineers are prepared to repair schools and clinics as well as build infrastructure needed by the host nations.

The Pacific Fleet has been providing similar humanitarian aid since 2005. The military says the programs allow it to strengthen countries and boost its cooperation with other nations.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Honolulu firm to build road on Big Island

A Honolulu-based defense contractor will build the first phase of Kailua-Kona's Ane Keohokalole Highway.

County officials say Nan Inc. submitted the low bid of $29.9 million for the work. Four companies bid on the project, with the highest bid coming in at $35 million.

Public Works Director Warren Lee says a “;notice to proceed”; is expected to be issued by mid-March. Shortly after the notice, a groundbreaking ceremony is expected to be held.

The project includes building a two-lane, limited-access roadway that will include bike lanes, sidewalks and a multipurpose path. Work is expected to be finished in five years.

Nan has been involved in a number of other local projects, including the recent renovation of the County Building in Hilo.