Investment probe sought

The state Senate is asking the state attorney general to investigate the Lingle administration's handling of $1 billion in student loan-backed securities that have dropped in value.

The Senate passed the resolution 24-1 on Friday. It does not carry the force of law, and Attorney General Mark Bennett would not have to comply.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 233 says the attorney general should take legal action following the investigation if appropriate.

State Auditor Marion Higa wrote in an audit last month that Gov. Linda Lingle's top budget aides violated policy and might have broken state law in buying the investments, which had lost at least $255 million in value as of late last year.

Lingle has said Higa does not understand the state's finances.

66 rare species reviewed

The federal government is reviewing the status of 66 endangered and threatened species in Hawaii, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana islands.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must review the status of listed species every five years to determine whether their classification is appropriate.

The agency said last week the Hawaii species include multiple varieties of the pomace fly and dozens of plants, including several varieties of haha, oha wai and akoko.

The review will consider issues like population trends, distribution, habitats, threats and conservation measures.

Hawaii has more endangered species than any other state.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Big Isle's sale of land fails to draw bids

HILO » A second attempt by Hawaii County to sell off public land to help balance its budget has come up empty.

Property Manager Ken Van Bergen says no bids were received for six parcels up for sale Wednesday.

It was the same story March 31 when six other parcels received no bids. The last of the 15 parcels are scheduled to be sold Wednesday. A sealed-bid auction for any remaining properties is set for May 24.

Van Bergen says the lack of bids could mean would-be buyers believe minimum bids set for the parcels are too high.

The values were set by an independent appraisal conducted last July by ACM Consultants Inc.

The land was acquired by the county as part of a 1994 tax settlement with bankrupt Hamakua Sugar Co.