Barbers Point proposal near

The state is getting closer to finalizing zoning and infrastructure plans for the redevelopment of the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station at Kalaeloa, according to officials.

The 3,700-acre base was closed in 1999. Planners proposed in 2005 a development of up to 6,350 homes and 3 million square feet of commercial space.

Eight drafts over four years have been offered, with the biggest challenges to the project determining how to upgrade the Navy's old electrical, water, sewer and road systems, according to officials.

A general-aviation airport and a Coast Guard station at the former base, as well as the possibility that the city might extend its planned rail transit line to Kalaeloa, also have complicated planning.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority estimates it will cost $550 million to improve roads, electricity, sewer and water systems to modern standards throughout the old base.

$165,000 raised as 4,000 take part in AIDS Walk

More than $165,000 was raised by about 4,000 participants and 200 volunteers in the 19th annual Honolulu AIDS Walk at Kapiolani Park, the Life Foundation reported.

Funds from the Sunday event will support the foundation's free HIV testing and services for people living with HIV/AIDS on Oahu.

The organization is assisting 679 clients, including 18 new HIV-positive people who registered this quarter with the foundation.

Air Guard's Greenlee will receive her star

Hawaii Air National Guard Col. Ann M. Greenlee will be promoted to brigadier general May 4 in ceremonies in the governor's office.

Greenlee is currently director of staff at Hawaii Air National Guard headquarters.

Her new job will be assistant adjutant general, Hawaii Air National Guard.

UH-Manoa will offer computer engineering

The University of Hawaii-Manoa College of Engineering is adding computer engineering to its degree offerings for undergraduates.

The new Bachelor of Science degree program will begin in the fall for students interested in careers in computer software deign, hardware manufacturing and robotics.

“;We are now better positioned to attract students to the college in an important area of engineering for Hawaii,”; Peter E. Crouch, dean of the College of Engineering, said in announcing the new program.

The curriculum will be taught by faculty from the Department of Electrical Engineering and College of Natural Sciences' department of information and computer sciences.

For information about the computer engineering degree curriculum requirements, see www.ee.hawaii.edu.

Big Isle park gets fed funds

VOLCANO, Hawaii >> Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island has obtained $15,600 from the Interior Department's Rural Fire Assistance Program.

Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando announced yesterday that the money will be awarded to the Hawaii County Fire Department.

She says the funds will be used to upgrade or purchase wild-land firefighting equipment and to support training of firefighters.

The program is intended to strengthen the fire protection capabilities of rural fire districts and to enhance firefighter and public safety.

National Park Service Fire Management Officer Joe Molhoek says Hawaii County gives support in protecting parklands and that this is one way the National Park Service can reciprocate.