City facilities for solid waste get upgrades

Mayor Mufi Hannemann said the city has completed new Solids Handling Facility and Odor Control Systems at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ewa.

Three anaerobic digesters and two odor control units became operational a few weeks ago.

The new facility replaces the old, energy-inefficient system known as low-pressure oxidation, which generates a burnt-leather smell, Hannemann said.

The expanded solids-handling facility is expected to accommodate projected population growth in West Oahu through 2020.

The new anaerobic digesters utilize microbes to break down the biosolids in an oxygen-free zone. Anaerobic digestion is widely used as a renewable energy source because it produces methane.

Students offered free science lessons

Free science and technology lessons as well as lunch are being offered to 160 students in grades six through eight at three locations on Oahu this Furlough Friday.

The Sci-Tech Day is being held at Leeward Community College, Windward Community College and Honolulu Community College.

Instructors will be focusing on science, technology engineering and mathematics.

Although registration was held earlier this month, some spaces are still available for students at Honolulu Community College and Leeward Community College, according to organizers.

Information and applications for Sci-Tech Day are available online at http://www.hiscitech.org/institute.

Sponsors include Hawaii Science and Technology Council and Institute, L&L Drive-Inn, Hawaii National Bank, Ham Produce, Women in Technology, Alaka'ina Foundation, Shee Atika Technologies LLC., Wall-to-Wall Studios Inc. and go! Mokulele Airlines.

5 unions oppose state bid by mayor

Five labor unions say they do not support a gubernatorial bid by Mayor Mufi Hannemann because it could stall the city's proposed rail transit project.

The unions all have endorsed Neil Abercrombie in the 2010 governor's race. Abercrombie already has said Hannemann should serve out his term to see the rail project through its initial stages.

Hannemann has not yet declared his candidacy, but has been accepting endorsements and raising money for a bid this fall. He has not responded to Abercrombie's calls for him to stay in office.

In a news release yesterday, Peter Ganban, business manager of the Laborers International Union of North America, Local 368, said the five unions support rail and the thousands of jobs it will bring, “;but we are very concerned about rail's recent stumbles and continued delays.”;

“;We understand political ambitions of government leaders, but we feel that the rail project is not a slam-dunk issue, and we fear this huge job source could become a victim of missing leadership,”; he added. “;The five unions do not support Mayor Hannemann's abandonment of the rail project for his political ambitions at this time.”;

The other unions include the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260, Local 1186 and Local 1357, and the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, Local 675.

Fort Shafter dedicates new barracks

A $27 million, six-story barracks to house 156 single soldiers in 78 rooms was dedicated last week at Fort Shafter.

Two soldiers will occupy each unit with two separate bedrooms, a shared bath and kitchen. The barracks have central air conditioning with individual controls in each room.

The barracks also has a special, Duroplex wall paint interior finish that is more resilient to wear and tear and is moisture-resistant and mold-proof. Additional improvements include solid interior doors, 9-foot ceilings, solid surface kitchen countertops and 30-inch range ovens.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Aoki named Maui director of planning

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares has named Kathleen Ross Aoki as director of the county Department of Planning.

She currently is the deputy director.

Planning Director Jeff Hunt has resigned to return to his earlier position as west Maui planner with the department.

Planning Division Supervisor Ann Cua, who has been with the department for 28 years, has been named to serve as deputy director.

The changes become effective Saturday .