The vehicles are part of the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative, a partnership of 13 agencies, companies and universities that aims to reduce petroleum imports by having more vehicles run on hydrogen. Pets in eateries bill is deferred ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) —
Pets in eateries bill is deferred
HONOLULU (AP) — Some dog owners are in full support of a bill that would allow them to bring their pets into Hawaii restaurants.
The state Department of Health and Respiratory and Environmental Disabilities of Hawaii have raised strong opposition, however.
Even self-professed dog lovers have concerns about health and noise issues.
The House Health Committee heard a version of House Bill 2749 earlier this month and came up with a new draft to address some of the issues raised at the hearing. However, The amended bill was deferred by the House Judiciary Committee Thursday.
The bill would allow restaurant owners to allow dogs in their establishments, provided proper sanitary procedures are in place to ensure no animal waste enters food preparation areas.
Guilty plea in restaurant death
HONOLULU (AP) — The man charged with manslaughter for running over and killing a woman in the drive-through of a Hawaii McDonald’s restaurant has pleaded guilty on the day jury selection in his trial would have started.
Albert Birmingham, 38, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a reduced charge of negligent homicide. The plea deal comes with no more than 10 years in prison.
He also pleaded guilty to fleeing the scene of a fatal traffic accident and consuming or possessing alcohol while operating a vehicle and driving after his license had been revoked for drunken driving.
Raelynn Adams, 20, died after being run over during a confrontation between Birmingham and her boyfriend in the drive-through lane.
Debt guidelines suspended for rail
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu’s city managing director quietly approved suspending debt guidelines to allow for borrowing to finance the city’s $5.27 billion rail project.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser uncovered last year’s suspension through documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
The decision by City Managing Director Douglas Chin was never publicly announced and City Council Budget Committee Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi says she was never notified.
Army tests 16 hydrogen cars
HONOLULU (AP) — The military is testing a fleet of 16 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Hawaii. U.S. Army Pacific unveiled the General Motors cars at U.S. Army Pacific headquarters on Wednesday.
The cars can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge and refuel in five minutes. They produce no emissions. They’re paid for by the Army Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center, the Office of Naval Research, and Air Force Research Laboratories.
U.S. Army Pacific Commander Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski says the vehicles will help the Army in the Pacific reduce energy security challenges and strengthen U.S. energy independence.
The vehicles are part of the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative, a partnership of 13 agencies, companies and universities that aims to reduce petroleum imports by having more vehicles run on hydrogen.
