Tsunami debris study set in May HONOLULU (AP) — Researchers are planning to sail from Japan to Hawaii to study debris dragged out to sea by tsunamis on March 11 last year. ADVERTISING They’re expected to leave Tokyo in late
Tsunami debris study set in May
HONOLULU (AP) — Researchers are planning to sail from Japan to Hawaii to study debris dragged out to sea by tsunamis on March 11 last year.
They’re expected to leave Tokyo in late May and arrive on Maui about a month later.
Ocean Conservancy marine debris specialist Nicholas Mallos is joining the expedition.
He said Wednesday that models exist to predict where the debris is, but it’s not clear what’s still floating. He says the expedition will provide a snapshot of what may wash ashore later.
Nonprofit organizations 5Gyres and Algalita are organizing the expedition with Pangaea Explorations, a group that supports marine conservation and education. Ocean currents are carrying much of the debris eastward across the Pacific Ocean. Scientists estimate pieces could land in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands this winter.
Rail trains can seat only 64
HONOLULU (AP) — A report raises concerns that commuters won’t use Honolulu’s planned rail system because trains won’t have enough seats for passengers.
The report by a private consultant hired by the federal government notes the two-car trains would hold 318 passengers, but would only have 64 seats, requiring more than 200 riders to stand.
The report says it may not be realistic to expect passengers to endure long commutes while standing. Ansaldo Honolulu JV won a $1.4 billion contract to produce the train cars and rail operating system.
The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation says Ansaldo will be asked to add six seats to each car. City officials say a lack of seats won’t affect ridership because most passengers won’t ride the entire 20-mile route.
Airport taxis fight new rules
HONOLULU (AP) — Some Honolulu airport taxi drivers are participating in a work stoppage in protest over new rules, including requiring the acceptance of credit cards from passengers.
Ampco Express manages the taxi system and entered into a five-year contract with the state at the beginning of the month that requires new guidelines including a dress code and allowing credit card payments.
Driver Abraham Martin is organizing the work stoppage. Ampco is forcing the changes in the middle of a contract that runs through June. Ampco did not respond to a request for comment. State Department of Transportation spokesman Dan Meisenzahl says the new rules are aimed at improving customer service.
