Lawmakers pass bear bile ban Lawmakers pass bear bile ban ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — A bill banning the sale of products containing bear bile is headed to the governor’s office. The Hawaii Legislature on Monday passed a bill that would
Lawmakers pass bear bile ban
HONOLULU (AP) — A bill banning the sale of products containing bear bile is headed to the governor’s office.
The Hawaii Legislature on Monday passed a bill that would prohibit the import and sale of products that contain bear gallbladders and bile. Gov. Neil Abercrombie must now decide whether to sign it into law.
Bear bile, which is used in traditional medicines and luxury cosmetics, can sell for thousands of dollars an ounce. American black bears are poached for their gall bladders. In Asia, bears are caged with catheters inserted into their gall bladders to drain their bile.
Soldiers killed in crash ID’d
HONOLULU (AP) — The military says four soldiers killed when a helicopter crashed in Afghanistan last week were based in Hawaii.
The Army airmen were: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nicholas Johnson of San Diego, Calif., Chief Warrant Officer 2 Don Viray of Waipahu, Oahu, Sgt. Dean Shaffer of Pekin, Ill., and Sgt. Chris Workman of Boise, Idaho.
Shaffer and Workman were specialists. The Army promoted both to sergeants posthumously.
All were members of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade based at Schofield Barracks. The brigade is part of the 25th Infantry Division.
They were killed when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed in bad weather during a night flight in Afghanistan on Thursday. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Blood pressure readings targeted
HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii state Department of Health is launching a program to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurements.
The department said Monday the program will reduce errors in everyday diagnosis and treatment.
High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors of heart disease and stroke. The state says one in three adults in Hawaii has heart disease or has had a stroke.
The department is beginning blood pressure measurement training sessions this week. It’s relying on the help of the Hawaii Medical Assurance Association, University Health Alliance, AlohaCare, the Hawaii Medical Service Association and other private sector partners.
Sewer work to stink up Waikiki
HONOLULU (AP) — Waikiki residents and businesses should plan for noise, bad smells and traffic beginning next week.
It’s all part of a multimillion dollar sewer project that will last until next year.
Crews will start fixing old, corroded and cracked sewer lines beneath the road along Kuhio Avenue from Namahana Street to Liliuokalani Avenue.
People should expect intermittent loud construction noise, bad smells, road closures and other traffic disruptions during the project.
The work will close lanes in both east and west bound directions. Drivers won’t be able to turn onto some side streets. Some street parking will be lost and some bus stops will be moved.
