Progress made on Maui blazes Progress made on Maui blazes ADVERTISING KULA, Maui (AP) — Maui firefighters continue to monitor a wind-driven wildfire that prompted an evacuation and damaged three homes. Fire officials declared the upcountry Kula fire was 90
Progress made on Maui blazes
KULA, Maui (AP) — Maui firefighters continue to monitor a wind-driven wildfire that prompted an evacuation and damaged three homes.
Fire officials declared the upcountry Kula fire was 90 percent contained by Tuesday morning. About six acres were burned after the fire started Monday. Firefighters remained on the scene overnight while residents were allowed back into their homes.
One home sustained roof damage while two others sustained minor damages.
The state has closed the Makawao State Forest Reserve because of a separate fire near Olinda Monday. State firefighters had it 40 percent contained by late afternoon, with four acres of eucalyptus and non-native shrubs burned.
Airline to add Brisbane flights
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaiian Airlines will be expanding to a second Australian destination when it adds direct flights to Brisbane later this year.
Hawaii’s largest carrier announced Tuesday nonstop flights between Honolulu and Brisbane will operate three times a week starting Nov. 27. The airline says it will be the only U.S. carrier to operate service to Brisbane.
Hawaiian currently operates daily service between Honolulu and Sydney.
Airline President and CEO Mark Dunkerley says the new service taps into Australians’ love for Hawaii as a holiday destination.
Two soldiers
get Silver Stars
HONOLULU (AP) — Two Hawaii-based soldiers have been awarded the military’s third-highest combat award.
Spc. Craig Middleton, of Sevierville, Tenn., and Spc. Jeffrey Conn, of Plano, Texas, received Silver Star medals Monday at Schofield Barracks in Central Oahu.
The Army says they displayed bravery and heroism in combat operations during the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s deployment to Afghanistan.
Conn is a medic with 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, “The Wolfhounds.” He’s credited with repeatedly risking his life over nine days to treat casualties, resupply ammunition and defend his patrol base.
Middleton, a gunner with A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry, International Security Assistance Forces-Afghanistan. The Army says he displayed gallantry by firing back during a reconnaissance mission in between applying tourniquets to the wounded, despite his own wounds.