Students set for year-end exams Students set for year-end exams ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii high school students will be taking end-of-the-year standardized exams for certain subjects for the first time. They’ll be taking tests in expository writing, biology, U.S.
Students set for year-end exams
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii high school students will be taking end-of-the-year standardized exams for certain subjects for the first time.
They’ll be taking tests in expository writing, biology, U.S. history and Algebra I that could eventually replace a final exam.
The state began requiring such exams for Algebra II in the 2009-10 school year, but this will be the first time students take standardized tests for the other subjects. At least 18 states now require end-of-the-year exams.
Honolulu gets radiation device
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu officials have acquired a device that will allow for detecting radiation on any debris from the Japan tsunami.
City officials say debris arriving in Hawaii is unlikely to be radioactive, but the $15,000 hand-held device is a precaution. The machine was paid for with funding from the Department of Homeland Security.
The Smiths Detection Rad-Seeker arrived Friday, the same day it was confirmed that a blue plastic bin found floating off Waimanalo is Japan tsunami debris.
UH students to control satellite
HONOLULU (AP) — The University of Hawaii is building a satellite for a series of rocket launches from a Kauai Navy facility next year.
The satellite will be controlled on the ground by university students. The rocket launch will be controlled out of the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai.
The bulk of the $30 million to $35 million cost for the first launch will come from the Department of Defense’s Operationally Responsive Space Office, based at Kirkland Air Force Base in New Mexico. A 54-foot, three-stage rocket is being developed by Sandia National Laboratories.
Solar program called a success
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu says its new online permitting system for solar panels has gotten off to a good start.
The city said Friday more than 300 permits have been issued in a little more than a day since the self-service system launched the day before.
The system allows licensed contractors to go to the Department of Planning and Permitting’s website. There, the contractors may issue their own permits for most solar panel installations at single-family residences.
The department started the program because it was overwhelmed by solar panel permit applications.
Department Director David Tanoue says the new system will lessen the burden on staff. He says they may now be able to devote more time to customers who often have very complex projects to review.
