Kauai approves pesticide bill
Kauai approves pesticide bill
LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — The Kauai County Council has voted to override the mayor’s veto of legislation that would require large farms to disclose the use of pesticides and genetically modified crops.
The council’s 5-2 vote Saturday means the bill vetoed by Mayor Bernard Carvalho becomes law and goes into effect in nine months.
Among the council members casting the five votes needed to override the mayor’s veto was Mason Chock, who was selected Friday to fill a vacancy created when Nadine Nakamura resigned.
After the vote Saturday, Carvalho said he would honor the council’s vote and work with his department to determine how best to implement the law.
Backers of the legislation say it’s needed to protect public health and the environment, but opponents say the measure is legally flawed.
Search ends for missing surfer
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu Fire Department crew members and lifeguards from Ocean Safety have concluded their search for a surfer who was last seen catching a 20-foot wave on Oahu’s North Shore.
Witnesses said the wave broke on top of 32-year-old Kirk Passmore at a surf spot near Waimea Bay on Wednesday.
His surfboard, broken in half with its leash pulled out, was located farther down the beach.
Friends said Passmore was an experienced big wave surfer, but witnesses did not see him with a float vest on.
The Coast Guard suspended its search for Passmore on Friday.
Injured soccer player wins suit
LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — A 21-year-old former Kauai high school soccer player has been awarded damages for an injury suffered during a team practice five years ago.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano of 5th Circuit Court on Thursday awarded $50,000 to Dakota Barnett.
The former Kapaa High soccer player as a junior slid against a pole flag with a steel base plate used as a temporary goal. The device cut her knee and Barnett claimed the injury caused her to lose a soccer scholarship. She filed a claim against the state Department of Education.
Valenciano ruled Thursday after a weeklong civil bench trial that there’s an expectation that the Department of Education would provide equipment for organized sports.
He also says there was evidence that Barnett pushed herself too hard to return to playing.