Whales spotted in Honolulu Harbor HONOLULU (AP) — The Coast Guard is monitoring Honolulu Harbor for humpback whales. ADVERTISING A tug boat crew notified the Guard that two humpback whales followed them into Pier 51 Thursday night. Mariners are asked
Whales spotted in Honolulu Harbor
HONOLULU (AP) — The Coast Guard is monitoring Honolulu Harbor for humpback whales.
A tug boat crew notified the Guard that two humpback whales followed them into Pier 51 Thursday night.
Mariners are asked to be on the lookout for the endangered whales. There have been no additional reports of confirmed sightings Friday. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of the endangered animals when on the water or 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft.
The Coast Guard issued a notice earlier Thursday of a safety zone around a mother and calf that spent several hours in the harbor. It was not known if they were the same whales spotted that night.
Humpback whale season in Hawaii generally runs from November through May, but it’s uncommon for them to be in the harbor.
Trial date for deadly Kauai dam breach
LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — A tentative trial date has been set for a retired car dealer charged with manslaughter in a deadly 2006 Kauai dam breach.
Prosecutors and attorneys for James Pflueger have agreed to begin the trial Oct. 1.
The 85-year-old Pflueger did not appear in court for the hearing.
Manslaughter charges were upheld in June. He’s accused of altering his property in a way that caused the Ka Loko Reservoir Dam to give way on March 14, 2006, killing seven people swept from their homes.
He has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of manslaughter.
Attorneys anticipate the trial to last six to eight weeks.
Questions raised about rail project
HONOLULU (AP) — The Federal Transit Administration warns that the financial plan for Honolulu’s rail project must be “further strengthened” before up to $1.55 billion in federal funding can be committed.
The administration recently allowed the planned $5.27 billion, 20-mile rail project to advance to the design phase.
New financial questions have been raised in a Dec. 29 letter from FTA Regional Administrator Leslie Rogers questioning contingency plans the city offers to deal with unexpected money issues that could come up.
Rogers says rail officials should demonstrate availability of additional revenue sources in the event of a shortfall.
Honolulu observes Chinatown month
HONOLULU (AP) — Mayor Peter Carlisle has launched Honolulu’s annual “Month in Chinatown” celebration.
Events are scheduled in the district throughout January to coincide with the lunar new year.
Martial arts demonstrations, Chinese fortune readings, dancing and singing are among the offerings at a Chinese New Year Festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
On Jan. 14, the Narcissus Queen and her court, kung fu martial artists, and lion and dragon dance associations will march in a parade along Hotel Street. The Night in Chinatown Parade will also include a 150-foot dragon.
The Year of the Dragon begins on Jan. 23.
Carlisle said Thursday that Chinatown is one of Oahu’s most vibrant, historic and exciting neighborhoods. He says everyone is welcome to enjoy activities in the district.
