HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Ka'u brushfire scorches 20 acres
Advertiser Staff
Firefighters yesterday continued battling a 20-acre brushfire that began on New Year's Day at 12:39 p.m. in Ka'u, firefighters said.
Officials believe people playing with fireworks started the fire.
The fire was contained, but crews were working on hot spots yesterday. About 10 firefighters were in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates area working with shovels to put out the fire.
MAN'S BODY FOUND NEAR RIVER
Firefighters on Sunday found the body of a man in 10 feet of water in a pond below Pi'ihonua bridge along the Wailuku River.
Bystanders reported they saw the man trying to jump from the bridge to the pond some 50 feet below.
STATE
CALL CENTER AIDS IN EXCAVATION
Contractors and others who must excavate can now call the Hawai'i One Call Center to locate underground facilities before they begin to dig.
The number is (866) 423-7287. Additional information is at www.callbeforeyoudig.org.
The center is similar to others operating around the country. The "Call Before You Dig" program helps excavators identify the location of an underground facility running through a proposed dig site to avoid damaging those facilities or disrupting services. Utility companies are required to mark their facilities or make available maps or other information about the location of their facilities within five working days of the call.
KAILUA
RECYCLING DRIVE AT HIGH SCHOOL
Kailua High School's Project Graduation committees are continuing their twice-monthly HI 5¢ can and bottle fundraising drives. The senior class is collecting redeemable beverage containers on the first Saturday of each month — including this Saturday — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school's parking lot.
The junior class will have its HI 5¢ drives on the third Saturday of each month, at the same times and location.
Proceeds will go toward the school's Project Graduation, an all-night party that provides students with a safe, drug- and alcohol-free graduation celebration. Call 261-1361 or write kailua2007@hotmail.com.
WINDWARD
HIGHWAY LANES TO BE CLOSED
The state is alerting motorists that lanes will be closed on Kamehameha Highway between Waiahole Valley Road and Crouching Lion Inn today through Friday for shoulder-widening work.
One lane of traffic will be open in both directions from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. At other times, both lanes will be open.
