Gov. Linda Lingle has ordered that state flags fly at half-staff Monday in honor of former state Rep. Robert C. Oshiro, who died Feb. 12 at age 83.

Oshiro served in the Legislature from 1959 to 1970, representing Wahiawa, Waialua and Kawailoa.

Oshiro also served as chairman of the state Democratic Party in the 1960s, and was chairman of The Queen's Health Systems and the Queen Emma Foundation.

His son, state Rep. Marcus Oshiro, D-39th, represents Wahiawa.

APPLY ONLINE FOR GRANTS-IN-AID

Taking a step toward greater openness, the Legislature has put online all applications from nonprofit groups seeking grants-in-aid.

The Legislature this year has received 250 applications totaling roughly $156 million, compared with more than 300 applications totaling $330 million in 2007.

The applications and summaries on what the money would be used for, plus a directory of all applicants, can be found on the Legislature's Web site at www.capitol.hawaii.gov/. Click on the grant-in-aid information link.

The Legislature made the change in response to an Advertiser series in December that highlighted shortcomings of the grants system, including a lack of transparency. Several bills were introduced to reform the system.

"Providing grant-in-aid information online is a first step toward greater transparency, and in the weeks to come, we will be conducting an informational briefing on all applications to get further input," House Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro said in a statement.

WORKER INJURED BY FALLING OBJECT

A 25-year-old worker was injured yesterday in Waikiki when he was hit by a piece of metal that fell from a construction crane, officials said.

The man was working on a construction site at 1811 Ala Moana Blvd. when the accident occurred just before 3 p.m., said Brian Cheplic, a spokesman for the city's Emergency Medical Services Department.

The man was taken to Straub Clinic and Hospital in serious condition with a head injury, Cheplic said.

BLAZE DESTROYS WAIMANALO HOME

A fire that destroyed a Waimanalo home early yesterday was likely started by a short circuit in an electrical socket in the kitchen, fire investigators said last night.

The fire in the home on Waikupanaha Street caused an estimated $150,000 damage to the structure and about $20,000 to its contents, said Fire Capt. Terry Seelig.

A man in his 50s, who lived in the building, was awakened by noises coming from the kitchen area and found a fire burning that he could not control, Seelig said.

$125,000 GOES TO SCHOOL RESTROOMS

The state has released $125,000 to build restroom facilities for eight portable classrooms that were recently installed at Mililani 'Ike Elementary School.

When the number of portable classrooms increases to 10 later this year, they will house up to 300 students. Students in the portables now use restrooms in an adjacent building.

"As communities grow, my administration is committed to ensuring that our schools expand accordingly," Gov. Linda Lingle said.