COUNTY / IN BRIEF
Man dies in possible drowning in W. Maui
LAHAINA - A 43-year-old Los Angeles man apparently drowned Tuesday while snorkeling off Kaanapali's Black Rock, police said Wednesday.
An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death for Pete Asdarjian, police said.
Fire officials said a "good Samaritan" from a nearby hotel used a longboard to paddle out to the victim until county ocean safety officers were able to respond on a personal watercraft and bring the man to shore. Police received a call for help at 12:26 p.m. Tuesday.
The man was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, police said.
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Kipahulu camping area set to reopen
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK - The campground in the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park will reopen Friday.
The National Park Service announced it has refurbished the campground, using money from park entrance fees. Improvements include improved parking, new picnic tables and grills.
Camping is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is free, but there is a $10 park entrance fee.
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Wastewater topic of South Maui meeting
KIHEI - Wastewater injection wells and Maui County's application for a renewed permit for the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility will be discussed during a meeting tonight sponsored by South Maui Sustainability.
The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kihei Charter School, 300 Ohukai Road. A pupu potluck will precede the meeting, starting at 6 p.m.
The featured speaker will be Robin Knox, a clean-water expert and scientist, according to an announcement of the event.
Mayor Charmaine Tavares has said she wants to eliminate wastewater injection wells in the coming decade and focus instead on using treated wastewater for algae ponds to create biofuel.
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OHA seeking public input for proposals
WAILUKU - The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs is seeking public input as it plans a package of proposals for the 2010 legislative session.
Scheduled meetings are: 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Old Hana School cafeteria; 11 a.m. Tuesday in Cameron Center conference room No. 2; and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lahaina Civic Center. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 873-3364.
