Colo. man dies while hiking in Makawao
A 60-year-old man from Colorado was fatally injured while hiking at Waihou Spring Forest Reserve in Makawao on Saturday.
The man, who was with a group of three other hikers, reportedly slipped on a trail near a clifflike area and fell an estimated 50 feet.
Firefighters from Makawao and Kahului received the call at approximately 11:30 a.m. Fire Capt. Paul Haake said that rescuers took about two hours to hike the victim out of the area.
The Maui Police Department is investigating the incident.
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Grant for reconstruction after disasters
The County of Maui Department of Planning has announced the beginning of a two-year, $178,000 grant to develop plans for reconstructions after natural disasters.
Funds will be used for interisland travel, outreach efforts, community meetings, research and consulting services.
The grant proposal seeks to raise awareness for pre-disaster planning, including in rural communities, and to develop reconstruction guidelines in the event of a disaster.
"We are well aware of the threats we face from coastal storms and hazards," said Mayor Alan Arakawa. "The last thing anyone needs after their home is damaged or destroyed in a natural disaster is a permitting process that fails to take emergency conditions into account. Residents and homeowners should not be penalized or delayed when it comes to repairing or rebuilding after such events."
The grant, which is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sea Grant Coastal Storms Program, was secured in partnership with the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program.
For more information, call Jim Buika at 270-6271.
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Mayor to host hourlong?show Wednesday
Mayor Alan Arakawa will host a one-hour television show titled "Your County with Mayor Arakawa" at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The show, which will air on Akaku Channel 55, will feature the mayor and Economic Development Director Teena Rasmussen as they discuss the mayor's Business Awards Program and a new grant program by the Office of Economic Development.
There will also be an update on the Maui Friday Town Parties.
Viewers can ask questions, which will be moderated by Communications Director Rod Antone, by calling 873-3430.
The show will reair every Wednesday through Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. on Channel 55.
