The State Legislature unanimously approved the Executive Operating and Construction Budgets today … which will drive spending for 2014 and 2015. HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports …
Wayne Yoshioka is an award-winning journalist who has worked in television, print and radio in Hawaiʻi. He also has been on both sides of politics as a state departmental appointee and political/government reporter. He covered Hurricane Iwa (1982) as a TV reporter; was the State Department of Defense/Civil Defense spokesperson for Hurricane Iniki (1992); and, commanded a public affairs detachment in Afghanistan (2006). He has a master's degree in Communication from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and is a decorated combat veteran (Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and 22 other commendation/service medals). He resides in Honolulu.
The new law establishes safeguards for these ponds and requires new ones to meet strict safety regulations before they are built. It also requires signage clearly indicating that swimming is not allowed, enclosed fencing, and flotation devices to be installed around or near each pond.
The state has started to accept applications for hurricane insurance from Condominium and Townhouse Associations that have been unable to secure full coverage on the regulated market. HPR's Ashley Mizuo reports on the efforts to stabilize property insurance in Hawaiʻi.