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.
House Bill 2585 initially proposed to create statewide, standardized rules on using agricultural land for tourism-related activities like farm tours. Some local farmers say diversified revenue streams, particularly from tourism, are vital for their survival.
Two Kona low storms have hit Hawaiʻi over the last month, creating serious flood conditions in many parts of the state. University of Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal Mesonet Director Thomas Giambelluca explained what created those conditions and what it could mean for future storms.