About Town: 11-25-16

Forum on Munitions and Unexploded Ordnance planned

On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Department of Health will sponsor the first Hawaii Forum on Munitions and Unexploded Ordnance at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott.

The forum will bring together experts to speak on the issues involving Hawaii properties affected by military munitions and what this means for landowners in those areas. The department will also present the state’s proposed Munitions Safety Areawide Hazard Management Plan for the Waikoloa area. The plan describes the history of military live fire training in Waikoloa and precautions people should take to protect themselves from accidentally detonating an item of unexploded ordnance.

The site in question occupies more than 100,000 acres in Waikoloa. The site was used from 1943-1946 to simulate battle conditions using live artillery, ammunition, and explosives. Cleanup is being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of the Army in coordination with the Hawaii Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The forum is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is intended for state and county officials, bankers, real estate agents, developers, resort owners, landowners and emergency responders. There is no charge to attend. Space is limited and confirmed reservations are required.

Reservations: Paul Chong, DOH coordinator, at paul.chong@doh.hawaii.gov.

Aerial line inspections coming up

To improve system reliability, Hawaii Electric Light Co. will conduct aerial line inspections of its major overhead transmission lines from Monday to Dec. 1.

The islandwide inspections are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter and require the aircraft to fly low and slow which may cause some noise disturbances.

Hawaii Electric Light apologizes for any disruptions this may cause.

Info: 969-6666.