Native Hawaiian
Roll tops 120K
HONOLULU (AP) — A roll of qualified Native Hawaiians interested in participating in their own government has grown to more than 120,000.
The Native Hawaiian Roll Commission announced on Thursday that more than 120,000 have signed up to re-organize a Native Hawaiian government recognized by the state of Hawaii.
The commission’s campaign to register Hawaiian for the roll is called Kanaiolowalu.
The initiative launched in July 2012 after enactment of a state law recognizing Native Hawaiians as the only indigenous people of the islands.
The yearlong drive was extended because of the short pace of signups. The panel says the enrollment effort will go until May 1.
Human services chief to return
HONOLULU (AP) — The director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services who resigned recently is returning to the job.
Patricia McManaman announced last month that she was stepping down immediately for personal reasons. But the governor’s office says she’ll be back, effective Monday.
Deputy Director Barbara Yamashita served as acting director during what the governor’s office on Friday called a “short leave of absence.”
McManaman has led the department since 2010.
Man found in stuck Jeep dies
HONOLULU (AP) — Police say the man found unconscious inside a vehicle stranded in mud at Kaena Point has died.
The woman who was with him in the Jeep Wrangler is on life-support.
A fisherman found the couple Saturday in the closed vehicle, with its engine running.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is investigating because the Jeep was found in an off-road area where vehicles aren’t allowed. The area is a popular spot for mud bogging.
Authorities suspect this is a case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
