Finance Committee heads to Maui

Every year, the House Finance Committee travels to all the major islands of the state to see first-hand the projects that they have funded, and to become as educated and informed as possible of the state's financial needs. The committee will be on Maui today through Friday, including an all day visit to the island of Kahoolawe on Friday. They plan to go to schools (Pomaikai Elementary, Old Maui High School, Maui Community College), Maui Memorial Hospital, get an update on the Hawaii Superferry, tour the Maui Research and Technology Center, and visit the Kaheawa Wind Farm.

Is the state ready for a fireworks ban? While at the wind farm, they will take a special trip to see the nearby Olowalu brush fire damage, requested by Rep. Angus McKelvey (District 10 - Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua, Maalaea, Kihei.) The brush fires on Maui, many of which were set off by fireworks, have claimed hundreds of acres of property, including one home that was burned to the ground. Fighting the fires has been a drain on county resources. Rep. McKelvey plans to introduce legislation for 2008 proposing a ban on fireworks, determined by each county.

Photo: Brush fire on Maui between Olowalu and Maalaea.