The Coupes recently submitted a reply brief in response to Hawaii County’s brief in opposition to their July 14th, 2011 US Supreme Court cert petition. The Supreme Court justices will review this case, among others, at their September 26th, 2011 conference meeting. The Court will grant a writ of certiorari if four out of nine justices agree to hear the case.

The Department of Water Supply, Bolton, and nearby residents reached an agreement allowing construction to resume on the HOVE well facility. I’m absolutely thrilled this much-needed facility won’t be delayed further.

The HDOT delayed advertising the next segment of the Mamalahoa Highway resurfacing project (between Makalei and Palani Junction) until at least mid-September. The FHWA requested additional environmental documentation by September 15, 2011 before they’ll approve using FY2011 federal highway funds for this project.

I was absolutely dumbfounded after I read the latest Shakas and Stink Eyes column in Big Island Weekly:

“To the county more than doubling the cost of vehicle registration. The average car (under 4,000 pounds) already costs about $120 per year. Doubling that amount will cause a serious financial hardship for island residents. We can only hope that this does not discourage drivers from keeping their cars legal.”

The State of Hawaii, not Hawaii County, increased the cost to register a vehicle. They raised the annual state auto registration fee 20.00 and the weight tax. In addition, I highly doubt this fee increase will double the cost to register your vehicle.

Their registration fee estimate for standard vehicle is also incorrect. I drive a mid-size truck and my yearly registration fee (before the fee increase) was only $ 90.86.

Senator Inouye toured the ongoing Ane Keohokalole Highway project yesterday.

Lastly, Hawaii County hasn’t advertised the La’aloa Avenue Extension project because the required surveying hasn’t been completed yet. The county needs this data to start condemnation proceedings against the affected landowners. I can’t fathom why its taking the surveyor this long to compile this information.