DAY ONE FOR RAIL CEO
Think you have high expectations for your first day on the job? The CEO of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation starts today. Daniel Grabauskas will be the City's highest paid employee, earning more than 320 thousand dollars. Grabauskas was the General Manager of Boston's train, the country's oldest system. He says federal funding is on track, although support for rail has slipped recently.
RAIL SURVEY
Also happening today, a rail survey begins. Watch for possible delays along Dillingham Boulevard between Mokauea Street and Kalihi Street from 8:30 AM to 3 PM. Work will also take place on Kamehameha Highway between Middle Street and Puuhale Road from 8:30 AM to 3 PM and from 7:30 PM to 3 AM. Crews are on the lookout for any potential historic sites on the rail route.
DEADLY ARSON SUSPECT IN COURT
The man accused of starting the fire that killed an elderly Pearl City woman will make his first court appearance today. 35 year old Michael Dahilig faces manslaughter, arson and burglary charges. 97 year old Betty Hagihara died in the early morning fire.
AMERICAN REMAINS IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
The Central Identification Lab at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam will receive remains of American soldiers discovered in Vietnam. They were handed over today in Vietnam during a repatriation ceremony. 1,678 Americans are unaccounted for from the war.
NORTH KOREA TUNNEL WATCH
The world is watching what North Korea does next. Recent satellite images show North Korea is digging a new underground tunnel in what South Korean officials say is preparation for a third nuclear test. A long range rocket launch is set and those plans have already changed flight plans for at least one airline. Philippine Airlines announced today that a dozen of its flights from the United States, Japan and South Korea will fly safely away from the rocket's possible path to protect its passengers.
NAVY TRAINING
Don't be alarmed by loud noise coming from Pearl Harbor-Hickam or the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai. Both will be taking part in training exercises called Citadel Pacific 2012. Training runs through Wednesday.
THIS LITTLE PIGGY...
The little lost pig that famously wandered into the lobby of a hotel near Honolulu's Airport will get a new home. Pukalani will be be picked up this afternoon by her new parents from the Hawaiian Humane Society.
MERRIE MONARCH WEEK
As we gear up for Merrie Monarch, Billy V will join us live via skype to talk about how Hilo is gearing up for this annual tradition.
Hope you can join us for Sunrise!
Aloha,
Tannya Joaquin