Latest news with #Kila
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Derelict poles, sagging lines plague West Oahu ahead of summer
WAIANAE, Hawaii (KHON2) — As the summer fire season looms, a state lawmaker is sounding the alarm about dangerous utility conditions in West Oahu. State Rep. Darius Kila demanded immediate action from Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum Hawaii. 'Our risk is high,' fire experts warn as summer approaches In a letter sent on Wednesday, May 21, Kila highlighted aging poles, sagging wires and overgrown vegetation along Farrington Highway. 'I hate that it's always reactive and not proactive. Because again, I will invite folks to just take a quick five-minute, 10-minute drive down the Waianae Coast on Farrington Highway and you can point to the derelict poles, the derelict wires, the hanging wires,' said Rep. Kila. He has given the companies just 30 days to give an update on how they plan to identify, remove and replace abandoned, damaged or unused infrastructure. 'I felt 30 days was a fair timeline for them to get get some comprehensive plan, and also understand that this will be a rolling plan that they continue to visit and work out and noting that 30 days from now puts us right at the beginning of the summer. Cause I think people just want to feel at ease,' Rep. Kila said. The task isn't simple, since multiple entities share responsibility. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'We have to work with other utilities, with private landowners, with the government, you know. Everybody has their part to play, but it's also something that we share together,' said Darren Pai, HECO spokesperson. The State is taking action — the Hawaii Department of Transportation deputy director said they are currently acquiring land to open Paakea Road as a permanent alternate route to Farrington. 'And when this route is open, it will be 24/7, it's not going to be an emergency route, it's going to be for everyday for public use. So there will be no more gates on that route and anybody can access the route at any time,' Robin Shishido, HDOT Deputy Director, explained. Pai added that over 1,300 poles have been inspected in the area since 2023, 100 have been removed since 2020 and vegetation management in the area is expected to be complete by the end of June. Check out more news from around Hawaii Spectrum said it does not own any of the poles in question, but they have hundreds of technicians who monitor and maintain its infrastructure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Window tint crackdown? 5 things to know about Hawaiʻi's new bill
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi is changing how it handles car window tinting. House Bill 226 CD1 is the biggest update since 1983 and is now waiting for the governor's signature. Written by Representative Darius Kila (D-44, Honokai Hale, Nānākuli, Mā'ili), the new law helps make tint rules more fair and easier to follow. H-1 to have full closure this weekend. What you need to know 'This is about bringing our laws into the 21st century,' said Rep. Kila. 'For too long, sedans have been unfairly left out while trucks, vans, and SUVs benefit from factory tint exemptions. This bill ensures that all vehicles can access the same safety protections and sun relief. It's about fairness, clarity and improving public safety.' Hawaiʻi's best ice cream shops help cool off the rising heat Here's what drivers should this bill, trucks, vans and SUVs could have darker rear tint than sedans, which led to confusion and unfair enforcement. With the new law, sedans can now have the same tint levels as other vehicles. The goal is to treat all drivers equally. It's your chance to have dessert with Dolly Parton 'HB226 CD1 will ensure that vehicle window tint standards are applied and enforced fairly and consistently, while increasing safety for our law enforcement officers during traffic stops,' said Hawai'i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. 'We want to thank the Legislature and Representative Kila for their continued efforts to work with the Hawai'i Department of Transportation and key stakeholders to advance measures that improve safety on our roadways.' A new rule in the bill requires that anyone with fully tinted windows must roll them down during police stops. Lawmakers said this helps officers stay safe and clearly see who is in the vehicle. It also improves trust between drivers and law enforcement. Hawaiian Airlines to enforce new 'no-show' policy starting May 15 When new tint is installed, shops must now give the driver a certificate proving the tint meets legal standards. Drivers need to keep this in their car in case they are stopped. If they do not have it, they could face penalties. Drivers with illegal tint could pay between $300 and $550. Installers who break the law could be fined up to $1,200 and must fix the tint or pay the car owner back. Leaders from the tinting industry, law enforcement and government worked together on this reform. The goal is to make roads safer while protecting people from the sun and making sure laws are fair for all. 'By removing outdated distinctions, this law ensures equal treatment for all drivers and better sun protection — something that's critical in our climate,' said Tommy Silva, founder of T&T Tinting and long-time advocate for fair tint laws. The Honolulu Police Department weighed in on the new legislation. Former Honolulu police chief returns to Hawaii 'As the commander of the Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division, we support the passage of HB226, which strikes a critical balance between public safety and officer safety. This measure helps ensure that officers can better assess potential threats during traffic stops, while still preserving adequate visibility for drivers,' said HPD Traffic Division Major James Slayter. He went on to explain further. 'Clear visibility into vehicles is a key factor in protecting the lives of our officers, and this bill supports that objective without compromising roadway safety standards for motorists,' added Major Slayter. 'As always, we appreciate the collaborative partnership with Representative Kila for the many traffic safety measures he introduced.' Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Rep. Kila said, 'I want to thank the Hawai'i Department of Transportation, our county law enforcement agencies and local tinting professionals for their honest input and collaboration over the last three year. Together, we crafted a comprehensive overhaul that's fairer, safer, and more enforceable.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RTÉ News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Kila, and brass - be in the audience for RTÉ Arena's live special
The new album Raise the Road features Irish music legends Kila in collaboration with the Paul Frost Brass Band, capturing all the exhilarating energy of a live Kíla performance... and more. Arranged by Paul Frost, Raise the Road fuses funk, mambo and New Orleans jazz with Kíla's unmistakable sound. This addition to Kila's already outstanding repertoire will have listeners electrified by the fusion of the brass band's funky blasts and Kíla's toxicating rhythmic sound. It might just be the party record of the year! The 7-piece Kila plus a 4-piece brass section will perform a live preview of Raise the Road live from RTÉ Studio 1 at 7pm on Tuesday May 6th, for a very special edition of Arena on RTÉ Radio 1.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala ramps up development in schools and electricity with KIIFB funds
Minister MB Rajesh highlighted Kerala's strides in infrastructure development, emphasising the progress of school building projects under Kila, part of the Local Government Department. By 31st March, 26 school projects valued at Rs. 1 crore each and seven projects worth Rs. 3 crore each had been completed. Additionally, 254 projects are advancing through various stages. Tenders have been issued for 116 construction works, with only 11 remaining to be tendered. Kila has stepped in to manage projects that other SPVs were hesitant to undertake. The minister expressed confidence that 190 more school buildings would be completed by March 2026, aiming to finish the contracted works within 15 months. These school projects are supported by KIIFB, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a flagship initiative of the state government. KIIFB has pioneered an alternative development model, implementing major infrastructure projects worth Rs. 87,521 crore, including national highway development. KIIFB's contributions extend to public education, health, roads, and bridges. Minister Rajesh noted that KIIFB projects exceeding Rs. 250 crore are currently underway in his assembly constituency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Minister K Krishnankutty announced Kerala's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in the electricity sector, highlighting the progress of various initiatives. Resolving voltage shortages was prioritised, with 14 substations planned at a cost of Rs 718.79 crore. Of these, 12 have been completed, and construction of the remaining two is ongoing. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) received Rs 1,862.51 crore in assistance through KIIFB for various projects, enabling the completion of stalled substations. Additionally, Rs 1,157.72 crore in KIIFB funds was allocated for constructing nine extra high-tension lines. The completion of the Trans Grid project is expected to reduce transmission losses by 520 million units, saving Rs 250 crore annually. Development projects in the Chittoor constituency have also benefited from KIIFB assistance. The minister shared that a draft proposal has been submitted to secure KIIFB funds for electricity generation and distribution projects, including hydroelectric expansion and the establishment of additional substations. To know more about KIIFB, click here . Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bypass roads helping, but traffic still major issue in West Oahu
HONOLULU (KHON2) — For the second time in just over two weeks, traffic was backed up for hours on the Waianae coast because of a serious traffic collision. While lawmakers are thankful for improvements being made to help alleviate the problems, they still wonder what else can be done. 'You had Thursday on the cusp of the three-day weekend, folks got off early, this accident happened right as folks were getting off of work at three,' said Rep. Darius Kila. 'The road wasn't open until after five. And at that point, it was traffic on again.' Heavy rains push trash bags from drainage canal into ocean in Nanakuli 'Life needs to move on when we encounter these traffic situations,' said Sen. Samantha Decorte. 'And right now, when we have a collision, especially in the beginning of the coast in Nanakuli, people are calling out sick at work, kids are not going to school, people are canceling their doctor's appointment.' There are a couple bypass roads in the area that were opened the last two instances of heavy traffic, one on Paakea Road from Hakimo Road to Lualualei Naval Road. The other is Helelua Place from Helelua Street to are gated and locked, only opened for emergency situations, and needs to have police officers stationed on both ends. 'It's not even that long of a stretch, it's like a couple blocks,' Decorte said. 'So don't get me wrong. I'm grateful for whatever we can get. But we have to continue to think forward on what are the other options of relief that you're going to give the residents.' 'Imagining a Waianae coast without those access roads, traffic probably would have been 10 times worse yesterday, 10 times worse the last time it happened,' Kila said. 'So this is not the band-aid solution, but thank God we have it.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Some issues according to Kila, who is the state House transportation chair, is understaffing at Honolulu Police and isolation of Waianae and Kapolei districts. 'They are doing everything they possibly can, I know,' Kila said. 'But this is what happens when the district police department is on the furthest side of the island, they're not able to necessarily pull from other districts.' And then there's the decades old infrastructure. 'These are still the same operational roads, but the only thing changed is the population went from 20,000 to now 60,000,' Kila said. 'And it's hard.' 'The residents just want to know that the state and the city are doing everything possible to provide relief,' Decorte said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
