(Pohoiki, Hawai‘i Island) – An enormous and ever-growing black sand beach is not the only new feature at Pohoiki, the site of a former boat ramp, rendered obsolete after being surrounded by lava.  Biologists from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) have noted at least seven anchialine pools dotting the Pohoiki landscape. 14 Months After Lava Stopped, Seven Anchialine Pools Appear Troy Sakihara explained, “Anchialine pools are brackish water pools that are land-locked, but are connected to the ocean and groundwater through the underground. They fluctuate with tides and while they may seem like unassuming, little puddles of water they are home to an array of endemic species found only in Hawai‘i.” The most common aquatic creature found in Hawai‘i’s anchialine pools are ʻōpaeʻula, the tiny Hawaiian red shrimp. They’re popular in desktop aquariums and Sakihara describes them as very charismatic – not the least of which they’re ability to evolve and thrive in a variety of habitats like volcanic rock and sand. Biologists say they’re not terribly surprised that ʻōpaeʻula and other native shrimp are beginning to show up at Pohoiki and likely in other anchialine pools up and down the Puna coast that were inundated by lava flows. The where and how of their reappearance is still a bit of a mystery, but experts do know that they quickly re-inhabit bomb impact craters at places like Kaho‘olawe. Sakihara said, “It is still a question that we’re trying to answer as far as how they recruit so fast into these pools.” Historically anchialine pools have been critical sources of fresh water, particularly in arid regions.  Hawai‘i has the highest concentrate of these ponds in the world, with a conservative estimate of 600 out of a worldwide total of a one thousand. DAR Administrator Brian Neilson commented, “These pools are really valuable resources – ecologically, biologically, and culturally. Our team is currently working on a rules package to provide better management strategies for anchialine pools. One of the things people can do right now is to stay out of these sensitive areas.  Sunscreens and other body oils can degrade water quality and potentially kill creatures like the ʻōpaeʻula.” On a recent visit to Pohoiki, Neilson and Sakihara, watched a woman with a snorkel, float in one of the new anchialine pools for more than an hour. Neilson concluded, “We want to educate folks and ask them not to disturb these pools and minimize their interactions with them.  Please don’t swim or snorkel in them, as you may be killing some of the most endangered aquatic creatures in the state.  Respect them and enjoy them, with your eyes, only.” To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/373208207

Attorney General Clare E. Connors today announced a campaign to teach kids about the 19th Amendment (women’s right to vote) on the cusp of its 100th anniversary. The Department of the Attorney General is conducting this campaign in partnership with the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission (WSCC), the federal commission created by Congress to ensure a proper commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the 19th Amendment, and in cooperation with the Original Flat Stanley Project. “It is vitally important that we all commemorate this anniversary,” said Attorney General Connors. “Today is the day that Susan B. Anthony stood up for her right to vote and through August 26th, 2020, our office will be working with keiki to teach them how important this right is to all of us.” Today, nationwide, attorneys general are joining Attorney General Connors and the WSCC in highlighting the centennial of women’s right to vote and teaching kids about Susan B. Anthony with a paper cutout. “We want youngsters around America to go to www.WomensVote100.org to download and decorate ‘Flat Susan B,’” said Susan Combs, Chairwoman of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission.  “Take her on adventures from the classroom to historic sites, even to the courtroom to meet today’s judges, prosecutors and attorneys. We want young Americans to learn about this unique history and celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s equality in the voting booth.” Prior to the 19th Amendment’s adoption, Virginia Minor, battled all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court for her right to vote and lost.[1] Suffragists continued to fight for equality at the ballot box and succeeded when the 19th Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution on August 26, 1920, finally guaranteeing women the right to vote. “Flat Susan B” is available for download at www.WomensVote100.org, as is a list of historic sites and state-by-state activities where Americans can photograph “Flat Susan B” and post the photos to social media using hashtags #WomensVote100 and #FlatSusanB. Susan B. Anthony photo: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/susan-b-anthony

With the rising popularity of esports, colleges and universities nationwide are picking up on the esports club trend where gamers not only compete against each other, but against other college teams as well. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa team is gaining recognition in the largest collegiate league. Students participating in the esports scene on the Mānoa campus. Leading the charge in the arena of esports at UH Mānoa is Nyle Sky Kauweloa, a graduate assistant at the School of Communications in the College of Social Sciences. Kauweloa, along with Kevin Nguyen, a UH Mānoa communications graduate, who now works full time as UH’s esports program assistant. UH esports runs 5 teams across 2 games which are Overwatch and League. The UH collegiate esports team, which is competing in the 2019 League of Legends Collegiate Starleague (CSL) tournament, recently received honorable mention in the CSL rankings and was noted as one of four teams in the Southwest region that remains undefeated after three weeks of regular season play. The other teams are from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), University of New Mexico and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Learn more about the growth of esports at UH Mānoa. “It’s really amazing given that this is our first time competing—ever in an organized tournament, and we are mentioned along with UCI,” said Kauweloa. Kauweloa also teaches a course, Esports and Society, the first of its kind at UH Mānoa. The course covers the rising popularity and significance of the growing esports industry. The University of New Mexico and UH will go head-to-head on January 18, 2020, competing in the next round of the tournament. From there, the top teams from each division will find out on February 8, 2020, who they will move on to play on the bracket stage. The schedule can be found here. Interested students can follow the team’s Instagram and Twitter, or email uh.esports@hawaii.edu. More on Collegiate Starleague Collegiate Starleague is the world’s first collegiate gaming organization. The league has grown to more than 1,800 aggregate universities and 55,000 cumulative active players. CSL runs leagues across multiple titles and platforms and has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to deserving college gamers. Source: https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2019/11/15/uh-esports-collegiate-tournament/

(Hilo) – A free event at the Wailoa Center is being held to encourage everyone to use plastic free bottles to help the environment. In 2018, the DLNR Division of State Parks was awarded a grant to install 19 water bottle filling stations on Hawai’i Island, Maui, O’ahu and Kaua’i. The goal of the project is to reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles that park visitors use during their visits to state parks. Five additional water bottle filling stations will be installed on Hawaiʽi Island: three in Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area (two at Hāpuna Beach and one at Waialea Bay), one in the Maniniʽōwali section of Kekaha Kai State Park (more commonly known as Kua Bay), and one in Kealakekua Bay Historical Park. The Help Keep the Sea Plastic Free event will be held on Saturday November 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is part of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Prevention Grant project that also celebrates the installation of a water bottle filling station at Wailoa Center. This event includes educational booths and art activities using marine debris collected at Kamilo Point. Join with State Parks, Hawaiʽi Nei, Hawaiʽi Island Art Alliance, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources Marine Wildlife Program, Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, and Hawaiʽi Wildlife Fund to learn why we should all reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse single-use plastics in our daily lives, starting with using refillable water bottles.

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi –The House Committee on Health and the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee will hold an informational briefing policy on the prescription drug take back program and the efficiency of onsite destruction of opioids in room 309 at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 at the State Capitol. HB1272 which was signed into law on July 2, 2019 as Act 183 allows for the safe prescription drug take back and disposal program being utilized by CVS Long's and 17 of their pharmacies statewide. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency: 200 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose; 2,000 Americans suffer an overdose every day; and from 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 people have died from a drug overdose. In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic the focus will be on supporting healthcare providers and health systems, partnering with law enforcement, and encouraging consumers to make safe choices about opioids – and the devastation that comes with misuse. This briefing will seek to accomplish these four goals: ● Examine the prescription drug take back program and the effectiveness of onsite destruction of such drugs. ● Understand the risks associated with diversion – the possibility of prescription drugs being returned and falling into the wrong hands. ● Review the Riverton, Utah Model of onsite destruction of prescription medications and drugs returned to various sites. ● Begin a discussion about Hawaiʻi’s need for a well-considered, thoughtful transition to their current prescription drug take back program and a program that provides for both the safe take back and onsite destruction of such drugs. Presentations include: State Department of Health (DOH) DOH – Behavioral Health Administration, Eddie Mersereau Mayor Trent Staggs, Riverton, Utah David Schiller former DEA Agent, Denver, Colorado State Attorney General's Office United State Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)Honolulu Police Department CVS Pharmacy At the conclusion of the presentations the Committees will reserve the final 10 minutes to highlight the top priorities relating to an efficient prescription drug take back and disposal program in Hawai'i and a plan of action which may contain bill proposals for the 2020 Legislative session, administrative action, and/or memorandum of agreements between departments to ensure consumer protection while navigating the opioid epidemic. No public testimony will be accepted.

Hawaii Civil Rights Commission Offers Public Training Civil Rights at Work: Worker Rights & Employer Best Practices HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) today announced its annual training will provide an opportunity to learn more about state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace and what workers and employers can do to fight and eliminate unlawful discrimination. The training, presented in collaboration with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), will cover topics including sexual harassment in the #Me Too era, labor, business, and public interest in eliminating discrimination in the workplace; voluntary mediation options in discrimination cases, the HCRC and EEOC processes, and tips on building respectful workplaces. For program info please visit: https://labor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20191106Civil-Rights-At-Work-Program.pdf The training is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Consolidated Ward Theaters and costs $30. To register, call the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission office at (808) 586-8636, or email Sharon Ferguson-Quick at sharon.y.ferguson-quick@hawaii.gov. To request an auxiliary aid / service or other accommodation needed due to a disability, contact Sharon Ferguson-Quick at (808) 586-8636, or email her at sharon.y.ferguson-quick@hawaii.gov. The Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission is responsible for enforcing state civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded services. If you feel you have been subjected to discrimination on any basis protected under state law, contact the HCRC at: telephone (808) 586-8636, or email DLIR.HCRC.INFOR@hawaii.gov.

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) recently confirmed two additional cases of lung injury related to the use of e-cigarette or vaping products and has received other reports for investigation. This brings the current number of confirmed cases in the state to four, with one individual confirmed in each county. Two of the individuals are adolescents and two are adults. All were hospitalized and have recovered. The department continues to advise everyone to stop vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current nationwide investigations are complete. “E-cigarettes and vaping products are not safe,” said Director of Health Bruce Anderson. “The public should refrain from using these products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or THC.” As of Nov. 13, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports 2,172 confirmed and probable lung injury cases associated with use of e-cigarettes or vaping products reported by 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. This includes 42 deaths confirmed in 24 states and the District of Columbia. FDA and state health laboratories have detected vitamin E acetate (a synthetic form of vitamin E) in a sample of vaping fluids also containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active compound in marijuana. In a sample of lung fluid from 29 ill patients: All 29 were positive for vitamin E acetate. Twenty or 69 percent of these patients stated they were vaping marijuana. Other patients using nicotine, or a combination of nicotine and THC have also developed symptoms. Although there may be a link between THC and vitamin E, the exact cause of the vaping injury and deaths is unknown. DOH recommends that persons should not use e-cigarettes of any kind (marijuana or nicotine) and especially those containing vitamin E acetate. People should be concerned about using vaping products containing THC, particularly those obtained from informal sources such as friends or family, or from the illicit market, where product ingredients are unknown or can be highly variable. Until the relationship of vitamin E acetate and lung health is better characterized, it is important that vitamin E acetate not be added to e-cigarette or vaping products. DOH has issued an updated Medical Advisory to physicians to assist in identifying patients who may have lung injury related to e-cigarettes and vaping. New tools for clinicians are available online at http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/vaping-resources-for-clinicians/. Healthcare providers in all settings are advised to educate all patients on the risks associated with vaping nicotine and other products. E-cigarettes should never be used by youth, pregnant women, and adults who currently do not use tobacco products. DOH, in partnership with the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and using Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Funds, recently conducted three different sets of vaping prevention workshops for administrators, staff, and faculty teams for the Department of Education, State Charter School Commission, and the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools. “Prevention is the best strategy,” said Alvin Bronstein MD, medical toxicologist, and Emergency Medical Services branch chief. “E-cigarettes are not safe, and we do not know the long-term effects for youth and adults who vape.” DOH is working daily with local physicians and federal authorities to investigate and report cases related to the national outbreak of lung injury. At this time, no one compound, or product has been identified as the cause of the injuries, and there may be more than one cause of the outbreak. DOH therefore recommends the following: Do not use e-cigarettes or vaping devices of any kind. If you don’t use vaping devices, don’t start. If you are using a vaping device, stop. E-cigarettes and vaping products are unsafe and unregulated. While there are claims that vaping devices help smokers kick their cigarette habits, not enough time has elapsed, nor has testing been done, to verify this claim or the potential for other health impacts. If you are an adult using vaping devices with medical cannabis products, consider changing to another form of medical cannabis. If you choose to continue using vaping devices, do not use off-market products. Caution is especially advised regarding the use of off-market THC-containing liquids. “Off-market” products are those available through the internet, purchased from persons on the street, and those which are homemade. Homemade products often involve modifying or adding substances to products purchased at retail stores. While evidence points to a higher incidence of negative health impacts among users of off-market THC products, some patients suffering negative health impacts report using only nicotine products or products obtained on the market. CBD products in retail locations other than through the licensed state dispensaries are not on the market legally, and vaping products especially should be avoided. Pregnant women should not use e-cigarettes and vaping products of any kind. Children and youth should never use e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Parents are urged to talk about the hazards of vaping with their children. Visit HawaiiNoVape.com for more information on e-cigarettes and tips on starting the conversation. Nicotine is highly addictive, and one vaping pod smaller than the diameter of a quarter can contain nicotine equivalent to 41 sticks of cigarettes. The act of selling tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21 is illegal in Hawai‘i. It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, use, and possess these products. Vaping devices were never intended to be used by children or youth and should not be used by them. If you have recently used a vaping device and are experiencing symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, or abdominal pain, see a healthcare provider. You may also call the Hawai‘i Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 at any time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. PDF: DOH confirms additional cases of lung injury associated with the use of vaping products

In light of continuing or planned removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the offshore waters of Mālaekahana Bay to La‘ie on O‘ahu and the Molokini Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD), off Maui’s south shore, state and federal authorities are advising people to follow the 3 Rs of UXO safety: Recognize, Retreat, Report. Remediation off Oahu and Molokini Planned in Early 2020 “Although the UXOs discovered at the Molokini reserve have been in place for more than 70 years without incident, there is a potential for the ordnance to explode, particularly if they are disturbed,” said Bruce Anderson, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health. “We urge everyone who may encounter any of these munitions to never approach, touch, move, or disturb them. Our department’s goal is to ensure removal of these items occurs as quickly and as safely as possible.” Remedial action for two potentially explosive items identified in waters of the Molokini MLCD is expected to begin next spring, after Hawaiian Humpback whales have migrated from Hawai‘i and when sea conditions will be calmer. Outreach to commercial tour operators, divers, and boaters is already underway by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) which has jurisdiction over State waters in the Molokini MLCD. This includes public presentations and distribution of UXO pamphlets to divers and boaters (attached). The U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team has been requested to conduct the remediation at Molokini, and the area is expected to be closed temporarily during this work. Specialized disposal teams from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identified and began removing about 185 items potentially presenting an explosive hazard from waters off the islets between Kahuku and La‘ie on O‘ahu’s North Shore over the summer. Work ended in September and will resume in the spring to allow whales to move away and permit work to continue in calm waters. The area around Goat Island has not been observed to have UXO. Unexploded munitions left behind more than 70 years ago from historical military activities in areas around the state pose a serious risk if disturbed. No injuries or deaths in Hawai‘i have been attributed to UXOs since extensive public education efforts conducted by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the Hawai‘i Department of Health. The last incident occurred in 1983 when two Schofield soldiers were injured by UXO during a military exercise on Parker Ranch land near Pu‘u Pa‘a, and in 1971, a Hawai‘i Island teenager died from an explosion when he handled and attempted to dismantle a UXO found at Pohakuloa Training Area. Repeating the 3 R’s of UXO safety: Recognize – when you may have encountered a munition and the potential danger Retreat – do not approach, touch, move or disturb it and carefully leave the area Report – call 911 or the DOH HEER Office at (808) 586-5815 To download safety flyers: https://www.denix.osd.mil/uxo/educational-resources/posters/

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch is alerting residents of a voluntary recall of a series of vegetable products distributed in Hawai‘i. Mann Packing Company, Inc. is issuing this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution. The recalled products have “Best If Enjoyed By” date of Oct. 11, 2019 to Nov. 16, 2019. The full list of products and all corresponding product images are available at https://mannpackingproductlist11-2019.us Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.  To date, DOH has not reported any illness associated with these products. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Mann Packing will continue to work closely with the authorities to investigate the issue. Consumers who believe that they are in possession of any of the products affected by this recall should dispose of the product in an appropriate waste container. For any inquiries or comments, all consumers are welcome to call the 24-hour customer service line at 1-844-927-0707 or email Mann Packing Co., Inc. at consumers@mannpacking.com PDF: Recalled vegetable products sold in Hawai‘i associated with potential contamination of Listeria

HDOT HIGHWAYS DIVISION FUNDS $100 MILLION AT HISTORICALLY LOW RATES, REFINANCES DEBT FOR SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is pleased to announce that it has successfully issued new highway revenue bonds that will provide funding to advance critical projects that will help preserve the State highway system and improve safety.  In addition, HDOT exercised fiscal prudence to refinance prior bonds for significant savings. The new bonds will fund $100 million of key highway capital improvement projects that will enhance and improve Hawaii’s statewide system of highways, streets and roads.  The bonds have an average interest rate of 2.82% with a final maturity in 2040. HDOT also successfully refinanced $27 million of outstanding revenue bonds, reducing annual debt payments.  The bonds that were refinanced were originally issued in 2011 with an average interest rate of 4.89%.  The new bonds have an average interest rate of 2.41%. The refinancing will generate $4.5 million of savings for the Highways Division over the next 13 years. In preparation for the bond sale, the Highways Division’s management team led an extensive marketing campaign, highlighted by an online investor roadshow that was viewed by over 15 investors, digital advertising on local websites, and in-person meetings with investors in Hawaii and on the mainland.  As a result, the bonds received an overwhelming response from investors, with over $350 million of orders from Hawaii and national investors. “Today’s bond sale results are positive for the state and its people,” said Gov. David Ige. “The market continues to have strong confidence in Hawaii’s Highways Division and its ability to deliver crucial projects to improve our roads and enhance safety.” Prior to the bond sale, the Highways Division’s credit quality was reviewed by Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings.  Moody’s upgraded the Division’s credit rating to Aa1 from Aa2 while S&P affirmed the Division’s rating of AA+.  The Moody’s upgrade brings the Division’s bond rating to within one notch of the highest possible rating of Aaa.  The improved credit rating and strong market conditions were instrumental in allowing the Highways Division to obtain a historically low interest rate on its bonds. In their review, the rating agencies cited the Highway Division’s strong coverage of its annual debt obligations by pledged revenues, the diversity of the pledged revenue stream, and the State legislature’s demonstrated willingness to add new pledged revenues to fund the State’s highway program. Also noted was the strength of the State’s economy and effectiveness of HDOT management. In addition, Moody’s noted the Highways Division’s growing focus on improved project delivery, recognizing that the Division reduced its unexpended federal highway aid balance from $950 million in federal fiscal year 2010 to $450 million in federal fiscal year 2019. Morgan Stanley served as the lead managing underwriter for the bond sale, with Well Fargo as the co-senior manager.  A Hawaii-based selling group was utilized to market the bonds to local retail investors.

2019 PROTECT OUR WATER CONFERENCE HELD TO EDUCATE INDUSTRY AND TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES ON ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE OPERATION OF SYSTEMS HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) proudly hosted the 2019 Protect Our Water Conference at Koʻolau Ballrooms and Conference Center on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. The annual Protect Our Water Conference provided construction best management practices training to approximately 400 attendees on how to minimize polluted storm water runoff from construction activities. These attendees included HDOT employees, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants; other MS4 permittees; and representatives from state and federal agencies, including the State of Hawaii Department of the Attorney General’s office, State of Hawaii Department of Health, U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. HDOT has storm water management programs for the Highways, Airports, and Harbors Divisions. The goal of these programs is to satisfy HDOT’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits and ensure that HDOT is operating its highways, airports, and harbors in a manner that protects our ocean environment. For more information on the 2019 Protect Our Water Conference please visit https://www.stormwaterhawaii.com To view photographs from today’s event, visit the HDOT Flickr site by clicking here. Please courtesy “HDOT” or “Hawaii Department of Transportation” if the photographs are used and published. About HDOT’s Storm Water Management Program The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has storm water management programs for the Highways, Airports, and Harbors Divisions. The goal of these programs is to comply with storm water regulations. The construction program of HDOT aims to reduce the discharge of pollutants from both private and public construction projects within HDOT’s jurisdiction.  For more information, visit http://hidot.hawaii.gov/stormwater/

PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR UPCOMING PROJECT ON THE WESTBOUND H-201 MOANALUA FREEWAY BETWEEN FORT SHAFTER AND THE H-3 UNDERPASS HONOLULU – The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will be conducting a Public Informational Meeting (PIM) regarding the proposed Interstate Route H-201 Outbound Auxiliary Lane Project. This meeting will include discussion on a Community Noise Variance Application for the project to allow night work. The PIM and Noise Variance Consultation is scheduled for: Wednesday, November 20, 2019, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Moanalua Middle School 1289 Mahiole Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 The proposed project location is on the westbound H-201 Moanalua Freeway from the Fort Shafter Offramp to the vicinity of the H-3 Freeway Underpass. The project as proposed will continue the existing left auxiliary lane on the H-201 from Fort Shafter to the Aiea/Pearlridge Offramp to provide an additional lane through the area. The scope of the project includes: installation of striping, pavement markings, signage and traffic counting stations; cold planing, resurfacing, and reconstructing spot areas; cleaning existing drains; removing grass and silt buildup adjacent to the roadway; and, trimming hedges along the freeway median. The hedges in the freeway median may alternatively be removed and replaced with a temporary glare screen. Limiting construction to daytime hours would result in prolonged traffic delays and disruption to business operations in the area. Performing the work during daytime hours would also significantly lengthen the time required to complete the project, increasing construction costs, and causing undue hardship on the motoring public and surrounding area residents. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 342F-5, subsection (h), HDOT seeks written comments from interested person regarding the Community Noise Variance Application for this Project. To comment on the project you can complete the form linked here. The meeting is accessible for individuals with disabilities. For more information or if you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Li Nah Okita, Design Project Manager, at (808) 692-7581 or email li.nah.okita@hawaii.gov, as soon as possible. Please make requests as early as possible to allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.