From West Hawaii Today:

A residency training program starting in Hilo with the goal of increasing rural family doctors statewide could get a needed infusion of funds in this year’s legislative session.

The Hawaii State Association of Counties, meeting Monday in Hilo, heard a pitch for its support as bills seeking $2.8 million annually for the program wend their way through the state Legislature. One bill, SB 664, sponsored by Sen. Josh Green, D-Kona, a physician himself, last week passed the Senate Health Committee he chairs. A House version, HB 417, sponsored by Rep. Mark Nakashima, D-Hamakua, is scheduled to be heard by the House Health Committee on Wednesday.

The Hawaii County Council last month passed a resolution asking the Legislature to support the measures. Hilo Councilman Dennis Onishi, the island’s representative on the state association, urged his colleagues to get their councils to also submit resolutions, or failing that, send a letter of support to the legislative committees on their own. Read the full story.

Kauai County urges caution after this year’s 4th drowning

Move over: Enforcement of law to begin

Filing seeks back rent, other fees from WMSA

Monk seal found ill in Kona dies on Oahu

KCC student proposes new recycling program

Banner execs to meet with Big Isle hospital staff

Feds release cost estimates for critical Maui habitat

Governor to name Big Island regent

Photo courtesy cogdogblog.