From The Maui News:

A state official with the Occupational Safety and Health Division was on Maui on Wednesday to investigate complaints from a once high-ranking Hale Mahaolu employee alleging that the organization has not taken appropriate steps to remove asbestos from a Lahaina low-income housing complex.

The employee, Kula resident Robyne Nishida Nakao, also alleges that she was demoted in retaliation for continuously pressing the safety issue with Hale Mahaolu Executive Director Roy Katsuda.

Last week, Nishida Nakao filed complaints with the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division over the inappropriate removal of asbestos from the ceilings and floor tiles at the Lahaina Surf Apartments. Her complaints include her charge that Katsuda demoted her from deputy executive director to development director in April. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Monk seal found dead on Kauai, no foul play suspected

Hawaii County contract raises eyebrows

Kona man admits to making plane hijacking prank call

Kauai Humane Society reduces hours, staff

Future of Puna circus in limbo

Hamakua Springs volunteering hundreds of acres for testing

Kauai Council approves resolution creating housing update

Kailua-Kona July 4 parade, fireworks short on dough

Photo courtesy lgkiii.

—Chad Blair