UH study points to possibility of extreme tsunami

Scientists have found evidence that strong earthquakes in the Aleutian Islands could send an extreme tsunami to Oahu, crippling the island's main electrical power plant.

The study by the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology at the University of Hawaii and the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai stemmed from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan and caused damage in Hawaii.

According to Archaeobotanist David Burney, there's a spot in the Aleutian Islands that is capable of producing an extreme tsunami. He said the study theorizes the tsunami would send a four-story wave through Waikk as well as wash out the Kahe Power Plant in Leeward Oahu.

Source: Hawaii News Now

UH Hawaiian law program to train state, county personnel

The university law school's Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law will provide a free law training course to state and county lawmakers, decision-makers, staff and members of various boards, commissions and councils on Jan. 11.

The training course will focus on state and county governments trust obligations, particularly in relation to Native Hawaiian cultural and natural resources. Subjects include the public land trust, traditional and customary rights, water and the public trust doctrine, and the law relating to Native Hawaiian ancestral remains.

Associate Professor of Law and Ka Huli Ao Director Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie said the feedback from last year's training was positive and attendees found the training invaluable.

The training will be held on the law school's campus at UH Mnoa.

Excerpt from:

News at Nine, December 20