Flavor of Maui

KIHEI - Hot spots continued to flare up Saturday in a 500-acre pasture blackened by a wildfire that spread from the Keonekai area up the slopes alongside the Maui Meadows subdivision. Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin said the fire was contained, but two firefighter crews remained at the scene Saturday night to continue mopping up hot spots and to monitor the burn area.

WAILUKU - While continuing low-rainfall conditions are raising concerns on Windward Oahu, Maui County Water Director Jeff Eng expressed appreciation for water conservation efforts of consumers in Central and South Maui. "Water usage for the Central system dropped a bit compared to the previous week," he said.

KAHULUI - A half-dozen mostly struggling businesses near Kahului Airport face shutdowns or relocations after being given until Dec. 31 to vacate state-owned property because the state Department of Transportation plans to develop rental car concessions in the area. The notice to vacate was contained in a June 17 letter to Earl Eckel Jr., owner of Eckel Cabinets and Counter Tops on Kahale Street.

KIHEI - Two dozen firefighters on Friday afternoon were still trying to bring under control a stubborn brush fire along the lower slopes of Haleakala near Maui Meadows, fire officials said. Battalion Chief Frank Tam said the fire had been contained and fire crews were trying to fortify fire lines that had been cut around the burn area.

WAILUKU - Because of his age and health, a 74-year-old man with a 50-year-long criminal record was sentenced Friday to 30 days in jail rather than the five years in prison that normally would apply to a defendant with his history.