Democrats Seek Votes for Health Care Reform Plan
In the senate, democratic leaders still aren't sure they can win a key vote on health care.That vote is set for Saturday night.
Democrats need 60 senators to say yes, to start the debate on the historic and controversial, reform plan.
They need all 58 democrats and two independents to say yes.
But they fear at least three democrats could vote no, because they're worried about the cost of the plan.
Nearly all republicans are sure to vote no.
Democratic leaders say that's because the GOP has no health reform plan of its own:
“I've been searching in vain for the republican health care bill. We're now into 36 hours since I challenged the republicans to post on the internet the republican health care reform bill . I haven't seen it yet. I’m not sure we will,” said Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin.
Republicans say the democratic health plan will mean higher taxes for middle class families and businesses.
The democrats propose to pay for reform by cutting about $500-billion from medicare over the next ten years, which republicans say will be punishing for seniors.
One Vehicle Accident Closes Part of Kapahulu Avenue
In local news, Kapahulu Avenue is still closed between Harding and Kaimuki Avenue because of an early morning accident.
A jeep hit an utility pole just after 4:30 this morning.
The driver of the jeep was taken to the hospital, his condition was not immediately known.
Police are closing that portion of Kapahulu because of damage to the pole.
Witnesses of Fatal Pali Highway Crash Urged to Come Forward
The family of a man killed Wednesday night on the Pali Highway is asking for witnesses to come forward.
43-year-old Michael Borges died when he lost control of his Honda Civic just after 7 p.m.
Seconds later a mini-van also veered off the road.
A witness to the fatal crash says she's certain that a third driver was responsible.
“The driver hit on the breaks really fast and I turned to my husband and said I hope this cop pulls this car over going really fast,” said Shontaz Naweli.
She described the car as a dark colored Honda Civic.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 955-8300.
Unions Meetins to Discuss Future of Furlough Fridays
The end of furlough Fridays may be drawing near as lawmakers, the school board and the superintendent continue to hammer out details.
House lawmakers will meet today to decide on whether they will support a special session to address the issue.
Thursday, senators voiced their support for the governor's plan to fix furlough Fridays through a combination of rainy day funds and turning non instructional time into class time.
The next step is getting that plan by the teacher's union, the HGEA and the UPW.
380 State Workers Now Jobless
380 state workers have joined the ranks of the unemployed this morning.
Yesterday was their last day of work as the second round of lay offs went into effect.
About half of those let go were from the department of human services.
Another 181 state worker will be laid off or will retire by the end of the year.
Vicks Sinex Spray Recalled
Procter and Gamble is recalling 120,000 bottles of its Vicks Sinex Spray.
The company says it found bacteria in samples during routine testing at a German plant.
Anyone who has the products can call proctor and gamble for a replacement coupon or refund.
I-Phone Application Drives Cars
It seems like there's an application for just about anything on an I-Phone.
But what about an application that would allow the I-Phone to drive your car?
Some engineers at Austin-based National Instruments have combined their love of remote control cars with I-Phone technology.
The application uses sliders to control the gas and brake pedals.
The steering wheel moves as you rotate the phone from side to side.
