Two-liter bottles will be included in the state's HI-5¢ beverage deposit container program as of Dec. 1.

Six cents will be charged for all labeled 2-liter containers, which can be redeemed for 5-cent refunds.

All 2-liter containers will be accepted for redemption during December, January and February, regardless of whether they are labeled HI-5¢ or not. Beginning March 1, only labeled 2-liter containers will eligible for refunds.

The state's beverage container redemption program began in January 2005. The state estimates that about 900 million containers are sold in Hawai'i each year.

STARGAZING SET IN WAIMEA VALLEY

The Waimea Valley Audubon Center presents "Scoping Out the Stars" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7.

The event features an evening exploring the night sky in Waimea Valley and the chance to discover astronomy basics and more, a news release said.

Telescopes will be provided by Stargazers of Hawai'i. Organizers recommend wearing sturdy shoes to walk the unpaved path to the program site. Also, bring a flashlight, a blanket/mat and a picnic dinner, the release said.

The cost is $8 for adults, $6 for children 4-12 and $3 for annual pass holders and 20-plus hour volunteers. Cash only.

To make a reservation, call 808-638-9199.

Go to http://waimea.audubon.org for program updates.

The center is at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway in Hale'iwa.

COFFMAN NEW VP OF ALOHA AIR UNIT

Aloha Airlines has promoted Mike Coffman as senior vice president of airline operations.

Coffman, who was hired by Aloha in 2002 as vice president of airline services, will be responsible for airport operations, cargo, contract services, maintenance and engineering.

Prior to joining the state's second-largest carrier, Coffman served as vice president and general manager for air, ground and freight services for Federal Express Corp.'s western region. He also was employed for 17 years at American Airlines.

COASTLINE USE MEETING ON LANA'I

Natural resource issues and coastline use for boating and ocean recreation will be discussed at the Governor's Lana'i Community Advisory Council meeting Tuesday. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the Lana'i Senior Center, 309 Seventh St. in Lana'i City.

The public is invited to attend and hear from Russell Tsuji, first deputy director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. He will update the community on efforts to protect and manage environmental and cultural resources.

Gov. Linda Lingle created community advisory councils to give Neighbor Island residents a stronger voice in state government. The Lana'i Community Advisory Council holds public meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month to seek community input.

The members of the Lana'i council are Christine Costales, Darlene Endrina, Michael Lopez, Matthew Mano and Douglas Rolefson.

For additional information on Neighbor Island Community Advisory Councils, including meeting minutes and agendas, go to www.hawaii.gov/gov.

GINGER-ROOT SALES DECLINE 21 PERCENT

Hawai'i ginger-root sales slipped 21 percent to an estimated $2.4 million in the 2006-07 season, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Ginger root farmers harvested 2.8 million pounds during the 2006-07 season, which was down 35 percent from the 2005-06 season and the smallest crop since the 1979-80 harvest.

The average farm price was estimated at 85 cents a pound, which was up 21 percent from the previous season's farm price of 70 cents a pound.

$60,000 AWARDED TO FILM PROJECTS

Pacific Islanders in Communications yesterday announced it has awarded more than $60,000 to two independent film projects that will tell authentic stories about the Pacific and what it means to be a Pacific Islander.

"PIC is committed to 'telling the stories of the Pacific' for national public television and hopes to accomplish this by nurturing and supporting the Pacific Islander filmmaking community," program director Shane Seggar said in a written statement.

Recipients are: