The University of Hawai'i Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Douglas Dykstra as chancellor of Windward Community College. His appointment is for two years, effective July 1.

"Doug will bring to Windward CC a rich background in developing and furthering academic programs and in understanding the needs of community college students," UH Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton said in a statement. "He has an excellent understanding of the accreditation issues and will help ensure that Windward CC stays on track in meeting its goals."

Dykstra is vice chancellor for academic affairs at Hawai'i Community College, a position he has held since October 2004. His previous administrative experience includes service as acting dean of instruction / vice chancellor for academic affairs at Leeward Community College for four years.

Dykstra obtained his master's degree in secondary education at UH-Manoa and a master's degree in history from Kent State University.

Dykstra replaces Angela Meixell, who has been appointed interim state director for Career and Technical Education.

MAKAKILO BRUSHFIRE EXTINGUISHED

Firefighters yesterday extinguished a small brushfire in Makakilo that came within 100 feet of some homes.

The fire was reported at 12:20 p.m. in a dry gulch that leads up to some townhomes, said Capt. Terry Seelig, Fire Department spokesman. Seelig said five engines, three tankers and the Air One helicopter battled the blaze and had it contained by 1:15.

The fire was extinguished at 1:50 p.m. and burned less than an acre, Seelig said. He said an access road between the townhomes and the fire served as a break and slowed the fire's progress.

No one was injured and no property was damaged, Seelig said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

PHOTOVOLTAIC PLAN FOR HALAWA FACILITY

The city will install a 100-kilowatt photovolatic system on three buildings at its Halawa Corporation Yard, the city announced yesterday.

The system is scheduled to be completed in January 2010 and will generate approximately 200,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, the equivalent of 33 percent of the buildings' energy consumption.

City engineers estimate the electricity cost savings to be $40,000 a year.

The PV panels will be installed on the roofs of three buildings at the facility at 99-1077 Iwaena Road in Halawa Valley.

The corporation yard houses operations of the Department of Facility Maintenance and Department of Environmental Services.