The Federal Aviation Administration has broken ground for a new $39 million air traffic control tower at Keähole-Kona International Airport on the Big Island.

The current 51-foot tower was built in 1970 to control a 6,500-foot runway. In 1993, the runway was extended to 11,000 feet, making it difficult for controllers to see the north end.

The FAA says the new 100-foot tower will provide controllers with better views of the airfield.

The new tower will be on 7 acres of land north of the airport's passenger terminal, about a mile from the current tower.

The new tower is expected to be ready in May 2012.

UH, GUAM SCHOOL TO SHARE $12.6M GRANT

The National Cancer Institute has awarded a combined grant to the University of Hawai'i's Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i and the University of Guam.

The $12.6 million grant will be used to support the institutions' cancer research partnership program.

Dr. Carl Wilhelm-Vogel is the principal investigator and former director of the cancer center.

He says the award will support regionally important research projects while addressing cancer health disparities in Guam and other parts of Micronesia.

The award is part of a program supporting partnerships of National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers with minority-serving institutions in geographic regions.

WALMART CELEBRATES 2 STORES' REOPENING

Walmart is holding grand reopening ceremonies this week for its Hilo and Kahului stores following four months of renovation work.

The discount retailer said improvements include wider aisles that no longer include product displays, enhanced lighting, low-profile shelving and expanded food and electronics departments.

Reopening events are scheduled for tomorrow at the Hilo store and Thursday at the Kahului store. Both events will begin with a traditional Hawaiian blessing at 8 a.m. followed by local entertainment and presentations of financial grants to local service organizations.