Some people are getting good news while others will have to wait to find out if they will get a ticket to see Barack Obama sworn in as America's 44th president in two weeks. The flood of more than 1,000 requests from Island residents to each of Hawai'i's two U.S. senators and two congress members is unprecedented for the delegation.

President Bush yesterday declared a major disaster in Hawai'i due to the severe storms and flooding in December, which makes federal money available to people who experienced storm-related damages on O'ahu.

Official Hawai'i state identification cards have a new look, with a green border across the top and an image of the Hawai'i flag in the upper left corner and "USA" to right of that.

Three park rangers recently joined the Department of Parks and Recreation staff, bringing the total number of county park rangers to seven.

Jack Johnson's Kokua Festival, which has become a staple entertainment event in Honolulu, will not return for what would have been its sixth consecutive year.

WAI'ANAE COAST NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETING 7 p.m., Wai'anae Neighborhood Community Center.

Haleakala National Park Superintendent Marilyn Parris will retire Jan. 30 after 34 years with the National Park Service.

Hawai'i County Police Chief Harry Kubojiri and Deputy Chief Paul Fereeira were sworn into office yesterday during a ceremony at the Public Safety Building in Hilo.

The city continues work on the extension of Kapolei Parkway on two fronts.

The state is asking recreational and commercial boaters to be cautious during the height of the whale season from January to March.