Hawaii cuts 239 education positions

The Hawaii Board of Education has cut 239.5 positions in its budget proposal to meet new spending restrictions because of an economic downturn. School officials could not say how many of those positions are currently filled. Despite making $45.6 million in cuts, the board still could not reach the governor's 15 percent and 20 percent mandatory budget reductions to help stave off a projected statewide $900 million shortfall.