HONOLULU (AP) _ The newest state economic forecast for Hawaii predicts slower than expected growth this year and next.

The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism is now projecting 2.3 percent growth this year. That's drifted down from 2.5 percent growth forecast in February and 2.8 percent predicted late last year.

For 2009, growth is expected to reach 2.2 percent. The previous forecast for next year was 2.5 percent.

All of the projections are adjusted for inflation.

Analysts say the slower growth is due partly to an expected drop in tourism following the shutdown of Aloha and ATA airlines and the departure of two big cruise ships.

Forecasters also predict slower spending growth. The 2009 projection is at 3.6 percent, down from 4.2 percent.

HONOLULU (AP) _ Two dozen federal agents have searched for evidence related to the alleged illegal handling of hazardous waste on Oahu.

U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo made the announcement yesterday, along with Granta Nakayama. He's the assistant administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

Kubo says special agents from the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division executed a federal search warrant at a ten-acre property in Nanakuli.

Two men were arrested after guns were discovered.

HILO, Hawaii (AP) _ An opihi picker found dead on the Big Island has been identified by police as 37-year-old David M. Davis of Kailua-Kona.

His body was discovered Saturday in the Honokaa District. It was at the bottom of a 300-foot cliff near Kukaiau Landing.

Preliminary results of an autopsy indicate Davis died of multiple trauma consistent with a fall.

Police say they've found no evidence of foul play.