Karen Diener takes the wheel in the driving simulator that will be part of the Nu'uanu YMCA’s driver education program. Diener is a marketing director with KQ Corp., which developed the simulator. A state law that took effect Jan. 1 requires teens under 18 to complete a driver education program before getting a driver’s license. See story.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser
City gets national soccer tourney
Honolulu will host the 2002 American Youth Soccer Organization's National Games, a weeklong event that could bring $10 million to the local economy. The games will be played at the city's new Waipi'o Soccer Park.
Legislature may tackle abortion
The heads of the state House and Senate health committees say they will consider hearings this session on two bills aimed at restricting minors' access to abortions.
White House allows new coral reef reserve
To federal officials' surprise, the Bush administration has allowed the new coral reef reserve in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to be established.
You can now get our news and weather information on your wireless phone.
Developer wants approval to build casino at Ko 'Olina
When Gov. Ben Cayetano traveled to the Bahamas last year, he met with executives from an international hotel and casino company that is now proposing a new 1,500-room resort at Ko 'Olina that would include gambling.
Drive-through debate resurfaces in Hale'iwa
Debate among North Shore residents over allowing drive-through windows at fast-food restaurants in Hale'iwa Town is being rekindled by City Councilwoman Rene Mansho's proposal to change land-use laws.
Hawai'i Kai cemetery boundaries approved
The Honolulu City Council approved boundaries for a proposed cemetery in Kamilonui Valley in Hawai'i Kai yesterday, clearing the way for developers to plan the location of a mortuary, a crematorium and burial sites.
Man held in attack on tourist at hotel
Police arrested a 43-year-old man yesterday in connection with the Waikiki robbery Tuesday that left an 81-year-old tourist from Canada in critical condition.
Lawyers fight over Arakawa's dossier
Lawyers working on behalf of the state Adult Probation Division are seeking to quash a Honolulu prosecution subpoena of 1993 probation records relating to retired Honolulu police officer Clyde Arakawa.
Cayetano to honor four teachers
Four Hawai'i public school teachers will be recognized by the governor today for attaining the highest professional credential in their field.
Hirono promotes education package
Creating financial incentives to keep teachers in Hawai'i and allowing state residents to donate $2 of their tax returns for upgrading schools are part of several legislative measures introduced by Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono yesterday.
YMCA's simulator puts teens in driver seat before hitting road
The YMCA, which is offering driver education classes, unveiled a driving simulator at its Nu'uanu branch yesterday. Dubbed the "Y Primedriver," the machine simulates various driving situations for minors.
Jury awards $400,000 in damages
A federal jury yesterday awarded a former Hawai'i resident $400,000 in his lawsuit against two Honolulu police officers charging he was falsely imprisoned and his constitutional rights were violated.
Ex-attorney admits cheating clients
Former attorney Mark M. Cusmano pleaded guilty yesterday to 22 counts, including first-degree theft, forgery, racketeering, and money laundering in the misuse of $184,000 taken from 15 clients in 1999.
Skeptics hear Kunia center presentation
The pros and cons of a proposed 41-acre shopping center in Royal Kunia were vetted at a community vision meeting last night at Ho'ae'ae Community Park.
Le Jardin Academy to receive deed
Le Jardin Academy has come a long way since it operated out of rented classroom space in Kailua churches. Today, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation will present Le Jardin with the deed to its 24-acre campus.
Fewer appeals on property values filed
The number of appeals of property assessment fell this year, city officials say. City spokeswoman Carol Costa said Tuesday that the city received 2,000 appeals as of the Jan. 16 deadline; 2,576 appeals were filed last year.
La'ie woman to defend self in trial for fraud
A La'ie woman who could face more 1,300 years in prison terms and $44 million in fines for allegedly heading a scheme that bilked about 4,000 investors of more than $40 million wants to represent herself at her trial.
Navy lays blame in ship collision
A Navy investigation reportedly found the captain and first officer of an assault ship responsible for a collision with a tanker off Hawai'i in July.
Counties to get share of utility tax
Honolulu and the Neighbor Island counties have reached an out-of-court settlement with the state that will pump an extra $30 million a year into county treasuries.
O'ahu briefs
Mayor delivers speech today; Makua Valley issue still hot; Grant will aid memorial effort; Restroom work starts in March; Police focus on vehicle vandals; Book sale will begin today; No one hurt in bus accident
Kaua'i water bills will increase sharply
The Kaua'i Board of Water Supply yesterday approved a water rate increase that will almost double the average residential user's bill by mid-2003.
Neighbor Island briefs
Council selects works director; Help sought in finding youth; Big Isle chief's swearing in set; Maui brush fire keeps burning; Ka'u bridges being replaced
Bob Krauss
Likelike table outlives old ship
The Likelike table doesn't belong in 'Iolani Palace although Likelike was a sister of King Kalakaua and the mother of Princess Ka'iulani. This table was once a ship's wheel, steering the Likelike, an interisland steamer.
Islands need new electricity strategy
The crisis in California's electrical grid has people at every position on the political spectrum pointing fingers. In the midst of it all, there is a lesson for Hawai'i.
Mike Leidemann
Bigwigs can't see Kaka'ako fine as is
Everybody has big plans for the Kaka'ako waterfront these days. Why can't they just leave well enough alone? As it is now, the Kaka'ako waterfront is a wonderful place.
