Advertiser Staff and News Services
HONOLULU
Claim against Xerox dismissed
A judge yesterday sided with the Xerox Corp. on one of two counts the company sought to have dismissed from a six-count lawsuit filed after former copy machine repairman Byran Uyesugi gunned down seven co-workers.
Circuit Judge Eden Elizabeth Hifo threw out a claim by George Moad accusing Xerox of "ratifying" Uyesugi’s actions based on a claim the company knew of his "dangerous propensities."
Moad discovered the bodies after Uyesugi shot and killed seven workers at the Xerox Hawai‘i warehouse on Nimitz Highway on Nov. 2, 1999 in the state’s worst mass murder.
Hifo in her ruling said the count was "void of facts" based on case law requiring the act to have been done "on behalf of or under the authority of the employer." Xerox attorneys yesterday said they were pleased with the decision, but declined further comment.
Hifo denied a company request to dismiss a claim by Moad of intentional infliction of emotional distress. Hifo said arguments made by Moad’s attorneys support the inference that "Xerox made a conscious decision to retain defendant Uyesugi thus constituting the alleged intentional act."
Uyesugi, serving a life sentence without parole, is acting as his own attorney in the case, as well as in a separate lawsuit filed by Randall Shin, who was in the same room where two co-workers were shot to death.
Mains break in Kaimuki
Honolulu Board of Water Supply crews were kept busy yesterday with three water main breaks in the vicinity of Wilhelmina Rise in Kaimuki.
The first break, to an 8-inch main on Wilhelmina Rise, was reported at 9:25 a.m. At 2:07 p.m., an 8-inch main on Sierra Drive collapsed, followed by a 4-inch main break on Lanihale Place.
The mains were on different water systems and the breaks were not related, a Water Supply spokesman said.
The Sierra Drive main break was blamed on corrosion, while the cause of the two other breaks was being investigated.
Water was restored to customers on Sierra Drive last night. But crews were expected to work through the night to repair the other breaks.
Barber license called obsolete
For the fifth time in 20 years, the state auditor is recommending the state give up licensing barbers and cosmetologists.
The continued regulation drives up prices and reduces selection and quality, the auditor said in a report yesterday.
Continued regulation is not warranted, because haircuts and facials pose little risk to public health, safety or welfare, the report said.
Potential dangers from poor sanitation or misuse of cosmetic products already are covered by state Department of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation, the auditor said.
The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology strongly disagreed with the auditor’s report, saying a repeal would open the door to fraud, incompetence and public distrust. The board is dominated by licensed operators.
As of July, Hawai‘i had more than 6,700 licensed barbers, cosmetologists, shops and schools, the auditor said.
WINDWARD
Event looks at cost of college
Windward Community College sponsors a financial aid workshop tomorrow evening on grants, tuition waivers, loans, work-study and scholarship options available for financing a college education, particularly those targeting Native Hawaiian students and women.
The workshop takes place at 6 p.m. in the main administration building, Hale Alaka‘i Room 102.
Speakers will include WCC financial aid officer Steven Chigawa, Kalei Kahaulelio from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Jean Saipaia and Herman Libarios from Kamehameha Schools.
For more information, call counselor Robert Bachini at 235-7472.
NORTH SHORE
McDonald’s on zoning agenda
A resolution to change land-use laws in Hale‘iwa to allow drive-through windows will be heard today by the City Council’s Zoning Committee at 10:30 a.m. in Honolulu Hale.
The resolution is being introduced by City Councilwoman Rene Mansho on behalf of residents who support McDonald’s of Hale‘iwa, which has the only drive-through in town.
McDonald’s was given an exception to Hale‘iwa’s historic district building regulations in 1997. Several residents and Life of the Land sued, and the variance was overturned last year in Circuit Court. Owner Susan Smith plans to appeal the decision in state Supreme Court.
Anyone planning to speak at the meeting must register by 10:30 a.m. and limit testimony to one minute.
LEEWARD
Fire victims being helped
The Hawai‘i chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the Makakilo Heights family whose home was severely damaged by fire Sunday afternoon.
A 12-year-old girl suffered burns on her face, arms and legs while fighting the blaze in her family’s home on Elele Street.
She was taken to Kapi‘olani Medical Center.
The family of two adults and three children is staying in temporary housing, and the Red Cross is providing food vouchers, clothing and other items.
The fire, reported at 1:49 p.m., caused an estimated $40,000 damage to the homes and $15,000 to its contents.
To make donations to the Red Cross, call 734-2101.
CENTRAL
Crash victim improves
A 33-year-old Mililani woman was upgraded from guarded to fair condition yesterday after being injured in a two-car accident at about 7:20 p.m. Saturday in Waialua.
She was riding in the back seat of a 1990 Chrysler Le Baron at the time of the crash at Kaukonahua and Kamananui roads. She was flown by helicopter to the Queen’s Medical Center in critical condition.
A 35-year-old woman driving the second car was also flown to the hospital in serious condition and was released Sunday.
Four other people in the vehicles escaped serious injury.
Injured worker still critical
A 24-year-old Pearl City man remained in critical condition yesterday after he was injured after being pinned between a truck and a storage container on Sunday.
The victim had been working at Eco-Feed Inc. on Makepono Street when the accident occurred. He was taken to the Queen’s Medical Center.
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