O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
LEEWARD
Gas Co. to talk about Kapolei
Gas Co. vice president and general manager Jim Yates will discuss the company's plans in the Kapolei area at the next Kapolei Rotary Club meeting, 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the Kapolei High School faculty/staff lounge.
As part of a planned $3 million development at Kalaeloa Harbor, the Gas Co. is moving its liquefied petroleum storage tanks and barge terminal from Honolulu Harbor to the Leeward O'ahu facility.
The meeting costs $7 and includes a buffet breakfast.
For information, call Keola Lloyd at 674-3167.
Teens to write about Kapolei
All ninth-graders in the greater Kapolei area from Ko Olina to 'Ewa Beach are invited to compete for prizes by writing an essay on the future of the area.
The theme of the essay is "In 20 years, I envision the new city of Kapolei to ..."
The contest was created by the 'Ewa/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Vision Team along with the Center for Better Communities and is sponsored by Chevron Hawai'i.
Four finalists will be selected, and the winner will receive a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a $100 Chevron gift certificate. Three runners-up will win $500 savings bonds and $50 Chevron gift certificates.
The English teacher of each winner will receive a $25 Chevron certificate and their school will receive a $100 donation from Chevron.
Essays must be turned in by April 30.
For rules and an application, call Georgette Stevens-Begley at 672-3545.
Ma'ili accident probe continues
Two police officers will remain on desk duty until their involvement in an Aug. 27 fatal accident near Ma'ili Point is fully investigated by the prosecutor's office, said Honolulu Police Department spokeswoman Michelle Yu. But a final decision could be years away.
In January, police completed an internal investigation and turned over evidence in the case to the city prosecutor, who is now evaluating the evidence, said Jim Fulton of the prosecutor's office.
On Aug. 27, a motorcycle that had been reported stolen was speeding west on Farrington Highway and slammed into a Nissan Sentra making a left turn from Ma'ili Beach near Kaukama Road. The motorcyclist, George K. Uahinui, 28, and the driver of the Sentra, Rayson Labaya, 22, both were killed.
A formal inquiry was initiated after a witness reported that officers were chasing a motorcycle on Farrington Highway shortly before the accident.
The witness told investigators that police did not use their blue lights or sirens, which could have warned the driver who pulled out in front of the motorcycle and possibly prevented the accident.
HPD's pursuit policy requires officers to use lights and sirens during all chases and to be in communication with police dispatchers.
Fulton said the prosecutor assigned to the case will decide if any charges should be filed.
"It can take years before a final determination is made," Fulton said. "It is a matter of getting to it. We've got other cases out there. Because police officers are involved, we will treat it with a great deal of scrutiny."
Wai'anae officers said they were looking for the motorcyclist that morning but were not involved in a chase.
WINDWARD
Improvements set for Kailua
The city's proposed budget for fiscal 2002 includes $21,536,000 in capital improvement projects for Kailua, said Council members Steve Holmes (Maunawili/Enchanted Lake-Kawela Bay) and John Henry Felix (Kailua-Wai'alae Nui).
The projects are for placing utilities underground, beautification, park improvements and traffic calming measures.
The budget also includes more than $18 million for sewer repairs and upgrades.
Holmes, who heads the Budget Committee, said the council has until June 15 to pass the final version of the budget.
WCC adds 2 scholarships
Two new scholarships are available at Windward Community College.
The Mary Conniff Scholarship provides up to $1,000 a year for women who have been away from school or work for four years.
The Minami Community Foundation Scholarship Fund targets those who have lived in Kane'ohe or Kahalu'u for at least five years.
Applications are available at the WCC financial aid office. The deadline is May 15 for the Mary Conniff scholarship and May 30 for the Minami scholarship. 235-7333.
