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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, April 17, 2001



Police Beat

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Suspect hands over fireworks

A Kailua man arrested in connection with bombings at a Chinatown parking structure and a Kailua church last month has surrendered dozens of movie-quality fireworks and explosive devices to police.

The 33-year-old Kailua resident told a police investigator Friday that he wanted to turn in 37 electronically fused movie pyrotechnics and three other explosive devices.

Police recovered the explosives. The 37 movie fireworks, more powerful than regular fireworks, were returned to the owner, who did not know they were missing. The other three explosive devices were retained as evidence in a connected case, police said.

Police arrested the man in connection with two bombings last month. On March 19, a bomb exploded in the stairwell of the parking garage at Harbor Village Apartments on River Street in Honolulu. On March 26, a bomb exploded outside a classroom at the Kailua Church of Christ and damaged parts of the building.

The church explosion on 400 Maluniu Ave. was a few blocks from the man's home. He was arrested after a witness identified him to police. He has not been charged, police said.

The two bombings and a third bombing that destroyed a mailbox at Ko'olau Golf Course on March 12 were by the same man, police said. No one was hurt, police said.


Driver arrested in bribery case

Police arrested a 23-year-old Mililani man yesterday after he allegedly tried to bribe a police officer after a traffic stop in Kaimuki.

Police accused the driver of reckless driving and spinning "doughnut" maneuvers at the intersection of Wai'alae and 10th avenues about 4:15 a.m.

The driver attempted to run away after he was pulled over, police said. The officer grabbed him by the collar, and the driver punched the officer once, police said. The driver was sprayed with pepper spray and subdued.

The man allegedly told police there was $50 in his pocket if he were released. He was arrested on suspicion of bribery, driving under the influence of liquor, reckless driving, assault on a police officer and 10 other traffic offenses.

Police said the man had lost his driver's license in a previous DUI conviction.


Man charged in car break-in

Police charged a 22-year-old man in connection with a car break-in at Ala Moana Beach Park on Saturday morning.

Police charged Willis Kaaialii, who they said has no local address, with unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and set his bail at $15,000.

Police accused Willis of breaking into a jeep at the park and stealing a hammer and ax from a car parked at 1201 Ala Moana Beach Park Drive.