Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

MAUI

Maui girl remains critical in hospital

A Maui girl remained in critical condition last night at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children while being treated for injuries suffered as a result of suspected child abuse.

The mother of the 2-year-old Ha'iku girl sought medical attention for the child Monday from a Maui pediatrician, who notified police.

The girl was placed under the care of Child Welfare Services and transferred to the Honolulu hospital.

Few details have been released about the case, except that the girl suffered multiple injuries.

No arrests have been made.

Pipe bombs found in Wailuku yard

WAILUKU, Maui — Maui police are investigating the origin of two PVC pipe bombs found yesterday in a paper bag in a woman's yard.

The woman told police she is moving and was cleaning her yard when she found a bag containing the bombs and a fireworks device, according to a Fire Department official.

Not knowing what to do with the items, the woman took them to work at Alua Street in the Wailuku Industrial Area and called her pastor, who happens to be a police chaplain.

The pastor notified police at 1:30 p.m. and the area was secured, said Maui Police Department Sgt. Donald Kanemitsu.

The Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team at Schofield Barracks was notified, and was still at the Alua Street location yesterday evening.

The devices were described at three-inch lengths of plastic pipe with fuses on the ends.

BIG ISLAND

Waterspouts seen Tuesday off Kona

KEAUHOU-KONA, Hawai'i — At least three waterspouts were spotted off the Kona coast Tuesday.

Hawai'i County Civil Defense Administrator Bill Davis said the first report of funnel clouds was received around 8 a.m. from a Keauhou-Kona resident.

Reports estimated the distance from shore at two to five miles, he said.

"They never came close to shore, fortunately," said Davis, explaining that the waterspouts dissipated before he could issue a weather advisory for West Hawai'i residents.

West Hawai'i has seen waterspouts before. The events are akin to tornadoes and can be just as destructive if they touch land.

One passed over Kailua Pier on Jan. 28, 1971, causing millions of dollars in damage when it overwhelmed several structures, including a hotel under construction.

On Dec. 24, 1996, a waterspout came ashore at Honomalino and pushed through MacFarms orchards, destroying an employee home.