O'ahu briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

NORTH SHORE

Leak shuts businesses

A propane tank leak outside Rosie's Cantina in Hale'iwa yesterday forced the closure of at least three businesses in the Hale'iwa Shopping Plaza while the tank was repaired, according to the Honolulu Fire Department.

Workers in the restaurant detected the leak about 3 p.m. yesterday and evacuated the cantina.

An HFD Hazmat crew responded and made a temporary repair to a pin-hole sized leak in the 125-gallon tank. Firefighters were to stay on the scene until a permanent repair was made, Capt. Richard Soo said yesterday.

Soo said the leak was likely caused by corrosion.

CENTRAL

State awards bridge contract

The state Department of Transportation has awarded a $7.2 million contract to Okada Trucking Co. Ltd. for replacement of the Honolulu-bound Halawa Stream bridge on Kamehameha Highway.

Work includes removing and replacing a portion of the bridge, constructing a detour road and temporary bridge, moving utilities, landscaping, and installing new guardrails, traffic signals, pavement signing, striping and markings. Work is scheduled to begin by October.

CENTRAL

Mayor, police chief give tour

Mayor Jeremy Harris and Honolulu Police Chief Lee Donohue will lead a tour of the Honolulu Police Department's Alternate Communications Center at the Kapolei Police Station tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.

The Alternate Communications Center is a backup system for the primary police dispatch center at the Alapai headquarters. It is activated when the primary center requires maintenance or during disasters. The alternate dispatch system uses technology that allows voice messages to be routed across the wires that connect city computers.

HONOLULU

Hearings on tap for airport

The state Department of Transportation will hold public hearings next month on proposed changes to its administrative rules for aircraft operations, public conduct and operation of motor vehicles at public airports.

The hearing schedule:

• Sept. 11: 9 a.m. at the Airport Conference Center Interisland Terminal, seventh floor, Honolulu International Airport.
• Sept. 11, 3 p.m. at the Airport Mezzanine Conference Room, South Terminal, third floor, Lihu'e Airport, Kaua'i.
• Sept. 12, 9:30 a.m. at the Airport Conference Room, Kahului Airport, Maui.
• Sept. 12, 3 p.m. at the Airport Conference Room, Kona International Airport, Keahole, Hawai'i.

Written comments will be accepted until Sept. 19 at the following address: State of Hawai'i Department of Transportation, Airports Division, 400 Rodgers Blvd., Suite 700, Honolulu HI 96819-1880.

A copy of the proposed rules can be obtained or reviewed at the airport manager's office at Honolulu International, Kahului, Kona International at Keahole and Lihu'e airports Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Or call (808) 838-8622.

Charity kicks off fund-raising

Aloha United Way has announced the launch of its general campaign with a goal of raising $13.6 million.

The campaign will run from Aug. 30 to Oct. 12 with the official kickoff at Aloha United Way's Day of Caring event Sept. 5.

"The generous contributions to AUW by our friends and neighbors help support tens of thousands of families, children and the elderly in our communities," said Irving Lauber, AUW president.

"The more of us who give, the greater our impact will be in improving people's lives."

For details, call 536-1951, or visit the Web site.

WINDWARD

Glider rescued in Makapu'u

A 29-year-old Waimanalo man had to be pulled off the cliffs above Makapu'u after an paragliding accident around 10:30 a.m. yesterday.

He received only minor injuries.

The victim and about five others parked at the Makapu'u Point overlook, crossed Kalaniana'ole Highway and climbed the rocks above Makapu'u Beach to launch their paragliders, according to HFD spokesman Capt. Richard Soo.

Shortly after the victim took off, a gust of wind pushed him back into the mountain.

Firefighters from Hawai'i Kai, and the department's helicopter responded to calls for help. The man complained of neck, back and shoulder pain and was airlifted to Sandy Beach Park.

The victim then refused medical treatment, Soo said.