The Left Lane
Hiking safety tips tailored for Hawai'i

Advertiser Staff and News Service

Hiking is the ideal pastime: healthy, fun and cost-free. But it also can be dangerous. In fact, rescuing wayward hikers jeopardizes others and increases costs to Hawai'i taxpayers. To reduce this risk, the state Division of Land and Natural Resources has produced a new brochure, "Hiking Safely in Hawai'i." It offers a comprehensive list of safety tips on the trail, recommendations for basic equipment and advice on what to do in an emergency.

The best new addition is Na Ala Hele's Web site: www.hawaiitrails.org, which provides maps and detailed trail information at the click of a mouse. Coming soon: the brochure itself will be available not just in DLNR forestry offices, but on Na Ala Hele's Web site as well.

Na Ala Hele is the state Trail and Access Program. Initially created in response to public concern about the increasing loss of access trails, it now works to preserve historic trails throughout the Islands.

Monkeys make moola

Tim Burton's remake of the sci-fi classic "Planet of the Apes" grossed $69.6 million in a No. 1 debut that was the best non-holiday three-day opening ever. The movie, which stars Mark Wahlberg, also drew the best Friday single-day gross with $25 million.

Here's the top 10 list for last weekend's movies from Exhibitor Relations Inc., with the weekend gross in millions: 1) "Planet of the Apes," $69.6; 2) "Jurassic Park II," $22.5; 3) "America's Sweetheart," $15.7; 4) "Legally Blonde," $7.1; 5) "The Score," $7.1; 6) "Cats & Dogs," $4.5; 7) "Dr. Dolittle," $4.2; 8) "The Fast and the Furious," $3.8; 9) "Scary Movie 2," $2.6; 10) "Shrek," $1.7.

Instant millionaire publishes his story

John Tippin, who won $11.9 million with a single pull of a Las Vegas slot machine in January 1996, has published a book, "I DID IT!: My Life After Megabucks," (IDIDIT, LCC, $16.95) in which he tells about his radical life change, from being a postal employee to a guy with beaucoup bucks.

"Moments. We all have them. What did you do with yours?" That is the essence of what he learned from his 15 minutes of fame, which included appearances on Oprah Winfrey's TV show and dealing with scammers hungry for a slice of his financial pie.

"This book is for every dreamer who has ever dreamt of hitting the 'Big One,'" says Tippin, who lives in Honolulu with his wife, Stella.

"I Did It!" is in bookstores now and can be ordered by mail from 545-2820 or (888) 464-4292. An e-book version also is available at the Tippin Web site.