Neighbor Island briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
BIG ISLAND
Waipi'o Valley diver still missing
WAIPI'O VALLEY, Hawai'i — Authorities searched for a third day yesterday for the body of a 28-year-old diver last seen about 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the ocean off remote Waipi'o Valley.
The missing man's 24-year-old companion told police that the victim apparently became tangled in his speargun line in about 30 feet of water and failed to resurface.
Fire department rescue crews used divers and a helicopter to search for the missing man Sunday and yesterday. Divers recovered some of the man's diving equipment.
80 bags of cement stolen in Ka'u
PAHALA, Hawai'i — Thieves stole 80 bags of cement from a job site in Ka'u where a contractor is replacing Keaiwa Bridge, which was severely damaged by flooding last November.
The culprits used the construction company's blue pickup truck to haul the cement. Police said an odometer reading showed the truck was returned to the site after it had been driven 150 miles.
The theft occurred sometime between 5:30 p.m. Friday and 6:30 a.m. yesterday, when the loss was discovered.
Those with information may contact police officer Cory Koi at (808) 939-2520 or Crime Stoppers in Hilo at (808) 961-8300 or in Kona at (808) 329-8181.
Two Big Island officers promoted
HILO, Hawai'i — Two veteran police officers will take over command of North Hawai'i stations in Waimea and Kapa'au.
Lt. Robert Kaaua, a 22-year veteran, was promoted to captain and will take over the South Kohala command.
Lt. Larry Weber, a 20-year veteran, will become captain and be in charge of North Kohala.
KAUA'I
Shark sighted near Wailua Beach
L?HU'E, Kaua'i — Officials yesterday closed Wailua Beach for the second time in a week after a 6- to 8-foot shark was seen about 20 yards from shore.
Water safety chief Kaleo Hookano said he expected the beach to be reopened today.
Last Wednesday, a shark of about the same size was seen near shore, and the beach was closed for part of the day.
MAUI
Restrooms open at Kahului park
KAHULUI, Maui — A new restroom facility has opened at the Kahului School Park, off Hina Avenue.
The new facility features four restroom stalls, a water fountain and space for sports groups to run concessions during games.
Total cost for the design and construction of the project was $272,000.
New tennis courts getting lights
KAHULUI, Maui — Lights are being installed at the new tennis courts at the Kahului Community Center.
Because the electricity must be shut off to allow for construction, the lights at the two existing courts will not be working this week, the county Department of Parks and Recreation reports. However, the existing courts are open for daytime play.
The two new courts should be ready for use in August.
Design, construction and archaeological monitoring costs came to approximately $260,000. The work includes upgrading of the existing courts' lights and automation of the light controls.
