O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
CENTRAL
Antenna owner wins more time
The city Planning Commission yesterday granted AT&T Wireless Services a 60-day extension on its request for a special-use permit for an existing antenna off Ahikao Street in Mili-
lani Mauka so the company could look into the possibility of finding an alternate site.
After emotional testimony by community residents at a commission meeting Feb. 21, chairman Charlie Rodgers said more research into exposure to radio frequency and electromagnetic fields is needed before he could call for a vote on the permit.
Several residents oppose the antenna, saying it is too close to their homes and they are worried about the possible heath risks and the effect on their property values.
AT&T consultant Keith Kurahashi said the company is looking at possibly moving the antenna to a site in Kaoma'aiku Neighborhood Park off Makaunulau Street. Kurahashi said that site would be farther from homes.
The 57-foot antenna was installed in September next to an existing VoiceStream antenna, Kurahashi said, after the city granted a conditional-use permit and waived the 25-foot height restriction.
'Aiea man, 34, held in hit-and-run case
A 34-year-old 'Aiea man was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run involving three vehicles Tuesday night near the Kapalama Military Reservation.
Police said the incident occurred at 8:55 p.m. on Sand Island Access Road in front of the driveway to the reservation.
Police said a 1990 white Nissan Maxima driven by the man collided with a 1990 white tanker truck driven by a 42-year-old Kane'ohe man.
The Maxima then crashed into a wooden light pole and metal sign post and drove through a chain-link fence. Debris from the broken pole and fence damaged an empty bus.
The driver of the Maxima fled but was later arrested by police on suspicion of failing to render aid, negligent injury and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The driver was not seriously hurt and he was transported to the Queen's Medical Center for treatment. His passenger, a 23-year-old Kane'ohe man, needed to be extricated from the Maxima.
He suffered a broken arm and was transported to Queen's in stable condition.
The driver of the truck was not hurt. Police said speed was a possible factor. It was not known whether the occupants of the Maxima wore seatbelts, police said.
WINDWARD
Waimanalo gym extends hours
The Waimanalo District Park gym is now open Friday and Saturday evenings until midnight for freeplay volleyball and basketball.
Individuals who also want to play on a team will be able to sign up at the gym office.
The facility will be open from 2 p.m. to midnight Friday and from 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday.
Waimanalo Neighborhood Board member Andrew Jamila Jr. said the gym has been open on Fridays, and the board had requested an additional evening to give residents more recreational opportunities on weekends.
Anti-abuse clinic Monday
Ten anti-abuse organizations will promote awareness of domestic violence in a public program from noon to 3 p.m. Monday at Windward Mall's center stage in Kane'ohe.
Members of the band Infusion will entertain.
Trained staff from the participating anti-domestic violence/abuse organizations will provide information and resources to help people deal with domestic violence.
HONOLULU
Teen session next week
The 52nd annual YMCA Hawai'i State Youth Legislature will be held Monday through Wednesday at the University of Hawai'i Campus Center. The opening session will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Senate chambers of the State Capitol.
A total of 55 teens from O'ahu, Kaua'i and the Big Island will participate.
The Youth Legislature will conclude with the Youth Governor's Ball March 29.
Native learning in spotlight
The second annual Native Hawaiian Education Association Convention will be held March 30-31 at Kapi'olani Community College. Registration is still being accepted.
The convention will offer an opportunity for Hawaiian educators to share ideas and will provide information to promote professional development. The convention also will address the establishment of the Native Hawaiian Education Association and its effort to advocate for the needs of Hawaiian educators and education.
Keynote speakers will be Manu Aluli Meyer of the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, and Jon Osorio of UH-Manoa.
Workshop topics will include charter schools, Hawaiian cultural standards, Hawaiian college programs and teacher education, indigenous research issues, student retention in higher education and literacy instruction in Hawaiian communities.
There is a fee to attend the convention. To register or for more information, call 956-8204.
Two reach agreement in computer hacking
Prosecutors say that a plea agreement has been reached with two Verizon Hawai'i employees charged with hacking into the Honolulu computer system last year to secure tee times at public golf courses.
Harmon Lee and Lawrence Seu are charged with using the company's computer to block calls while they booked tee times.
Authorities say the Mililani men participated in the scheme from March 30 to Aug. 2, 2000.
Lee and Seu were scheduled to appear today for an arraignment and plea.
The two were arrested and released in October pending an investigation.
Unauthorized computer use is a felony punishable by a maximum of five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
LEEWARD
Final meetings on Makua
The final focus meetings scheduled by the Army to address concerns raised during the public comment period for its supplemental environmental assessment concerning Makua Military Reservation will take place this weekend.
The meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Wai'anae District Park Multi-Purpose Center.
The schedule:
• Saturday, 8 a.m. — Community issues, including convoys along the Leeward Coast and the importance of the Pilila'au Range complex to the Army.
• Sunday, 3 p.m. — Cultural issues, to include Native Hawaiian access to Makua.
Photo provided by CrimeStoppers
Police searching for playground flasher
Anyone with information about a man who exposed himself to girls is asked to call 955-8300.
Police are looking for a man who exposed himself to a group of girls Feb. 26 at Fern playground.
The man reportedly was in a maroon-colored sedan. Police yesterday released a sketch of the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
Police also announced that a report March 14 of an incident of an attempted kidnapping of an 8-year-old girl by five young Kalihi schoolchildren proved to be false.
Deliberations in murder trial delayed
A Circuit Court judge has suspended until April 2 jury deliberations in the murder trial of Joel Keoni Brunson to accommodate jurors' commitments, officials said.
Jurors began deliberating last week in a trial that was expected to last several weeks but stretched to 10 weeks.
Brunson, 18, is accused of shooting Robert Rodemio at a birthday party May 20 in 'Ewa Beach.
The shooting escalated into a nighttime street brawl between Kalihi and 'Ewa Beach boys.
A prosecution witness testified he was just two feet away when Brunson began firing a gun at Rodemio, 18, but the defense said the witness had lied repeatedly, and that Brunson, of 'Ewa Beach, had left the party before the shooting occurred.
Jurors had spoken to Judge Michael Town early on about previous commitments.
