Police Beat
Advertiser Staff
Wai'anae brushfire almost out
Firefighters worked all day in the Wai'anae mountains yesterday putting out the remnants of the largest brushfire of the year on O'ahu. Between 700 and 800 acres burned in and near the Wai'anae Kai Forest Reserve by a blaze that started about 12:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Because the area is so remote and the fire was so large, it will take several more days before all the hot spots are extinguished, according to Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Richard Soo.
About 15 firefighters using hand tools and bladders filled with water roamed the rugged area yesterday looking for the hot spots. They were aided by the department's helicopter dropping buckets of water.
"The fire is contained, but not extinguished," Soo said. "It's not going anywhere, and it's not expanding, but it will take several days to put out completely."
Dozens of firefighters from 14 fire companies initially fought the blaze Tuesday at the end of Wai'anae Valley Road, and contained the fire at 8:50 p.m.
The fire came close to some farm lots, and although no homes were threatened, endangered native plants were likely destroyed.
Soo said arson is suspected.
Mililani man faces trial in fatal assault
District Judge Tenney Tonng yesterday found there was sufficient evidence to turn a 21-year-old Mililani man over to Circuit Court to be tried on murder charges in connection with a fatal assault on a nightclub doorman Saturday near Ala Moana Center.
Tony Kwak was charged with second-degree murder, and his bail was set at $125,000, police said.
Robert Cullen, 50, died Saturday after he was kicked while trying to break up a fight at the Venus Night Club, according to court records. Police said Cullen worked as a doorman at the nightclub at 1349 Kapi'olani Blvd.
Off-duty policeman flips car on H-1
An off-duty Honolulu police officer was slightly injured yesterday when his car flipped on the H-1 Freeway near Pearl Harbor.
The 2001 Chevy Camaro was westbound when the driver, 27, lost control and hit a dirt embankment near the Hickam Air Force Base off-ramp around 3:40 a.m., police said.
The officer was taken to the Queen's Medical Center. Police said it was not known whether alcohol or speed were factors in the crash.
38-year-old charged in sexual assault
Police have charged a 38-year-old Whitmore Village man accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in front of a police officer Saturday in Wahiawa.
Edison Lameg of Kaniko Place was charged with first-degree sexual assault and bail was set at $25,000, police said.
According to police, an officer saw a parked car with traffic violations, approached it and saw the man sexually assaulting the girl.
Wai'anae man faces sex charges
Police have charged a 19-year-old Wai'anae man in connection with a sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl after the girl's mother reported the alleged incident to police.
David Nunes was charged with first-degree sexual assault Tuesday and his bail was set at $20,000, police said.
The offense occurred at a friend's home on Ala Hema Street during Aug. 16 through Sept. 18, police said. Police described Nunes as an acquaintance of the girl.
Boyfriend arrested in making threats
Police arrested a man after he allegedly threatened his girlfriend with a knife in her 'Ewa Beach home and forced her into his car after an argument Tuesday morning.
Kaua'i police hunt Wailua Jail escapee
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Police continue to search for an inmate who escaped Saturday morning from the Wailua Jail while outside the secure areas on livestock detail.
Bradley David Pundyke, 40, is described as 5 feet 6 and 160 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He has tattoos of a rose on his right forearm, of hands and a skull on his right shoulder, a band around his left wrist, and the words "Halawa State Prison" below his neck.
He is from Kapa'a, with relatives in Kapa'a and Hanama'ulu.
Call Kaua'i Crimestoppers at (808) 241-6787, or Detective Marvin Rivera at (808) 241-6745.
Drivers urged to clean out cars
The Honolulu Police Department urged the public to minimize the number of items in their cars if they plan to drive through vehicle checkpoints such as the Honolulu International Airport, military bases and the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole Federal Building.
Police said fewer items in cars would expedite inspections and reduce traffic congestion and delays.
