O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
NORTH SHORE
Man critically hurt in crash
A 21-year-old man was in critical condition yesterday after he drove his car off the side of Kamehameha Road near Malaekahana State Park in La'ie.
Police said they are uncertain why the man's car drifted off the road, struck a utility pole, hit a road sign and then struck another utility pole.
Speed is thought to have been a factor. Police are investigating to determine whether alcohol played a role.
The man, who was not wearing a seat belt and did not have air bags in his 1989 Honda, was thrown from the car at some point after it left the road.
He was taken to the Queen's Medical Center with head injuries.
Kaiaka Park plans pushed
The North Shore Neighborhood Board is seeking $200,000 worth of improvements to Kaiaka Park in Hale'iwa, including athletic fields and facilities for young people.
The money is part of a $1 million Capital Improvement Program package each neighborhood board will submit to the mayor to be included in the budget for fiscal year 2003.
The board approved 11 projects last month in Mokule'ia, Waialua, Hale'iwa, Kawailoa, Sunset Beach and Pupukea.
Some $100,000 has been set aside to create a Hale'iwa Town and Kamehameha Highway master plan. The board also earmarked $120,000 for 'Ehukai Beach Park to replace piles with a rock wall and $39,000 for Ke Waena to improve parking and to paint the lifeguard tower.
A new comfort station for Ali'i Beach Park received $176,000, and $30,000 was set aside for to replace a shower at a Pupukea Beach Park comfort station.
Road paving requests include $100,000 for Kealohanui Road and $100,000 for Pu'uiki Road, which also calls for speed bumps. Some $24,000 will go to Olohio, Kikou and Mahina'ai streets for speed bumps.
Finally, the board asked for $100,000 for bus shelter roofs in Kawailoa and $11,000 to improve the bus stop at Three Tables.
The board also requested $50,000 for ash bins to dispose of hot coals at Ali'i and Hale'iwa beach parks.
CENTRAL
Mayoral plans to be discussed
Former City Councilman Mufi Hannemann will discuss his plans to run for Honolulu mayor during the Rotary Club of Mililani Sunrise meeting at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Leilehua Golf Course clubhouse.
Hannemann ran unsuccessfully for the city's top office last year. His opponents in 2002 will be City Councilman Duke Bainum and former mayor Frank Fasi. Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono and former city prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro are also reported to be considering entering the race.
The meeting includes a breakfast buffet for $5.
For details, call Jodie Brede at 623-1188.
Weed & Seed meeting slated
Another in a series of community meetings to bring Weed & Seed crimefighting measures to 'Ewa Beach will be held at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Child and Family Service Center, 91-1841 Fort Weaver Road.
Maile Kanemura, Weed & Seed coordinator, will give a presentation at the meeting, which continues previous planning and will allow for more public input.
Weed & Seed is a collaborative effort to reclaim dangerous neighborhoods by working to prevent crime. The primary areas of concern in 'Ewa are between 'Ewa Beach Community Park and Hanakahi Street, and the Fernandez Village area near Renton Road.
The Wai'anae community also is trying to start a Weed & Seed program along the Leeward Coast.
For details call Kanemura at 543-2216.
