O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
NORTH SHORE
Long summer ends in Hale'iwa
Students at Hale'iwa Elementary got a few extra days of summer vacation when the scheduled opening of school on Wednesday was delayed because of renovations.
But contractors are rushing to complete the work and the school will open tomorrow, said Gary Griffiths, North Central Complex Area superintendent.
Half the school — 13 classrooms — is being modernized for returning students, with upgrades that include modern lighting, white boards replacing chalkboards and fresh paint, he said. The school's cesspool system also was upgraded.
Renovations didn't get started on time because construction materials were delivered late, Griffiths said.
WINDWARD
Two Marines held on sex charges
Two Marines were being held by Honolulu police on suspicion of kidnapping and attempted sexual assault.
The men, ages 19 and 20, are accused of accosting a 19-year-old woman shortly before midnight Friday on the street in Waikiki, taking her to their hotel room and attempting to sexually assault her.
The men were arrested early yesterday.
Police are continuing to investigate the charges.
Kahalu'u project reorganizes
KEY Project in Kahalu'u has reorganized its administration, adding positions and shuffling responsibilities.
Sen. Bob Nakata, who was executive director, has become president of the organization, responsible primarily for raising money.
Kili Kono, who was program director, is chief executive officer, responsible for administration, programs and fiscal management.
Kono, 52, has been with KEY for a year. Before that she ran programs for single mothers in Kalihi. She also worked with Hawaiian students at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and taught reading and was a counselor to Hawaiian students at Kapi'olani Community College.
She also started a preschool and ran a small business tutoring children in rural areas.
CENTRAL
'Aiea fires leave six homeless
A fire destroyed one 'Aiea home and severely damaged another last night, leaving six people homeless.
HFD Capt. Kenison Tejada said no one was injured by the fire at 99-124A Lilikoi Place. An adjoining home at 99-104A Lilikoi Place had two bedrooms destroyed.
Tejada said the fire was reported at 7:40 p.m., and even though firefighters were on the scene by 7:43 p.m., the first home was burned to the ground. A woman and her daughter who lived at 99-124A Lilikoi Place were not at home at the time of the fire, which was declared under control by 8:04 p.m.
A man, a woman and two boys who lived at the 99-104A address also were not home. The Red Cross was ready to help all the homeless residents, Tejada said.
At least 32 firefighters battled the fire.
EAST HONOLULU
Republicans to talk story
The Hawaii Republican Party will have an East Honolulu talk story session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Kaiser High School cafeteria.
Candidates running for governor, lieutenant governor, Senate, House and City Council will discuss their points of view and meet residents.
For more information call 593-8180.
HONOLULU
Park plan on board's agenda
Landscape architect Dana Yee will give a second presentation on the Mau'umae Nature Park master plan to the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board during its monthly meeting at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Kaimuki Recreation Center, 3521 Wai'alae Ave.
The first phase of park improvements will include new grass in the open field already used by residents and commonly known as 16th Avenue Park, a new irrigation system for the 4-acre section, a 6-foot-wide meandering path around the perimeter and more native plants.
Also, Alan Fujimori will give a presentation on Phase II of the Kaimuki Business District Improvements including parking lot changes, a speed table at 12th and Wai'alae avenues and sidewalks on Wai'alae.
