O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
HONOLULU
Motorcycle crash fatal
A 34-year-old man died early yesterday after crashing a motorcycle into a concrete drainage ditch.
Police said the accident occurred at 2:45 a.m. when the man failed to negotiate a turn on Tantalus Drive about a half-mile west of Makiki Heights Drive. He was taken to The Queen's Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.
Speed may have been a factor in the accident, police said. Police were unsure whether the man was wearing a helmet when he crashed or whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.
Shortly after the crash, the owner of the green 1995 Kawasaki called police to say the motorcycle had been stolen.
Man arraigned in car chase
John Dias, 35, has been arraigned on attempted murder and car-theft charges in connection with Wednesday morning's car chase through Pearl City that led to police gunfire.
Dias, who was arraigned Friday, is charged with four counts of attempted murder. Police said he tried to back a car into officers who were trying to stop him after he rammed a gate at Pacheco Park, adjacent to the Pearl City police station.
At that point, a 33-year-old officer fired shots at the stolen Nissan Sentra. No one was hit by the shots.
Police said Dias then raced down Waimano Home Road, struck a light pole and crashed into a median barrier on Lehua Avenue. He was caught hiding in a Fourth Street carport.
Bail totals $200,000 for the attempted murder counts, as well as one count each for auto break-in, auto theft and second-degree criminal property damage.
Forums slated on council seat
Two forums for candidates hoping to fill the vacant District 5 City Council seat will be held Jan. 17 and Jan. 23.
The 14 candidates will meet after a Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board meeting at 8:15 p.m. Jan. 17 at Makiki District Park on Ke'eaumoku Street.
Another forum is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Noelani Elementary School.
A special election will be held Jan. 26 to determine who will represent the Manoa, Makiki and Ala Moana area.
Former councilman Andy Mirikitani stepped down last month after he was sentenced for theft, bribery and related charges in connection with a kickback scheme.
WINDWARD
College looks for input
Windward Community College is searching for a provost that can move the campus from dreams to reality.
To help identify that person, the Provost Search Advisory Committee is collecting information about the visions people have for the Windward area, its needs and how the college can serve the community.
The committee will gather input at a 7 p.m. meeting Wednesday in the Hale Kuhina Building, Room 115 on the college campus.
The campus has the potential of becoming a community center for the Windward side, said Herb Lee, former Kane'ohe Business Group president and a member of the search committee.
CENTRAL
Dog park meeting slated
An informational meeting will be held tomorrow evening in Mililani to gather public input on a planned "bark park" for dogs at Kamaio Neighborhood Park.
The meeting, scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. at Mililani District Park's multi-purpose building, will discuss plans for the Kamaio Street park across from the Mililani Marketplace shopping center.
The city has appropriated $200,000 for a bark park, shade trees, irrigation system and miscellaneous park improvements as requested by the Mililani Vision team.
Residents unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to express concerns or questions about the park project to: City Councilmember Rene Mansho, City Hall, 530 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
