O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff
WINDWARD
Driveway fix hits snag
A resolution that was expected to give two Kahalu'u residents access to their carports after their neighbor ripped out their driveway won't work, but City Councilman Steve Holmes said another solution will be initiated today.
The City Council will move to condemn land owned by Japanese billionaire Gensiro Kawamoto, who on Christmas Eve removed the connecting driveways of Cecilia Murakami, 83, and Jeffrey Schade, claiming they were trespassing on his property when they used the driveway.
Holmes said the resolution was based on state statute, but he learned yesterday that the law didn't apply to land that is registered in Land Court. The statute offered a quick solution, but now the council must condemn the land to obtain it.
Holmes said he will fast-track the process and hopes to have a final reading on the condemnation by Feb. 20. The condemnation will include two other parcels that also are driveways to other people's homes, he said.
"We're going to move heaven and earth to make this happen quickly," he said.
Iguana caught in Kane'ohe
A 2-foot-long iguana was captured Monday on the H-3 freeway in Kane'ohe.
A motorist spotted the lizard on the freeway shoulder near the Ko'olau Golf Club. He pulled over and tried to capture it but failed, said Lisa Nakayama, land vertebrate specialist with the state Department of Agriculture.
While keeping an eye on the animal, the motorist called the state land department. Conservation officers caught the iguana and turned it over to agriculture officials.
It is illegal to own iguanas or bring them into the Islands, but they have established themselves on O'ahu, Nakayama said. An iguana nest with eggs has been found, and the animals have been sighted in Waimanalo, Manoa, Nu'uanu, Tantalus and Pupukea, she said. Iguanas are native to central Mexico and South America.
There are stiff penalties for possession of an illegal animal in Hawai'i, including fines of up to $200,000 and as much as three years in jail.
Owners of illegal pets are encouraged to turn them in under the state's amnesty program.
Anyone with information on illegal animals in Hawai'i should call the Agriculture Department hot line at 586-7378.
LEEWARD
Candidate to visit Kapolei
Honolulu mayoral candidate and former City Councilman Mufi Hannemann will speak at the next Kapolei Rotary Club breakfast tomorrow.
The 7:30 a.m. breakfast will be in the Kapolei High School faculty/staff lounge.
Hannemann will speak about his candidacy and issues surrounding this year's race.
The $7 fee includes a buffet breakfast. Contact Van McCrea at 672-3924 or e-mail at vanmccrea@aol.com for more details.
HONOLULU
Felon faces gun charge
A 57-year-old Papakolea man initially arrested Saturday in an assault on his wife also faces firearms charges for possessing guns, illegal for a convicted felon.
Charges were still pending yesterday morning in the case of the Kapahu Street resident. Police were called at about 9:30 p.m. after he allegedly struck his wife. The couple's adult son, fearing that his father might use one of the guns stored in the home, asked officers to hold them for safekeeping, police said.
Investigation later revealed that the suspect was a felon.
Legislator to hold meeting
Rep. Brian Schatz, D-24th (Makiki, Tantalus), will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at Makiki District Park, Agee Hall.
Schatz will discuss legislation and issues pertinent to the district. He will also be available to answer questions and meet with constituents individually.
For more information, call Ron Paik at 526-9425.
Iolani gets $1 million
Iolani School this week received a $1 million endowment from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to use for scholarships for underprivileged children.
Students entering Iolani in the seventh grade or higher will benefit from the scholarship until graduation.
The fund will establish a Weinberg Scholars program for financially disadvantaged students who possess good character, strong motivation and leadership potential, said Headmaster Val T. Iwashita.
