O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
CENTRAL
Motorcyclist hurt in Mililani crash
A 23-year-old man was in critical condition at The Queen's Medical Center last night after he lost control of his Yamaha motorcycle and crashed at approximately 2:30 a.m. in Mililani, police said.
The man was traveling northeast on Kuahelani Avenue when he veered to the left and hit the curb some 500 feet west of Kipapa Drive.
The man was thrown from his cycle and received severe head and chest injuries when he landed on the sidewalk. Police were unable to determine if the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet or if he had lost it in the crash.
Police had not determined if speed or alcohol were factors.
WINDWARD
Homes' access resurfaced
The city has resurfaced the road in front of the homes of two Kahalu'u residents who lost access to their carports when Japanese billionaire Gensiro Kawamoto ripped out the pavement last Christmas Eve, saying the neighbors were trespassing on his property every time they used the driveway.
The Hunaahi Street pavement restoration project was completed July 5 by Ron's Construction at a cost of $9,474, said Carol Costa, city spokeswoman.
Cecilia Murakami, 83, and Jeffrey Schade lost the use of their connecting driveways, when their neighbor, Kawamoto, removed the asphalt at the end of Hunaahi Street. Kawamoto also installed posts with no-trespassing signs across the street so the neighbors couldn't drive into their carports.
Murakami, who uses a walker to get around, said she was grateful to the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board for its support and the city for condemning the land and repairing the road.
"The road is very nice," Murakami said.
HONOLULU
Homeless kids need supplies
With some schools beginning classes soon, the Institute for Human Services needs new backpacks for the children staying at its Women and Families' Shelter.
IHS, the first and largest emergency homeless shelter on O'ahu, cares for more than 60 homeless children and provides them with a safe place to sleep, free clothing and medical attention.
Backpacks can be dropped off at the IHS Women and Families' Shelter at 546 Ka'aahi Street. Call 845-7150 for more information.
Ala Moana lanes to close
A two-lane section of Ala Moana, 'ewa bound near Alakea Street, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today while Hawaiian Electric Co. crews do work on underground cables.
Police officers will direct traffic through the work area.
Program needs volunteers
Volunteers are needed for an outreach program that explains Medicare and Medicaid services to eligible elderly Native Hawaiians.
Volunteers for the Kupuna Outreach Program will explain Medicare and Medicaid benefits and coverage to senior citizens and help eligible senior citizens complete and submit appropriate claim forms.
The Kupuna Outreach Program should be available to Native Hawaiian senior citizens by late October, said Gaye Miyasaki, an administrative assistant at OHA. The program was developed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the state's Executive Office of Aging.
Medicare and Medicaid services officials estimate that at least half of eligible seniors are not receiving benefits. More than 16,000 Native Hawaiians older than 65 are potentially eligible for program benefits, OHA trustees said.
Interested volunteers can call Nancy Holt at 594-1905.
