Neighbor Island briefs
Puna police officer put on probation
HILO, Hawai'i — A Puna policeman pleaded no contest Wednesday to second-degree terroristic threatening and was sentenced to a year of probation.
Judge Greg Nakamura also ordered Sherwin W. Taka, 42, to undergo anger management counseling and to perform community service. The judge agreed to have the crime erased from the officer's record if he successfully completes probation.
Taka was accused of threatening two men in 1999 whom he suspected of having affairs with his estranged wife. In one instance, he was in uniform and reportedly placed his hand on his weapon.
Assistant Police Chief Thomas Hickcox said Taka's work status is under review since Wednesday's sentencing. During the course of the case, the officer has been prohibited from carrying a gun and was assigned to desk duty.
Retired fire chief's son gets No. 2 job
HILO, Hawai'i — A Hilo firefighter whose father once served as fire chief of Hawai'i County has been named to the No. 2 post in the department.
New Deputy Chief Desmond Wery, 48, has been a firefighter for 27 years. He is the son of Julius Wery, the retired fire chief who left the department in 1972.
Chief Darryl Oliveira announced the appointment at Wednesday's meeting of the Fire Commission.
Hana visitor death apparent drowning
A woman from New York apparently drowned Saturday after falling into a stream and being washed out to sea, Maui fire officials said.
The accident occurred near Hana at the Seven Sacred Pools, or 'Ohe'o Gulch, inside Haleakala National Park.
The 42-year-old woman and a friend were taking pictures when she slipped and fell into rushing Pipiwai Stream, officials said.
A male companion jumped into the water in an effort to rescue her, but she was swept away.
The case was being investigated by the National Park Service rangers.
Hakalau refuge open on May 19
HAKALAU, Hawai'i — The Hakalau Wildlife Refuge will open May 19 to a limited number of visitors. The 32,733-acre refuge on former ranch land was last open to the public in October.
The May visit is limited to the first 256 people who sign up with the sponsoring Association of Alumni and Friends of the University of Hawai'i-Hilo. Participants will leave from UHH at 8 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. For more information, call (808) 974-7501.
Annual powwow this weekend
WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui Chapter of the Intertribal Council of Hawai'i will hold its sixth annual powwow tomorrow and Sunday, featuring Native American dancing, drumming, singing and arts and crafts.
Opening ceremonies will be held both days at 10 a.m. at the War Memorial Complex. Visiting performers include the Fort McDowell Apache Reservation color guard, Navaho head woman Sarayl Yellowhorse, storyteller Gregg Howard and hoop dancer Herb Yuen.
Democrats pick party leaders
KEA'AU, Hawai'i — Paula Helfrich of the Hawai'i Island Economic Development Board was selected chairwoman of the Big Island Democratic Party at a meeting of party leaders last weekend at Kea'au High School.
The group also picked former state Sen. Malama Solomon as West Hawai'i party chairwoman and Barry Mark as East Hawai'i chairman. Donald Ikeda of Hilo and Patti Cook of Waimea were selected to the central committee, and Dolly Strazar to the national committee.
Seabury Hall fair on Saturday
MAKAWAO, Maui — The annual Seabury Hall Craft Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow, with more than 100 participating artists and crafters. The event is a fund-raiser for the private school's financial aid program.
Along with its popular water slide and other keiki activities, a new feature is miniature golf. There will be food, a rummage sale, farmers market, entertainment, and live and silent auctions.
Admission to the Seabury Hall Craft Fair is $3; children under 12 are free. Free parking is available at the pasture across from the school or at Jesus Is Alive Church on Haleakala Highway, with free shuttle service provided.
