Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
LEEWARD O'AHU
Pets killed at Makaha beach
Authorities in Makaha are investigating the hanging deaths of a woman's dog and two cats.
The groundskeeper at Maunalahilahi Beach Park found the animals hanging from a tree branch over the weekend.
They belonged to a professional woman who was forced into homelessness due to a disability, authorities said. She had to leave the animals on the beach to go to an appointment.
The Hawaiian Humane Society also is working with police to help find those responsible for the hangings.
"This is a crime of animal cruelty," said Eve Holt, spokeswoman for the Hawaiian Humane Society.
"It is also an act of terrible violence, and the fact that violence like this exists in our community is just terrible to think about."
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Mortuary owners released on bail
HILO, Hawai'i — The owners of two Big Island mortuaries were formally arrested yesterday on felony theft charges following their indictments last week for allegedly selling funeral plans without a license and not maintaining a trust account for the money they collected.
Robert Diego, 59, head of Memorial Mortuary in Hilo and West Hawai'i Mortuary in Kona, was indicted on 39 charges. His wife, Momi, 60, faces 37 charges, and their daughter, Bobbie Jean, 32, was indicted on 32 counts.
The three surrendered at noon and were released around 1 p.m. after each posting a $2,000 bond. They are scheduled to appear before Hilo Circuit Judge Riki May Amano at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 3.
HONOLULU
Woman reports carjacking
Police are looking for a maroon, two-door 1992 Honda Civic, license number GFZ 026, which was reported stolen from a woman at gunpoint Sunday night on Nalanieha Street in Kalihi Valley.
The woman, 25, told police three men were involved in the 10:30 p.m. carjacking. She was driving toward Likelike Highway when she was flagged down by one of the men. After stopping, she was confronted by a second man, armed with a handgun, who ordered her out of the car, police said. Three men fled from the scene in her car, police said.
ELECTION 2002
BOE candidates to debate on TV
Candidates in the special election to fill the mid-term Leeward vacancy on the Board of Education will take part in a live TV debate tonight as part of the "Vote! 2002: Candidates Debate" series sponsored by 'Olelo Community Television.
The forum will air from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oceanic Channel 54 and Oceanic Digital Control.
Participating will be Breene Harimoto and Karen James.
