Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
HONOLULU
HPU building computer lab
Hawai'i Pacific University is building a $1 million computer lab on its downtown campus, partly with a $600,000 grant from the Frear Eleemosynary Trust. The award is one of the largest given by the 65-year-old charitable trust, and will support HPU's growing science and information systems programs.
Frear Trust Chairman Sharon McPhee said the trust recognizes the impact HPU makes on the state by bringing 9,000 students to Hawai'i from more than 100 countries. "HPU creates worldwide visibility for Hawai'i and, in turn, helps contribute significantly to Hawai'i's economy," she said.
The planned 4,000-square-foot computer and information systems center is expected to open in 2003.
American Savings branch robbed
Police are looking for a man who robbed the Market City branch of American Savings Bank yesterday.
About 11:50 a.m. the man walked into the bank at 2939 Harding Ave. and handed a note to the teller, demanding cash.
The teller handed over the cash and the robber fled on foot.
The man was in his early 20s. He wore a blue sweatshirt and a beanie-type cap, police said.
No one was injured in the robbery.
Police investigate downtown stabbing
Police were investigating a stabbing yesterday on College Walk, near the river between Beretania and Kukui streets.
Authorities were called to the area about 7 p.m. to attend to a man who was wounded and bleeding.
The man who was stabbed was taken by ambulance in critical condition to The Queen's Medical Center, said Emergency Medical Services District Chief Sue Rauch.
Detectives were investigating late last night.
Board discusses Kapena Falls stunt
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources wants more information before allowing a movie stunt at Kapena Falls just outside downtown Honolulu.
A production company filming a movie starring actor The Rock, whose real name is Dwayne Johnson, is seeking a state permit to send a jeep over the 30-foot waterfall into the pool below.
Land Board chairman Gilbert Coloma-Agaran said there are "a couple issues ... and conditions" the board wants to discuss with producers. Another meeting with the producers is scheduled for tomorrow.
The jeep shell has had its engine and transmission removed, and the glass replaced with lexan plastic, according to producers. The plan calls for a helicopter to quickly lift the jeep out of the pool.
Filming of the stunt for the untitled movie is scheduled for early next month. Filming of the movie began on O'ahu early last week.
Kapena Falls was a sacred bathing area for royalty in ancient Hawaiian times. It is off Pali Highway just below the Wyllie Street overpass in lower Nu'uanu.
City announces wreath contest
The theme of the city's 17th annual Christmas wreath contest is "Songs of Christmas."
The contest includes three divisions: adult, children and youth, and theme wreath.
Ribbons and monetary awards will be given to the winners in each division. First place is $150, second, $100 and third $75. An overall best-in-show award will receive $200. Six honorable mention awards will be given along with $25.
Entry forms can be obtained at any satellite city hall or park district office. Wreaths must be submitted between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at Lane Gallery, City Hall. No late entries will be accepted.
All entries will be displayed at the diamondhead end of Honolulu Hale from Dec. 7 to Jan. 1.
For more information, call 527-6995.
EAST HONOLULU
New member on board
The Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board appointed a new board member and accepted the resignation of a 13-year veteran Tuesday night.
The board appointed Al Santo to represent the Haha'ione Street, Hawai'i Kai Drive district, filling a vacancy created when Jeffrey Jersets moved out of the area.
David Welhouse, who represented the Kamiloiki area and upper Lunalilo Home Road area, resigned because he is moving to the Mainland.
The board will look for a replacement for Welhouse at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Haha'ione Elementary School cafeteria.
To be board-eligible, residents must live in the area and be at least 18 years old.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Hawai'i Job Corps fixes sign
Students at Hawai'i Job Corps Center in Waimanalo have repaired the Lanikai Elementary School sign damaged by an automobile.
The Job Corps painting-trade section took on the project to repair, paint and install the improved sign, at no cost to the school.
The new sign features a honu, or turtle, painted by Job Corps student Zacaris Tharngan, who is learning the painting trade and earning his high-school diploma.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Suspect sought in Big Island assault, robbery
Big Island police are looking for a man who sexually assaulted and robbed a woman in a Waiakea Houselots apartment Wednesday before 5:36 a.m.
Detective Randal Ishii said the intruder took a small maroon, flower-patterned backpack containing cash and the victim's medical cards.
He was described as Caucasian with a slim build and about 5 feet 6. He was wearing a light-colored tank top.
Ishii urged calls to his office at (808) 961-2278 or the nonemergency Hilo number at (808) 935-3311. Information also can be passed anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
