Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
Fire Department warns of caller
The Honolulu Fire Department is warning residents of a possible telephone scam involving a woman who says she's with the department.
Fire spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada said the woman, and possibly another person, has been calling people and asking if the number is at a residence or a business. Tejada said at least three people have called the department to report the caller.
He said the people hung up on the caller before she could ask further questions so no one is sure why she called. But Tejada said the Fire Department is not allowed to solicit by telephone and would have no reason to make cold calls to the public.
Anyone who receives a call should hang up and call police, he said.
More subpoenas in campaign probe
City prosecutors have issued more than 200 subpoenas over the past three weeks to people believed to have information about illegal campaign contributions.
The action comes as part of a wide-ranging probe into political donations and the awarding of government contracts, which has focused largely on Mayor Jeremy Harris' re-election campaigns.
Numerous companies have been fined for making illegal donations to Harris and others, and several executives from a large engineering firm recently pleaded no contest to criminal charges.
Prosecutors would not comment on the subpoenas, but have said more charges are likely. Harris has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing.
At least one company, R.M. Towill Corp., is attempting to quash a subpoena in court on grounds that it is overly broad and fails to name the investigation's target.
11 arrested in Big Island 'ice' raids
HILO, Hawai'i — Eleven people were arrested this week in drug raids of three "ice" houses in Puna and a traffic stop in Hilo.
Officers recovered 26 grams of crystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice," and smaller amounts of crack cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs, along with $600 in cash and five firearms.
Big Island police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents raided residences in Fern Forest, Hawaiian Acres and North Peck Road. Ten of the suspects were arrested in Wednesday's Puna raids and one was arrested after a Hilo traffic stop Tuesday afternoon. An infant present during the arrests was turned over to Child Welfare Services, and an older child was placed in the custody of his grandparents, police said.
Eight males and three females were being held in the police cellblock on drug offenses pending possible federal charges.
Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna called the raids part of Operation Meltdown, which is aimed at high-level drug dealers.
Parole board may get temporary fix
Governor Linda Lingle may appoint a temporary new member to the Hawai'i Paroling Authority so the panel can begin meeting again, but the process of finding three new permanent appointees to the board won't be complete for at least two months, Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona said yesterday.
Two parole board members, Alfred Beaver and Lani Rae Garcia, have resigned in the past month and the term of third member, Mary Tiwanak, expires June 30. The panel can't meet with only one member and Aiona said Attorney General Mark Bennett is reviewing the legal requirements for appointing a temporary member.
"We're looking at the matter very carefully and will be getting back to the governor and lieutenant governor very shortly," Bennett said yesterday.
Dead snorkeler identified
LAHAINA, Maui — A tourist who died while snorkeling near Ukumehame Beach Park on Tuesday afternoon was identified as Martin A. Turner, 53, of Novelty, Ohio.
An autopsy is pending.
Turner was pulled to shore by beachgoers after he was seen floating in about 6 feet of water, said Lahaina patrol Sgt. Max Kincaid Jr.
Emergency crews responded to a 1:13 p.m. call for help but were unable to revive Turner, who was pronounced dead at Maui Memorial Medical Center in Wailuku, Kincaid said.
O'ahu airport work planned
Airport restrooms on O'ahu will be getting a fresh look, thanks to money just released for several state projects.
The $1.2 million is earmarked for renovations at Honolulu International Airport, Kalaeloa Airport and Dillingham Field. The money will be used for restroom renovations and installation of ramps, crosswalks and other improvements to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Gov. Linda Lingle also announced that Moloka'i Airport will receive money to install new taxiway lights and other electrical equipment. The Moloka'i job is expected to be completed by July 2004.
Waste spills into stream
The city has posted signs warning residents to stay out of Kalihi Stream after an estimated 2,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed from a manhole at Kuhio Park Terrace into the stream yesterday.
The spill from a 12-inch sewer line occurred at 7:40 a.m. at 1485 Linapuni St., according to the Board of Water Supply, and was stopped by 10 a.m.
Water sampling is being done and the state Department Health has been notified of the spill.
Class to explain library catalog
The Waialua library will provide free instruction on how to use the library's new online catalog system every Saturday in April. Classes will be from 9 to 10 a.m.
The new system, installed in January, is Windows-based with more graphics to make it easier for users. It is used at all public libraries statewide.
The classes will demonstrate how to search for books, find the latest CD or DVD, reserve best-selling books and audiobooks and use the Internet.
Classes are limited to 12.
For information or to make a reservation, call 637-8286.
'Aiea stream cleanup slated
In an effort to beautify 'Aiea Stream, community groups have organized a cleanup from 8:30 to 11 a.m. tomorrow at Rainbow Bay Park.
The cleanup will focus on removing invasive mangrove and trash from the stream.
For more information, call 487-9160.
KHON has new sports director
Alema Harrington has been named sports director of Fox affiliate KHON-TV, effective April 14. He'll appear at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. starting April 21.
Harrington succeeds Jai Cunningham, who will become weekend news anchorman with Ramsay Wharton and serve as weekday general assignment reporter.
Harrington was last with KSL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City, and earlier was sports anchorman in Honolulu at NBC affiliate KHNL and sports director at KCCN-AM radio. He is a Punahou School and Brigham Young University graduate.
Since 1994, Harrington has co-hosted "Hawai'i Sports Adventure," a series airing on ESPN and syndicated in numerous markets.
Correction: Mary Tiwanak is the only member of the Hawai'i Paroling Authority now. Her name was misspelled in a previous version of these briefs.
