Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
CENTRAL O'AHU
Armed man held near Navy site
A 39-year-old man was arrested Tuesday night after military police said he was carrying a loaded handgun and machete just outside the main gate of the Navy's telecommunications station in Whitmore Village in Wahiawa.
Military police saw the man looking into cars near the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Pacific, shortly before 8:30 p.m. They said he was wearing a machete around his neck and had a revolver in his back pocket.
The man was detained but later released and his weapons returned to him, police said. Honolulu Police Department officers arrived within four minutes, found the suspect, and arrested him. Charges were pending.
Pacific exercise drawing soldiers
Schofield Barracks is sending about 200 soldiers to the northern Mariana Islands for the U.S. Pacific Command-sponsored Tandem Thrust exercise, which began Monday and runs through May 8.
All elements of U.S. military services are involved, as well as forces from Canada and Australia. More than 8,000 U.S. forces are to participate, including elements of the Navy's Pacific Fleet.
One of the largest exercises involving U.S. forces in the Pacific region this year, Tandem Thrust will focus on crisis action planning and contingency response.
Military/school effort honored
Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson, commander 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawai'i, presented plaques to Schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto, Deputy Superintendent Clayton Fujie and other school officials yesterday to highlight accomplishments of the military/school partnership program.
More than 65 school principals and vice principals, state legislators and Board of Education members took part in the ceremony at Schofield Barracks' Nehelani Club.
The Army sponsors 40 schools on O'ahu and three on the Big Island, providing assistance with construction, cleanup and improvement, reading and tutoring. Last year, more than 200 volunteers contributed about 20,000 hours of service.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Kaua'i briefly loses electricity
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Much of Kaua'i lost power around 2 p.m. yesterday after an insulator failed near Kaua'i Island Utility Co-op's 'Ele'ele power plant.
Company officials said generators were tripped offline, cutting off more than two-thirds of the island's power. Electricity was restored in most areas within a half-hour.
HONOLULU
City issues jellyfish alert
The city Ocean Safety Division is warning beachgoers that the monthly influx of box jellyfish is expected this weekend. The threat of stings is expected to peak tomorrow and taper off Saturday.
Areas that may be affected include Waikiki, Hanauma Bay, Poka'i Bay, Waimea Bay and Makaha beaches. Lifeguards assess the threat and post warning signs if needed.
O'AHU'S NORTH SHORE
Top storytellers recognized
Winners of the Waialua Lions Club 54th annual storytelling contest will be honored at 6:45 p.m. today at the Waialua Public Library.
Principals from the three participating schools — St. Michaels, Hale'iwa Elementary and Waialua Elementary — will award gold, silver and bronze medals from each school. Gold medal winners will tell their stories.
The public is encouraged to attend this free event.
