O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
WINDWARD
Injured girl's status unknown
No information is being released about the condition of an 8-year-old girl who was impaled on a stick while playing Saturday near Hau'ula Beach Park.
At The Queen's Medical Center, where the girl had been taken in critical condition, a spokeswoman said yesterday she could not confirm or deny that the child was even admitted there.
While playing with other children Saturday afternoon, the girl rolled down a hill and onto a stick, which penetrated her armpit and pierced her lung, according to Emergency Medical Services district supervisor Mandy Shiraki.
Kawainui Marsh tour Saturday
An entomologist and aquatic biologist will lead a tour of Kawainui Marsh this weekend, covering such subjects as changes in native aquatic fauna and Salvinia molesta, a noxious weed growing in the wetland's waterways.
The Kawainui Marsh Aquatic and Insect Tour will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, beginning at the Ulupo taro field. The tour is sponsored by the Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation and 'Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi.
A $5 donation is requested.
For more information, call Chuck "Doc" Burrows at 595-3922 or e-mail him at ahahui@hawaii.rr.com.
HONOLULU
Jellyfish influx less than usual
An influx of box jellyfish yesterday on O'ahu prompted the Ocean Safety Division to issue a warning that will be in effect through the end of the week.
About 130 box jellyfish were found in "pond" areas of Waikiki yesterday, along with about 40 at Ala Moana Beach. Those are the areas most commonly affected.
Yesterday's influx was considered less than average.
Other near-shore waters affected include Hanauma Bay, Poka'i Bay, Makaha Surfing Beach and Waimea Bay.
Anyone stung by a box jellyfish is advised to flush the injury with white vinegar. In cases of breathing difficulty, muscle cramps or spasms and/or persistent pain, immediate medical attention is advised .
Verizon charity gives $800,000
The Verizon Foundation donated nearly $800,000 to 76 nonprofit organizations last year to improve literacy, education and the use of computer technology.
The foundation is the charitable arm of Verizon. The recipients of major grants included:
- Public Schools of Hawai'i Foundation, $20,000, to support its Good Idea Program.
- Hawaii Children's Discovery Center, $15,000, to create an interactive Web site to promote the museum among national and international audiences.
- Maui Chamber of Commerce Foundation, $10,000, to support the Tech Ready program, which provides technology skills and computer access to schoolchildren.
- Goodwill Industries of Hawai'i, $10,000, to develop and implement a program for A+ Certified Computer Technician Training.
