O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff
LEEWARD
Arrest made in Kapolei hit-run
An 81-year-old man remained hospitalized yesterday and a 60-year-old man was under arrest after a hit-and-run accident near Kapolei High School.
Police said the 81-year-old Makakilo man was riding an unlighted mountain bike north on Fort Barrett Road near Kapolei Parkway shortly after 7 p.m. when the 60-year-old 'Ewa Beach man, who was in a white, 1981 Oldsmobile, came up from behind and struck him.
The bicyclist suffered open head wounds and internal injuries, and was taken to The Queen's Medical Center in critical condition. He remained hospitalized late yesterday.
The driver fled, but police found him and arrested him.
Traffic investigators said neither alcohol nor excessive speed appeared to be factors. Although the bicycle had no lights, the road had street lights and inclement weather did not appear to be a factor.
Kapolei growth to be addressed
Makakilo residents and others concerned with what they call overdevelopment in the Kapolei area are invited to attend a public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Mauka Lani Elementary School on Panana Street in Makakilo.
The meeting is the latest of several held by people in Makakilo who say Kapolei is expanding too rapidly and have called for a moratorium on development. A constitutional lawyer will speak at the meeting, a petition drive will be organized and preparations will be made for a Nov. 14 sign-waving effort.
For information, call Kioni Dudley at 672-8888.
HONOLULU
Smith-Beretania park opened
A 22-year wait is over for downtown residents: The park at the corner of Smith and Beretania streets is finally open. With no fanfare or official opening, the city unlocked the gates to the park Friday, allowing people to use the landscaped walkways, basketball court and benches.
Construction was completed in May, but the opening had been delayed to allow the grass to take, according to the city. The city agreed to build the park in 1981 as part of an agreement with Charles A. Pankow Development Corp., which developed Honolulu Tower. In September 2001, the city broke ground for the $7.6 million park, which includes an underground parking lot to replace the parking spaces that previously occupied the 1.35-acre parcel.
The city plans to add $100,000 in play equipment for children.
