O'ahu briefs

Advertiser Staff

LEEWARD

Two injured after car hits utility pole in Ma'ili

Two people were injured, one critically, in a one-car accident last night in Ma'ili.

The accident occurred on Farrington Highway near Ma'ili Beach Park shortly before 8:30 p.m. Emergency Medical Services personnel said a car swerved to avoid a bicyclist and struck a utility pole. A 19-year-old male passenger in the car suffered head injuries and was taken from the scene in critical condition. Another male passenger received less serious injuries, EMS officials said.

Both were taken by an Army medevac helicopter to The Queen's Medical Center.

A hospital nursing supervisor would not release information on their condition last night.

HONOLULU

Students' privacy focus of rally today

Parents, students and supporters will hold a rally at 3:30 this afternoon at the Department of Education to call for stronger measures to protect student privacy from military recruiters.

The rally will coincide with the National Opt-Out Day of Action to raise awareness about a provision in the No Child Left Behind Act that requires schools receiving federal money to give student names, addresses and phone numbers to military recruiters. Parents and students can request that the information not be released, and schools must notify parents and students of this option.

But many parents and civil liberties organizations say the state DOE's opt-out policy is inadequate. Opponents argue that the information should not be released unless explicit permission is given.

EAST HONOLULU

Niu Valley crime is focus of meeting

Residents of Niu Valley will discuss how to deal with a spate of burglaries in their neighborhood and about forming a community association in a meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Niu Valley Middle School library.

This will be the second meeting concerning crime since residents aired concerns before the Kuliou'ou Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board earlier this month.