HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Passing storm not cause of rain
Advertiser Staff
Tropical depression Estelle, passing to the south of the Big Island, is unlikely to have much effect on Hawai'i's weather, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
Showers yesterday and last night were caused by a weak upper-level low-pressure system to the north of the Islands, and should dissipate today.
"The rain we've been seeing has nothing to do with Estelle," said forecaster Bob Burke.
Burke said the mostly windward and mauka showers extended a little to the leeward sides yesterday.
"We've seen it as far over as the (Honolulu) airport," he said.
The rain was moving with the trade winds, he said, and not sticking around long enough to cause problems. No thunderstorms were expected, he said.
Typical trade-wind weather — 10- to 20-mph winds and light, scattered showers — should dominate for the rest of the week, he said.
HONOLULU
Ice fighters to plan next move
Agencies and community groups that have rallied against illegal drug use will regroup today to continue their efforts to fight addiction, asking Gov. Linda Lingle to release $14.7 million the Legislature allocated for drug abuse prevention and treatment.
A meeting at 3:30 this afternoon at Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd., will evaluate the effect community groups have had on the issue, and what needs to be done next, said Greg Tjapkes, corporate development officer with Hina Mauka, a drug treatment center.
"One year after the ice storms, what's the difference?" Tjapkes said. "We saw on the front page yesterday that crime rates are down, but are people using less? Is there less ice addiction? I don't think so."
There are more than 100 people on wait lists who want drug treatment for whom funding is not available, he said. Today's meeting will address the shortage of money and how to continue the campaign to rid the streets of illegal drugs, Tjapkes said.
Man pulled from water dies
A 72-year-old man died yesterday after he was pulled unconscious from waters off Waikiki.
Police said the man, who had an Ala Moana Boulevard address, went swimming off the Hilton Hawaiian Village at about 9:30 a.m. An hour later he was found unconscious and pulled from the ocean.
The man was pronounced dead at a hospital. An autopsy will be conducted.
Akaka bill topic for discussion
Robin Danner, president of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, will discuss the Akaka bill currently before Congress at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Ave.
Danner will discuss federal recognition of Native Hawaiian self-determination and the need to continue key programs and agencies.
For reservations, call 923-1802.
Health contracts on fund's agenda
The administrative committee of the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Funds will meet at 1 p.m. today in Room 405 of the Leiopapa A Kamehameha Building State Office Tower.
Issues to be discussed include final accounting for health fund contracts that ended June 30, 2003.
The fund's benefits committee meets at 3 p.m.
EAST HONOLULU
'Aina Haina library sale on
The 'Aina Haina Public Library will hold its annual sale of books, videos, DVDs, CDs and audiotapes tomorrow through Saturday, with proceeds to benefit the library.
The sale, sponsored by the Friends of the 'Aina Haina Library, will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Prices will be reduced every day until the $1-a-bag special the last hour. The library is at 5246 Kalaniana'ole Highway in the 'Aina Haina Shopping Center.
CENTRAL
Moped driver injured in crash
A 36-year-old man was critically injured after his moped crashed into a mailbox and retaining wall yesterday in 'Ewa Beach.
Police said the 'Ewa Beach man was traveling west on Fort Weaver Road when he crossed the center lane and two east-bound lanes at about 11 a.m. The moped climbed a curb and struck the mailbox and wall, throwing the man off the vehicle.
He was taken to The Queen's Medical Center with head and internal injuries. Police said the man was not wearing a helmet and that speed may have been a factor in the accident.
LEEWARD
Wai'anae fire burns 10 acres
A brushfire scorched about 10 acres in Wai'anae yesterday afternoon and came to within 100 yards of some townhouses.
The fire was reported at about 2:30 p.m. near 85-296 Ala Hema St. Nine fire companies were sent to fight the blaze, said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Kenison Tejada.
The fire was brought under control at 5:30 p.m. Tejada said the fire never threatened the townhouses and there were no reports of property damage or injuries.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Kaua'i gets site for family visits
KAPA'A, Kaua'i — The Kaua'i Family Visitation Center opened yesterday to provide a secure, neutral site for children to visit with noncustodial parents or family members.
The facility is part of a network of visitation centers operated by Parents and Children Together, which also has centers on O'ahu and Maui. It was paid for with a federal Violence Against Women Act grant awarded to the state Department of the Attorney General.
The Kaua'i Family Visitation Center is at 4-1579 Kuhio Highway, Suite 210A, in Kapa'a.
Anecia O'Carroll is the program coordinator. For information, call (808) 821-0574.
Affordable home project opens
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The 40-unit, second phase of Hanama'ulu's Kalepa Village affordable housing project opened yesterday.
The project is aimed at individuals and families that make less than 50 percent of the median income for Kaua'i County. Monthly rents range from $495 for a one-bedroom to $895 for a three-bedroom apartment.
The $6.8 million project used both public and private money and is a partnership between the state Housing and Community Development Corp. and the Kaua'i Housing Development Corp.
