Posted on: Wednesday, August 25, 2004
HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Driver dies after crashing into gate
Advertiser Staff
A 71-year-old man died last night after driving his car into the gate of a Waikiki condominium building.
The man was taken in critical condition to The Queen's Medical Center, where he died, emergency crews said. The accident occurred a little after 6 p.m. at the Waikiki Landmark, 1888 Kalakaua Ave.
The state Department of Human Services will begin a year-long, $4.7 million restoration of the Kalanihuia Senior Apartments at 1220 'A'ala St. with a blessing ceremony at 10:30 a.m. today.
Kalanihuia is a federal housing project run by the sate Housing and Community Development Corp. of Hawai'i and has provided affordable housing for qualified senior citizens for more than 30 years.
Work on the 16-story, 151-unit building includes repairing the concrete structures in the complex, such as walkways and corridors.
More than 200 people live at the facility.
The Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter wants to install a roof over its three parking spaces to protect clients from rain and prevent cars from overheating.
The shelter is a group-living arrangement in a residential neighborhood in Windward O'ahu that serves as a sanctuary and transitional facility for abused women and children.
Comments about the project are being sought by Sept. 22 and should be sent to city Department of Community Services, 715 S. King St., No. 311, Honolulu, HI 96813, Attn.: Paul Taniguchi.
A temporary cover did not adequately serve the facility and was removed, according to a draft environmental assessment.
The improvement will not adversely affect any of the functions of the facility but will greatly enhance the comfort of the residents as well as protect the facility's vehicles, the assessment said, adding that Community Development Block Grant funds would be used to build the improvement.
The closing of the city's Mililani pilot recycling project will be discussed at 7:30 p.m. today during the Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board meeting in the Mililani Recreation Center III, 95-281 Kaloapau St.
The board also will discuss a resolution supporting a ban of some motor vehicles in public parks.
HILO, Hawai'i — Two people were charged with numerous crimes stemming from a spending spree using a stolen credit card.
Isaac Gaub, 26, and June Isaacson, 40, were arrested after Gaub allegedly burglarized a Hilo home and stole a computer, jewelry and an inactive credit card. Police said the two suspects activated the charge card and used it at various stores throughout Hilo.
The items stolen from the home and merchandise purchased with the stolen card were recovered, police said.
Gaub was charged with theft of a credit card, identity theft and burglary, two counts each of fraudulent use of a credit card, forgery and second-degree theft, and four counts of attempted theft. He was being held in lieu of $13,300 bail.
Isaacson was charged with two counts each of fraudulent use of a credit card, forgery and second-degree theft, three counts of attempted theft, and five counts of identity theft. She was being held in lieu of $17,200 bail.
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The county hopes to complete installation of a 400-meter rubberized track at Vidinha Stadium by March 2005 — the first all-weather track on the island.
The county has awarded a design contract to GKO Consulting Engineers and plans to seek bids for construction.
The $1.2 million project, which has joint county-state-federal government financing, has been a dream of the island's athletic community. All county and school facilities now have cinder or dirt tracks.
"For years, Kaua'i athletes have not had comparable opportunities to their peers around the state," Mayor Bryan Baptiste said. "I'm pleased that we're finally able to address this situation."
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Mayor Bryan Baptiste said yesterday he will work with the state to develop an expedited permitting process for affordable housing projects.
Gov. Linda Lingle has announced plans for a one-stop state process for affordable rental projects. Baptiste said he has convened a county task force to speed the local process, including representatives from the water, planning, public works departments and the housing agency.
Maui County yesterday began installing post-and-rail fencing at Papalaua Park in an effort to preserve the sand dunes at the seaside recreation area along Honoapi'ilani Highway in West Maui.
The installation was scheduled to begin at the campgrounds section of the park. The campgrounds remained open.
Officials said the project addresses environmental concerns and safety issues, but mainly deals with the preservation of the dunes and the park itself.
"If we don't do something soon in regards to preserving the dunes and the park, the park will eventually disappear due to wind and water erosion," said John Buck, deputy parks director.
HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island police have charged a 22-year-old Honomu man with using a toy gun to try to rob a grocery store in his neighborhood.
Kyle Yasushi Masaoka was charged with second-degree robbery yesterday, and is being held in the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of $35,000 bail.
Witnesses said a man entered Jan's Store with a shirt covering the lower part of his face, pointed a gun at the clerk and ordered her to open the cash register.
When the clerk refused, the robber tried to open the register, but finally gave up and fled.
The clerk later identified the suspect by his voice and a tattoo on his left hand, police said.
Detectives arrested Masaoka Friday at his home.
Seniors' housing to be restored
Abuse shelter plans roof work
Board to review recycling project
Pair charged in stolen-card case
Kaua'i installing all-weather track
Baptiste works to speed permits
West Maui dunes project begins
Man charged in robbery attempt
