HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Girl critical after 4-vehicle crash
Advertiser Staff
HILO, Hawai'i — A 17-year-old Holualoa girl remained in critical condition at Kona Community Hospital yesterday after a four-vehicle collision on the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway in Kailua, Kona.
Kona police were called to the scene of the crash about a half-mile north of the 92-mile marker at 8:53 a.m. Monday.
Police said a 1986 GMC flatbed truck registered to Suisan Company Ltd. was traveling south on the highway when it crossed the center line, sideswiped a 2004 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, struck the injured woman's 1993 Toyota four-door sedan, and finally hit a 2000 Chevrolet passenger van.
The driver of the flatbed was taken to the Kona hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and released.
The collision forced police to close the highway and reroute traffic until about 1:15 p.m.
Whale cruises Jan. 15 and 16
HILO, Hawai'i — The Kona Outdoor Circle's annual whale-watch cruises will launch from Kailua Pier on Jan. 15 and 16.
The two-hour cruises will leave at 1:15 p.m. on the Roberts Hawai'i Captain Bean's Tamure, a double-hulled vessel featuring an open deck upstairs and a covered first-level deck.
On-board activities will include a performance by Hoku award-winning slack-key master John Keawe. Pupu, soft drinks and door prizes will be provided.
The cruise costs are $60, or $50 for Kona Outdoor Circle members and member-accompanied guests. Call (808) 329-7286 for reservations.
'EWA
'Ewa home fire investigated
Police and investigators with the Honolulu Fire Department were looking into a fire that damaged a home under construction in 'Ewa yesterday, police said.
Police said children were seen playing with fireworks near the home at Renton Road and Park Row at 1 p.m. yesterday. A short time later fire broke out in the one-story, wood frame building. Fire department investigators determined the fire was started by an incendiary device, police said.
HONOLULU
Police officer pleads not guilty
Honolulu police officer Harold Cabbab Jr. pleaded not guilty yesterday to a federal charge of attempting to possess crystal methamphetamine.
Federal Magistrate Leslie Kobayashi scheduled Cabbab's trial for Feb. 23 before U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway.
During the brief hearing, Cabbab's lawyer David Klein entered the plea in behalf of the officer. The charge carries a prison term of 10 years to life.
Cabbab, the target of a sting operation, is accused of stealing what he thought was ice from a storage locker Dec. 10. Cabbab thought he could make $100,000 and planned the theft with an unidentified individual who was cooperating with law enforcement, according to a federal affidavit filed in court.
Cabbab is being held without bail.
Hilton fireworks moved up a day
The regular weekly fireworks display at the Hilton Hawaiian Village will be at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow rather than the usual Friday because of New Year's Eve.
Kelly O'Sullivan, food and beverage marketing manager for the hotel, said the Hilton does not set off fireworks on New Year's Eve because it would conflict with other public displays.
The weekly display is a tribute to King David Kalakaua and will resume Jan. 8.
Boy Choir auditions set
The Honolulu Boy Choir will hold auditions for boys ages 7 through 12 on Jan. 15 and 22.
No prior experience is necessary. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 596-7464.
For more info on the auditions, please visit www.honoluluboychoir.org/auditions.html.
The Honolulu Boy Choir is a nonprofit organization. The choir has entertained audiences throughout Hawai'i, the Mainland, and many international locations, including Australia, Japan, and Canada.
TANTALUS
Round Top park to close early
The entrance gate to Pu'u 'Ualaka'a (Round Top) State Park will close at 4 p.m. on New Year's Eve according to the stateÊDepartment of Land and Natural Resources.
"We are closing the park early to discourage use of fireworks, which is prohibited in state parks, and to protect the public and natural resources of the area," said Peter Young, DLNR chairman.
The park will resume normal hours Saturday, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 6:45 p.m.
WINDWARD
Grassroots lobbying taught
Ordinary citizens can learn how to convince elected officials and policy makers to accept grassroots solutions at a workshop beginning at 8 a.m. Jan. 8 at Windward Community College, 105 Hale 'Akoakoa.
The Windward Ahupua'a Alliance will bring experienced people as well as legislators and administrators to share their thoughts on what makes one group succeed and another fail.
The cost is $3, which will be waived for people willing to help with setup, registration and cleanup.
Advance registration is required by calling 247-6366 or 223-5535. The session is limited to 35 people.
Marshall hosting discussion Jan. 5
City Councilwoman Barbara Marshall, 3rd (Kane'ohe, Kailua, Waimanalo), will host a community discussion at 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at Kane'ohe Community and Senior Center, 45-613 Puohala St.
Residents of City Council District 3 will be able to meet with Marshall and discuss concerns and issues related to city government and services.
MAUI
County Council to be sworn in
WAILUKU, Maui — Maui County Council members for the 2005-2006 term will be sworn into office at 10 a.m. Monday in the council chamber on the eighth floor of the Kalana O Maui building in Wailuku.
Newcomer Michelle Anderson will join re-elected council members Robert Carroll, Riki Hokama, Jo Anne Johnson, Dain Kane, Danny Mateo, Michael Molina, Joseph Pontanilla and Charmaine Tavares.
The council chamber will open at 9:35 a.m., with limited two-hour parking available in front of the county building. Signs will be posted for additional parking at 2307 Main St.
