Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
CENTRAL O'AHU
National tennis event returns
Hawai'i has again been selected to host the Junior Tennis National Tournament.
Some 200 tennis players, ages 18 and under, will compete in the 2004 USTA National Jr. Open at the Central O'ahu Regional Park tennis complex.
In 2001 and 2002 the contest was held at Kapalua Resort on Maui.
Entry is restricted to those who qualify through a national selection process. The competition features singles and doubles. Matches begin at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 14. Finals begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 18. Admission is free.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Shark reported near Olowalu
OLOWALU, Maui — A report of a 14-foot tiger shark in the waters off Olowalu drove swimmers out of the ocean and caused a traffic jam yesterday afternoon on Honoapi'ilani Highway, which runs along the West Maui shoreline.
The sighting was reported around 2:30 p.m. Water safety officers, police and state Department of Land and Natural Resources officials were called to the area to investigate. Information on whether the beach was officially closed was not available.
The Olowalu area has been the scene of three shark attacks since 1991, and after a snorkeler was injured in 2002, the state posted its first permanent signs advising ocean users of the possible presence of sharks.
Moloka'i center deemed unsafe
MAUNALOA, Moloka'i — The Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation has closed Moloka'i's Maunaloa Community Center because it is not safe.
"We are sorry for the community living in the Maunaloa area who rely on this center for meetings and recreational activities, but the deteriorating condition of the center's roof and floors require its closure for health and safety," said Moloka'i District Parks Supervisor Zack Helm.
The facility's condition has been worsening during the past year, and the county is developing plans for a new center.
Anyone holding permits to use the Maunaloa center should contact Leslie Kanoe to see about relocating. Call (808) 553-3204 on Moloka'i, or (808) 270-7383 on Maui.
