Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Kaua'i asbestos case settled
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the former owner of Kaua'i's Islander on the Beach Hotel $104,425 in a settlement of allegations that asbestos removal at the property was handled improperly.
Pacific Rim Partners LLC, which has since sold the hotel, agreed to the fine for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act in connection with work performed in 1999.
The EPA and the state Department of Health said the company used workers not accredited to remove asbestos; failed to wet the material and control emissions as it was being removed; and failed to dispose of it properly. The agencies said the company also failed to issue proper notices and keep records.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is associated with lung diseases, including cancer and mesothelioma.
Man's death ruled murder
HILO, Hawai'i — A Puna man whose body was discovered in a burned house in Hawaiian Paradise Park last month was murdered, police announced yesterday.
Autopsy results showed Dion A. Kluz, 42, suffered a fracture and stab wounds to his upper body, prompting the East Hawai'i Criminal Investigation Section to reclassify the case as a homicide.
Kluz was also known as Christopher Kluz, Dijon Kluz and Dijon Kluzak. His badly burned body was found Jan. 14 in the smoldering remains of a house on 18th Avenue that was destroyed by fire.
Anyone who knew Kluz or who may have information on the case should call detective Richard J. Sherlock at (808) 961-2379, the police nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo or (808) 329-8181 in Kona.
HONOLULU
Pali, H-3 lanes to be closed
The right Honolulu-bound lane on Pali Highway will be closed today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. between the Wyllie Interchange and the Nu'uanu Cemetery lookout. Crews will be repairing the Kapena Falls Bridge. During this time the Wyllie Street on-ramp to Pali Highway will be closed.
The state also will close lanes overnight from 10 p.m. tomorrow to 1 a.m. Thursday for eastbound traffic on H-1 Freeway between the Waiau Interchange and the Ka'amilo Street Overpass. In addition, the Waiau on-ramp eastbound will be closed for pothole repairs.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Students' art to be recognized
More than 250 Windward students from 'Aikahi, Kahuku and Maunawili elementary schools will be recognized for their participation in the annual PTSA Reflections program, which highlights children's work in visual arts, photography, literature and musical composition. The students will be honored in ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Windward Mall's Center Court. Region finalists will be judged at the state and national level and will be honored at the state PTSA convention in May.
