O'AHU BRIEFS
New quarantine rules in effect
Advertiser Staff
New state quarantine rules that make it easier for Hawai'i pets to travel out of the state and return take effect today.
The new rules are part of the Five-Day-or-Less program signed by Gov. Linda Lingle on Feb. 2.
The new rules say if Hawai'i pets take and pass rabies blood tests no less than 14 days before departure, they will not have be quarantined when returning. Two rabies vaccinations still are required.
"These new modifications to Hawai'i's rabies exclusion program fine-tune the Five-Day-or-Less quarantine program that was established in June," said Sandra Lee Kunimoto, chairwoman of the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture. "Because of Hawai'i's rabies-free status, resident pet owners who wish to travel with their pet will be able to qualify their pets sooner for re-entry without quarantine."
Since the program began, 4,143 dogs and cats have entered the state and more than 80 percent have qualified for direct release at the airport.
For complete rules, see the department's Web site at www.hawaiiag.org.
HONOLULU
Police arrest barricaded man
Police said they arrested a 28-year-old Kalihi man last night after he barricaded himself inside his apartment while holding his girlfriend and child hostage.
Police responded to a call at a Bannister Street apartment at 3:40 p.m. When officers arrived, the man barricaded himself, along with his 24-year-old girlfriend and their 2-year-old child.
Police attempted to negotiate with the man, but could not convince him to give up. After more than three hours, members of the Specialized Services Division broke into the apartment and arrested him.
A weapon was recovered, although police declined to describe it. The man faces terroristic threatening and kidnapping charges.
Coalition plans anti-drug event
A community sign-waving event to show support for a drug-free neighborhood will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow at the public entrances to Kuhio Park Terrace/Kuhio Homes on School Street and Kamehameha IV Road.
The event is sponsored by the Kuhio Community Team, a coalition that includes residents, project management, police, schools and service providers.
The goal is to raise awareness about drug use and underage drinking in the community and send a message that it will not be tolerated.
WINDWARD
Backers to map dog park plans
Supporters of a Windward dog park will meet from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Kailua YMCA, 1200 Kailua Road, to plan an off-leash park for dogs as well as a strategy to convince Mayor Jeremy Harris to include it in his budget.
The agenda also calls for planning a community meeting next month to address residents' concerns about noise, privacy, parking and traffic impacts.
No site has been selected for the park. A piece of property next to Kalaheo High School has been discussed as a potential site.
For information call 263-6001, 223-5535 or 791-0517.
Quarry cleanup includes tour
A cleanup and view plane clearing along Kapa'a Quarry Road on Feb. 21 will include an historic lecture and a tour of the area.
Work will be from 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with participants meeting at the triangle area across from the Model Airplane Field. A free lunch and lecture will follow, with the tour set for 12:45 p.m.
An estimated 50 volunteers are being sought, including 12 with chainsaw experience. Some will collect trash along the road while others will register participants, deliver snacks and set up lunch.
To volunteer for chainsaw work, call John King at 261-8991, ext. 236. For information and to sign up for road cleanup, call Shannon or Jim at 263-6001 or 791-0517.
