Posted on: Thursday, June 24, 2004
Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Injured infant's condition better
Big Island police report that a six-week-old baby with broken ribs and other injuries has improved but remains in critical condition at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children.
The girl's father, 28, and mother, 22, were arrested for endangering the welfare of a minor after the infant was taken to Kona Community Hospital with breathing problems Saturday. The parents were later released.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Input sought on highway work
The state is seeking comments about possible improvements to Kalaniana'ole Highway in Waimanalo, including left-turn lanes, bus-stop pull outs and sidewalks.
The state Department of Transportation will hold a community meeting for that purpose at 7 p.m. June 30 at the Waimanalo Public and School Library, 41-1320 Kalaniana'ole Highway.
Comments also can be faxed to 692-7555 or sent to DOT, Highways Division, Design Branch, Technical Design Services Office, 601 Kamokila Blvd., Room 688, Kapolei, HI 96707, Attn.: Vincent Llorin.
HONOLULU
Man charged in bank robbery
A 37-year-old man was charged in federal court yesterday with the robbery of the Mo'ili'ili Branch of Central Pacific Bank, police said.
On June 14, Ryan Piiohia entered the bank on South King Street, approached the teller and handed her a demand note, police said. He left in a getaway car driven by another male.
Piiohia is also under federal investigation by the HPD-FBI Crime Task Force for three other bank robberies, including the Hawaii National Bank, Kailua Branch on June 21; American Savings Bank's Kalihi Branch on May 26 and the Kane'ohe Branch of City Bank on June 1, police said.
According to the Hawai'i Criminal Justice Data center, Piiohia has 43 previous convictions.
Hearing set on Chinatown bill
The City Council Zoning Committee on Tuesday advanced Bill 43, which would adjust zoning regulations to allow lofts to be built on the upper floors of historic buildings in Chinatown.
The measure is seen as a way to increase the residential population of Chinatown and bring in artists and customers for restaurants and shops.
The bill is scheduled for a public hearing July 14 at Honolulu Hale and will then return to the Zoning Committee. The final reading before the full council is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 11.
Water board joins coalition
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, which is designing a plant to convert sea water to drinking water, has joined the U.S. Desalination Coalition.
The coalition urges more federal involvement in the development of desalination facilities. The Honolulu water board is designing a plant that in the first phase would produce 5 million gallons of fresh water daily, and which at full operation would generate 35 million gallons.
