O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff
HONOLULU
Man receives two life sentences
An O'ahu man was sentenced yesterday to two terms of life in prison with the possibility of parole for his role in a November 2001 brawl that left one man dead and another severely beaten after a cockfight in Kalihi.
Circuit Judge Marie Milks found Evan Kakugawa, 35, guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Leon Fernandez, 39, and attempted murder in the beating of Eufracio Esmeralda, who was 41 at the time. Kakugawa will be allowed to serve the two life terms concurrently.
He was one of four men who got into an argument with Esmeralda and Fernandez over the outcome of a cockfight at a home on Bannister Street. Police said the house was the only known location in urban Honolulu where cockfights took place on a regular basis.
Conference set on Akaka bill
A two-day conference on the pros and cons of federal recognition, 'Ahahui O Hawai'i Kukakuka, will spotlight speakers on both sides of the issue, from 1:45 to 6:30 p.m. Friday in Classroom 2, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai'i-Manoa.
The free session, which will resume Saturday at 10 a.m. at the law school's Moot Courtroom, will involve speakers who have taken various positions on the Akaka bill, the legislation that would give Native Hawaiians political status within the U.S. government.
The speakers will include Patricia Zell, Mililani Trask, Clyde Namu'o, Keanu Sai, Pu'uhonua "Bumpy" Kanahele, Mahealani Kamau'u, Henry Noa, Williamson Chang, Jon Van Dyke, J. Kehaulani Kauanui, Kekuni Blaisdell, Ho'oipo Pa, Kunani Nihipali and Le'a Kanehe.
After the first day's sessions, a reception will be held between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
For more information, call 956-7966.
WINDWARD
Likelike lanes closed for work
Both Kane'ohe-bound lanes of Likelike Highway between Valley View Drive and Kahekili Highway will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today for emergency repairs requiring the use of a crane.
Both town-bound lanes of Likelike between Kahekili Highway and Valley View Drive will be closed from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. through Friday for reconstruction and paving, the state Department of Transportation said.
LEEWARD
Adults offered computer class
Introductory computer classes for adults will be offered by Leeward Community College beginning Friday at the Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center in Pacific Shopping Mall on Farrington Highway.
Classes from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. start Friday and will run through April 9. Classes from 2 to 4:30 p.m. begin Saturday and will run through April 10. Preference will be given to adults of Hawaiian ancestry.
Advance registration is required and will cost $10; the textbook, $15. For details, call 455-0660 or 843-3522.
