Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
WINDWARD
9 in kayaks pulled to safety
Nine kayakers were rescued from high waves off Punalu'u yesterday by two men in a fishing boat.
Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Kenison Tejada said two men aboard the fishing vessel Margo picked up a mayday call from a kayaker off Punalu'u shortly before 1:45 p.m. yesterday.
The men, Hank Howlett and Clayton Espanto, found a kayaker in trouble about a mile offshore.
Waves were about 12 feet and the kayak was moving toward the break, Tejada said. Howlett and Espanto pulled the kayaker aboard the Margo.
The kayaker told the fishermen he hadn't been the only one in trouble.
Howlett and Espanto continued searching until they had rescued eight other kayakers.
A tenth kayaker refused help and made it to shore alone, Tejada said.
Six of the rescued kayakers were men and three were women.
Road closing OK'd for party
The I Love Kailua Town Party has received city permission to close a portion of Kailua Road for the annual event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 18. The party, to raise money for beautification projects in Kailua, has been held in a parking lot hidden behind buildings off the main street of the town.
The new location, in front of Macy's and Longs Drug Store, was recently upgraded, with a divided median planted with shade trees; also, utility wires have been buried. The initial request for the permit was denied, but event coordinators assured city officials that the community would endure the traffic delays, said Carol Costa, city spokeswoman.
Although the party runs for five hours, the street will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for setup and cleanup.
Suggestions for stairs pass
The Kane'ohe Neighborhood Board has voted to support recommendations for Ha'iku Stairs, including opening a trail at Windward Community College to get to the popular climb, hiring a nonprofit group to operate the hike and charging an entry fee to ensure upkeep.
The recommendations, passed with a 10-0-1 vote Thursday, will go to city Managing Director Ben Lee and the City Council.
The city is negotiating to obtain land near the stairs for a park and possible trail entry, an option unpopular with the community because hikers would have to drive through the community.
HONOLULU
Sing out for McKinley
The McKinley Alumni Association will hold its annual Karaoke Challenge April 17 at the McKinley High School cafeteria and auditorium.
The Karaoke Challenge helps raise money for scholarships and provides financial support to several student organizations.
The winners will be selected by the audience. Tickets for the show are $15 and include a bento dinner. Call Tom Katsuyoshi at 949-5659.
