Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
Big Isle swimmer remains missing
The search for a swimmer who went missing at Waipi'o Beach on the Big Island Saturday was called off yesterday because of darkness.
Witnesses told Big Island firefighters that a 24-year-old man was seen wading in waist-high water when a wave hit him and swept him under.
Hawai'i County Fire Department ground personnel searched the shoreline with a helicopter while rescue personnel scoured the ocean from shore to 2 miles out with no sign of the swimmer.
The search will resume at first light today.
Men charged in island-wide chase
Two men who allegedly led police on a chase around the island Friday were charged yesterday.
Brandon Ikaika Molina
Frederick J. Morales
Brandon Ikaika Molina, 22, of Waipahu, was charged with first- degree assault, two counts of robbery, and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle. His bail was set at $250,000.
Frederick J. Morales, 25, was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $50,000.
On Friday, the pair allegedly led police on a two-hour chase that started in 'Aiea, involved one officer firing five shots at the fleeing car, and nearly circled the island before ending in Waipahu.
Along the way, one officer suffered minor injuries when he was struck by the stolen car, which damaged four other vehicles in the Mapunapuna area and on H-1 Freeway.
One of the suspects allegedly commandeered a truck on the North Shore.
Despite all that, no one was seriously injured, police said.
