Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Drought over after 16 months
WAILUKU, Maui — The Upcountry drought is over.
Mayor Alan Arakawa yesterday canceled the "drought emergency" declaration for Upcountry Maui that had been in effect since Dec. 4, 2002. The Department of Water Supply said recent rain had filled Upcountry's reservoirs to at or near capacity.
The 100-million-gallon Kahakapao reservoir is full, and the Waikamoi Reservoir is nearly full at 29.8 million gallons, officials said. In a statement, the department asked residents to use water wisely during the summer.
Blood clot killed Kapa'a motorist
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — A man found dead in his car last week near Kapa'a died from a blood clot in his brain, officials said.
Police said they do not suspect foul play in the death of John S. Hartel, 48, of Kapa'a. He was found March 24 in his car, which was parked on the northbound shoulder of Moanakai Road.
HONOLULU
Cause of blaze determined
Saturday night's fire in a fifth-floor Maunakea Towers apartment in Chinatown was started when items near a stove burner caught fire, said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Emmit Kane. The fire was reported at 10:29 p.m. and was under control at 11:04 p.m., Kane said. Damages are estimated at $130,000.
Library for blind remains closed
Recent heavy rain has delayed the reopening of the Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped at 402 Kapahulu Ave. until April 12.
The library, closed since Jan. 26 for roof repairs, was scheduled to reopen Thursday.
Library staff will provide normal mailing service to registered National Library Service patrons of Braille, audio cassette and large-print books as well as descriptive videos and magazines. Call 733-8444 with requests.
Diabetes walk raises $205,000
The 2.3-mile "Walk for Wili" benefit March 20 at Kapi'olani Park raised $205,000 for the American Diabetes Association of Hawai'i.
About 1,600 people took part in the fifth annual Walk for Diabetes event, this year held in memory of Honolulu disc jockey Wili Moku, who died in January because of complications from diabetes.
The money will support education and awareness, the diabetes resource center, diabetes support group programs and research.
EAST HONOLULU
Bake sale funds sober grad night
Kalani High School's Project Grad 2004 will hold a boutique/bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the school's cafeteria.
Items from Pineapple Moon and Oakley will be for sale at the school, 4680 Kalaniana'ole Highway. Money raised from the sale will benefit the drug- and alcohol-free graduation night celebration for the class of 2004.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Lane to close on Likelike Highway
The right Kane'ohe-bound lane of Likelike Highway will be closed for tree work from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow between Wilson Tunnel and Valley View Drive.
