O'ahu briefs
Advertiser Staff
EAST HONOLULU
Visitor drowns at Hanauma
A 56-year-old Japanese man drowned at Hanauma Bay yesterday, according to Jim Howe, chief of operations for the city and county lifeguards. It was the second drowning this year at the snorkeling mecca.
The man who drowned yesterday had been snorkeling with his son, but they got separated, Howe said. The man was found face down in about 3 feet of water.
HONOLULU
Inoue acquitted in abuse trial
Superbrawl fighter Egan Inoue has been acquitted of misdemeanor charges of terroristic threatening and abuse of a family member.
Egan Inoue
Inoue's lawyer, Howard Luke, said the jury deliberated for less than three hours Friday before returning a verdict of not guilty.
The charges resulted from an Oct. 26 incident at his Manoa home. Inoue, 38, was arrested after his wife, Gina, 33, told police that he choked her and struck her hip and thigh with his knee.
Luke said Inoue was pleased with the verdict.
"He's hoping that this will redeem his reputation in the public's eye," Luke said.
Free art class part of Boys Day
The Waikiki Community Center will hold a free gyotaku demonstration as part of its Boys Day celebration tomorrow. Gyotaku is the Japanese art of using a real fish to make art prints.
Artist Naoki Hayashi will lead the class, and all supplies will be provided. Each participant will create their own gyotaku print.
For more information, call Jeff Apaka at 923-1802.
Taxi inspections in progress
The state yesterday began its annual taxi meter inspections, which include running taxis through a pre-measured course to determine that the meter is working properly and ensure that riders are being accurately charged.
All O'ahu taxis must be inspected before June 30 at the Agriculture Department's Measurement Standards branch office at 1851 Auiki St., near Sand Island.
Taxi owners can schedule appointments between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. For an appointment or more information, call 832-0690.
$10.2 million grant to fight pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $10.2 million grant to the state for water pollution control projects.
The state Department of Health will use the money to provide low-cost loans to the counties for wastewater treatment and infrastructure upgrades.
The EPA has awarded $149 million in federal money for Hawai'i's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program since 1990, and the state has provided $29 million in matching money.
A total of 47 projects have been financed so far.
