Hawai'i briefs

HONOLULU

Aki jury still deliberating

The jury in the Christopher Aki murder trial spent its first full day of deliberations yesterday but went home without reaching a verdict. The seven men and five women will resume deliberations this morning.

Aki, 21, was tried on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the beating death of 11-year-old Kahealani "Kahea" Indreginal in December 2002.

Aki was the boyfriend of the dead girl's sister at the time of the incident. Aki said during the trial that he falsely confessed to the crime because the girl's real killer, one of her uncles, threatened to kill him and his family if he told the truth.

Guard headed to Afghanistan

After saying farewell to family and friends, a group of 60 Hawai'i National Guard soldiers from B Company, 193rd Aviation, left Hickam Air Force Base Wednesday afternoon, bound for an undisclosed location in Afghanistan.

The soldiers will relieve a contingent of B Company troops that have been deployed in the same location for nine months.

LEEWARD

Army to set off Makua blasts

The Army plans to detonate a 1,000-pound bomb and two smaller explosives Tuesday at the Makua Valley Range Complex, the military said yesterday.

A section of Farrington Highway fronting Makua Valley, along with Makua Beach, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. throughout the ordnance disposal.

WINDWARD

Kane'ohe pool set to reopen

The Kane'ohe District Park pool will reopen Monday after months of closure for renovations, according to city spokeswoman Carol Costa.

Workers began filling the pool yesterday. Costa said the city had hoped to reopen the facility in March but the opening was delayed because tile was "delaminating" on the pool's bottom and repairs were needed.

NEIGHBOR ISLAND

Missing teen found in Kona

HILO, Hawai'i — A Hilo teenager who was reported missing was found safe at a home in Kona yesterday afternoon. Big Island police said Barbara Widdecombe, 16, was reported missing April 29 after failing to return home from school.

Judiciary offers free briefings

HILO, Hawai'i — Judiciary staff in Hilo and Kona will explain filing procedures, fees and other aspects of court matters in free informational briefings today.

The sessions will be from noon to 1 p.m. to commemorate Law Day. One session will be in Hilo Courtroom No. 1 at 75 Aupuni St. The Kona event will be held in Courtroom No. 239, 79-1020 Haukapila St., also known as the Old Kona Hospital.