Posted on: Thursday, September 30, 2004
HAWAI'I BRIEFS
K.C. Lum named chief of police
Advertiser Staff
The Kaua'i Police Commission yesterday named K.C. Lum the county's new chief of police.
Lum, a former commander of the department's Hanalei district, had been serving as acting chief. The 21-year veteran of the department was one of three finalists for the position. The others were retired Ho-nolulu police Maj. Darryl Perry and Kaua'i police Lt. Regina Ventura.
The position was vacated in October 2003 when embattled former chief George Freitas accepted a $200,000 payout and took an early retirement.
"The commission determined that K.C. Lum is most suitable to lead the County of Kaua'i in its law enforcement effort. He has an extensive background in law enforcement and possesses the appropriate leadership qualities to benefit the department," said commission chairman Victor Punua.
Lifeguards yesterday closed Ke'e Beach because of high waves, but expect it to open for swimming again today.
The beach, at the end of Kuhio Highway, is a popular swimming and snorkeling spot that is normally protected by a barrier reef. But during high surf, waves can wash over the reef, creating strong currents.
A fire that heavily damaged a Kahala home Tuesday night likely was caused by an electrical problem, fire officials said.
The blaze at 985 Wai'ohinu Drive was reported at about 9 p.m. and was brought under control 15 minutes later. More than half of the single-story structure was destroyed, fire officials said.
Fire Department spokesman Capt. Emmit Kane said the fire appeared to have started in a studio that was attached to the main home. He said appliances and other hardware will be sent to a Mainland lab for additional testing.
The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage.
The 92-year-old woman who owns the home and her caregiver escaped the fire and were not injured.
The Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to support residents' desires to establish a dog park at the makai end of the park-and-ride facility on Keahole Street.
The residents still must persuade the city to finance the construction of a dog park that would be about an acre of land, fenced, graded and grassed. The park would enable dog owners to visit during daylight hours and take their dogs off their leashes to play. The city is poised to open a similar park in Mililani and has one in the Moanalua area. Another dog park is being worked on for the Windward area.
The 'Aiea Community Association and Friends of the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail will be cleaning 'Aiea Rainbow Bay Park Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
"We're calling it a giant mangrove ripoff," said Robyn Blanpied, director of Pearl Harbor Historic Trail.
Blanpied said the mangrove, some 15 feet high, is on the 'ewa side of 'Aiea Stream and is so thick it hides the stream.
"If kids get back there, you can't see them (from the park)," Blanpied said.
U.S. Marines and members of the Outdoor Circle's Waimomi branch also will help.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Anyone interested in helping should wear shoes, hats, long-sleeve shirts and bring sunscreen.
The park is off Kamehameha Highway before the Moanalua on-ramp.
Call Blanpied at 487-9160 for information.
HILO, Hawai'i — County, state and federal authorities arrested 41 people wanted on outstanding warrants in a three-day sweep in West Hawai'i.
"Operation Pono Hawai'i-Kona" began Sunday and ended Tuesday, police said. Officers served 71 warrants involving 25 felonies and 73 misdemeanors.
Big Island Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna said the sweep was similar to a summer operation in East Hawai'i when 98 people were arrested. The West Hawai'i operation targeted drug suspects, although other offenses included robbery, burglary, theft and firearms violations.
Mahuna said the operation will have "a major impact on reducing street crime and drug offenses." He said the sweeps will continue.
Maui police assisted in the operation along with Hawai'i County prosecutors, federal marshals and immigration and customs officials, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the state Department of Public Safety Sheriff's Division.
High waves close Ke'e Beach
Kahala fire likely electrical fault
Hawai'i Kai panel backs dog park
'Aiea park work set for Saturday
Warrant sweep nets 41 arrests
