HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Lunalilo on-ramp decision due
Advertiser Staff
Makiki residents are likely to find out tomorrow whether a change in traffic flow along the Lunalilo Street on-ramp to the Lunalilo Freeway will be made permanent.
State Transportation Director Rod Haraga plans to brief residents on preliminary findings from the ongoing demonstration project that closed down the ramp in early morning hours in an effort to speed traffic and ease congestion on the freeway.
Since mid-February, state traffic engineers have been handing out random survey forms to drivers in both Makiki and East O'ahu to find out how they feel about the changes. The engineers also have been monitoring commuter travel times in those areas.
Haraga is expected to share the results of those surveys in a meeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at Stevenson Middle School, DOT officials said.
Early reports said the on-ramp change, made in August, had cut at least five minutes off the commuting time of many East O'ahu residents. It's not clear, however, how the change affected local traffic in the area surrounding areas of lower Makiki along Lunalilo, Pensacola and Pi'ikoi streets.
HONOLULU
Kahapea denied shorter sentence
A judge yesterday declined to reduce a 50-year prison sentence for former city housing official Michael Kahapea, convicted for bilking the city out of nearly $5.8 million in connection with the 'Ewa Villages revitalization project.
Circuit Judge Reynaldo Graulty imposed the sentence in 2000, saying the convictions were related to the largest theft of taxpayer money by a public official in state history. Kahapea apologized yesterday, but the judge went along with city prosecutors who argued against any reduction.
Kahapea, former head of the city property management and relocation branch, was found guilty by a jury of theft, forgery, money laundering and other charges related to stealing money between 1994 and 1997.
The Hawai'i Supreme Court affirmed the convictions last year.
Hearing canceled on Act 50 law
A federal court hearing scheduled for yesterday on the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai'i's challenge to a state law allowing authorities to ban people from public property for a year has been canceled, but the organization hopes to press its challenge later.
U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor was to hear the ACLU's request for a preliminary injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the law. ACLU withdrew the motion, but hopes to add others who are affected by the law and refile the request later.
The law known as Act 50 was adopted last year. It allows authorities to ban for a year individuals from public areas such as beaches, streets, sidewalks and public buildings. ACLU contends the law is too vague, but state attorneys say the statute is consistent with other state trespass laws.
KANE'OHE
Veterans to mark Iwo Jima battle
Iwo Jima and Pacific campaign veterans of World War II will gather at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i tomorrow to honor the service of all American veterans on the 60th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima.
The Marine Corps said the date is significant because it was on March 16, 1945, that the island was declared secure. The date also marks the third anniversary of the dedication of the Pacific War Memorial at the Marine Corps base.
About 20 Iwo Jima veterans from Hawai'i and the Mainland will participate in a commemorative ceremony from 2 to 3 p.m. at the memorial, just inside the H-3 gate.
The ceremony will include a performance by the Marine Forces Pacific Band, a wreath laying and a firing battery salute. The ceremony is open to the public. Limited seating is available. People may bring chairs.
MAUI
County honored for tree projects
WAILUKU, Maui — For the 28th year in a row, Maui County has received national recognition as a "Tree City USA" from the National Arbor Day Foundation.
To be eligible, communities must have a board or department that looks out for the welfare of trees, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.
"The trees we plant and care for today will cool and beautify our communities, increase property values, help clean the air and water, and conserve energy for years to come," said John Rosenow, president of the Arbor Day Foundation.
WAIPAHU
Class marks 50th reunion
Waipahu High School's Class of 1955 is planning a dinner reception and seven-day cruise in October for its 50th reunion. The dinner will be at the Hale Koa Hotel on Oct. 22. The "Pride of Aloha" cruise leaves Honolulu on Oct. 23. For information call Carl Nakamura (488-9612), Lionel Tashiro (488-8713) or Ken Sabog (671-7910).
CENTRAL
Volunteers check students' eyes
Volunteer optometrists have screened 326 students in 10 elementary schools in the area and expect to screen students in three more schools.
The volunteer screening project, sponsored by the Pearl City Lions Club, Department of Education and state Department of Health, was put in place after state funding for vision screening was lost from the DOE budget six years ago. The volunteer screening has continued ever since in the Pearl City and Waiau areas through efforts by the Lions Club.
The project has expanded to the Pearl Harbor Lions Club, which conducts screenings at Waimalu School and will sponsor the project again this year.
Project leader George Ando of the Pearl City Lions said about 40 percent of students tested were recommended for further examination.
KAILUA
Town party set for April 17
The Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle and Kane'ohe Ranch Co. Ltd. will host the "I Love Kailua" Town Party from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17 on Kailua Road fronting Macy's.
The road in both directions will be closed for the event, which features "A Taste of Kailua;" live entertainment by Puamana, Oomooeemoo, Coconut Joe and Maunalua; health screening by Castle Medical Center; crafts; plants and keiki activities.
Event buttons are $3 in advance and $4 at the party. Buttons are available at 50 local establishments in Kailua.
