HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Man pleads guilty to sexual assault
Advertiser Staff
A 44-year-old Makaha man pleaded guilty yesterday to sexually assaulting a girl that prosecutors say resulted in her getting pregnant and giving birth last year to a daughter.
Peter Vierra pleaded guilty to 21 counts of first-degree and third-degree sex assault from 2002 to 2004 of the girl who became pregnant at age 12 and gave birth at 13.
First-degree sex assault carries a mandatory maximum 20-year term.
Vierra, who is being held on $150,000 bail, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of first-degree sex assault.
Circuit Judge Dexter Del Rosario scheduled Vierra's sentencing for August.
HONOLULU
Fake returns net woman 8 months
A 42-year-old woman was sentenced to eight months in prison for assisting in the preparation of false federal income tax returns.
Patricia Leilani Brunson pleaded guilty to 29 counts in two indictments that accused her of committing the offenses from 1996 to 1998, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. She was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge David Ezra.
Brunson was accused of preparing returns for individuals that included incorrect filing status and which resulted in an earned income credit and false expense claims, the U.S. Attorney said. None of the individuals has been charged with an offense in connection with the filing.
Man with knife tries to rob teens
An 18-year-old man was arrested yesterday after police said he attempted to rob two teenage boys at knifepoint near Roosevelt High School.
Police said a man approached the boys, ages 15 and 16, brandished a knife and demanded money. The two got into a scuffle with the suspect, who police said fled when the boys began to get the upperhand.
Police were called, located the suspect and arrested him shortly before 4 p.m. without incident. He faced charges of second-degree robbery, terroristic threatening and third-degree assault.
NORTH SHORE
Kamehameha Highway closure
Motorists are advised that Kamehameha Highway at the Waimea Bay bridge will be closed for four hours tomorrow and Friday morning to allow workers to install a utility pole.
The bridge will be closed from 12:01 to 4 a.m. each day as Hawaiian Electric replaces the pole. Motorists should find alternative routes.
NANAKULI
Arts program presents show
The Nanakuli High & Intermediate's Performing Arts Program presents "On the Radio," a musical revue featuring songs from various radio station formats such as oldies, contemporary, country and Broadway on May 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. in the school's multipurpose building. The group also will stage a one-act play titled "Wake."
There also will be a special pre-show performance by the Nanakuli Elementary Performing Arts (after) School group at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $6 per adult at the door at $5 (pre-sale) and $3 for students with school identification cards. Children under 12 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.
For pre-sale ticket reservations, call 668-5823, ext. 351.
KAHUKU
Park proposal to be heard Friday
A proposal to develop and operate Malaekahana State Recreation Area includes demolishing five of the existing cabins, providing 20 Polynesian-style hale and offering bed-and-breakfast accommodations.
The state has offered the park, outside Kahuku town, to private operators and had requested proposals to run it.
This week the state Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider granting a lease to Malaekahana Partners LLC during a board meeting at 9 a.m. Friday in the Kalanimoku Building, Room 132.
The 110-acre recreation area consists of two noncontiguous ocean-front properties, one of which — the Kahuku Section — is known for its cabin camping that is operated by a private group.
Besides the hale and bed-and-breakfast operation, Malaekahana Partners wants to eventually have nine recreation cabins, 35 camp sites, four comfort stations and administrative facilities in the Kahuku Section.
For the Kalanai Section, the group proposed to have 15 Polynesian-style hale, two open halau and three comfort stations.
The state Parks Division will recommend that the board grant the lease to Malaekahana Partners, said the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
EAST HONOLULU
Lu'au fund-raiser set for Saturday
Kalani High School's lu'au to raise money to install fans in the cafeteria and make other school improvements will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
The school will unveil 17 Hawai'i High School Athletic Association and 14 OIA Championship banners during the lu'au in the school gym.Ê
Tickets are $25.
Call 377-7744, ext. 265 for more information.
STATEWIDE
Grants available for lung research
The American Lung Association is accepting applications for grants under 16 research programs designed to prevent, relieve and cure the suffering associated with lung disease.
The grants are intended for individuals at various stages of their careers, including those engaged in doctoral research training on issues relevant to lung disease.
The deadline to submit applications for the Research Awards Program is Sept. 1.
More information is available at www.lungusa.org or by calling the American Lung Association of Hawaii at 537-5966, ext. 307.
Apply for state ID at 1 of 4 locations
State personnel will be at the Lana'i Community Center to process applications for state identification cards from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 21.
The state also will process applications at the following locations: Windward Mall, June 18; Filipino Community Center, July 16; and the Mitchell Pauole Center on Moloka'i, Aug. 6.
Priority will be given to people with completed applications and required certified documents.
The fee is $15, or $10 for anyone 65 years and older, payable in cash only.
More information on application requirements is available at www.hawaii.gov/hcjdc or (808) 587-3111.
