Richard Hadama, who lives near the park, suffers from Alzheimer's disease. He left his home at 6:30 a.m., said Phil Camero of the Police Department's missing persons detail. Family members searched for Hadama, a former standout athlete, coach and former principal at Kahuku High. They told police that someone had seen him in the Kahuanui Pavilion area of the park about 12:45 p.m. yesterday.

Police were notified at 1 p.m. Using its canine unit, bloodhound Annie and helicopter, police conducted a search of the park with Fire Department rescue specialists until 9 p.m., said Camero.

Hadama was last seen wearing a white V-neck shirt, brown shorts and a green and white baseball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to call Camero at 529-3394.

City salutes ambulance teams

An ambulance will be parked in front of Honolulu Hale today through Thursday in honor of national Emergency Medical Services week.

"Honolulu Emergency Medical Services is regularly acknowledged as one of the best EMS agencies in the country," said Patricia "Patty" Dukes, chief of the Honolulu EMS Division and the first woman to hold that position in a major U.S. city.

In 2004, EMS responded to more than 66,000 cases. Dukes' division has 140 paramedics and 55 emergency medical technicians. There are 15 full-time paramedic ambulance units on O'ahu in addition to three units that are active 16 hours a day and two rapid-response vans.

A blessing will be held today at 2 p.m. at Nana'ikeola Kaiser Clinic, 87-2116 Farrington Highway, for the new Nanakuli EMS ambulance. It has been in service since February.

Police seek tips in three crimes

CrimeStoppers is seeking the public's help in identifying suspects in three separate cases: a burglary at the Marco Polo condominium, and a purse snatching and a bicycle theft on Kihei Place behind Market City Shopping Center that occurred 11 days apart.

The Marco Polo burglary involved two men and a woman who entered the building at 2333 Kapi'olani Blvd. on April 22 about 10 p.m. and allegedly stole men's designer suits, shoes, jewelry, and computer and electronic equipment from an apartment.

The theft of a 2001 GT 27-speed men's bicycle, license number F01560, was reported April 17. The bike was stolen near the rear entrance of India Cafe at 6 a.m. by two men, one wearing a bandanna, who left an unregistered men's bicycle in place of the stolen bike.

The purse-snatching occurred at 3 p.m. April 28. A 78-year-old woman was walking behind the shopping center when a man ran up from behind her and grabbed her purse. Bystanders chased the man, who dropped the purse.

Anyone with information on any of the cases can call Detective Davin Futa at 733-8733 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.

Helping spiff up McKinley High

McKinley High School's Class of 1975 is sponsoring a service project starting at 8 a.m. Saturday at the McKinley Agricultural Field. Class members are invited to help beautify the field. Bring your own work gloves. Lunch will be provided. Call 678-3065 for information.

Money to fight aquatic nuisances

Hawai'i will receive $70,303 this year from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help manage invasive aquatic nuisance species.

The money will be used primarily to support a state aquatic nuisance species coordinator position established within the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The coordinator works with private and government partners to carry out education, monitoring, prevention and response activities in conjunction with other invasive species programs in the state.

Objectives for this year, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, include development of a centralized reporting system, verifying and responding to invasive aquatic species sightings, prioritizing existing and potential invasive species and possible introduction pathways, and holding annual workshops with those involved in invasive species issues.

Hospice looking for volunteers

Hospice Hawaii is looking for caring people of all backgrounds to become volunteers who provide comfort and support for terminally ill patients and their families. Especially needed are volunteers available during the day.

Volunteers will be required to complete a free 20-hour training program at the Hospice Hawai'i office at 860 Iwilei Road. Training will be 6 to 10 p.m. July 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 9 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16.