HAWAI'I BRIEFS
FAA investigates abrupt landing
Advertiser Staff
KAHULUI, Maui — The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the emergency landing of a helicopter that lost power near McGregor Point on Monday.
The Hughes 369D, piloted by Don Shearer, owner of Windward Aviation, experienced engine failure at 8:45 a.m., forcing an auto-rotation landing next to the rocky shore near Ma'alaea, according to the FAA.
No one was injured and the helicopter was not damaged, but the abrupt landing was rather terrifying, passengers said.
"I'm still numb from yesterday," said Anna Palomino, one of three passengers on board. "If it wasn't for Don, we wouldn't be alive."
Palomino, the owner of Ho'olawa Farms native plant nursery, was aboard the helicopter with research biologist Art Medeiros and native plant expert Rene Sylva on a flight to view native plants and restoration efforts around the island.
"I'm still shaken up," Medeiros said yesterday.
KAUA'I
Polihale park closed for repairs
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — A water system failure has closed Polihale State Park on the west coast of Kaua'i.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the park will remain closed until the problem is corrected. Signs about the closure have been posted at the beginning of the Polihale access road and at the entrance to the park's camping and day-use areas.
Campers with permits for camping at Polihale State Park have an option to stay at Koke'e State Park or to get a refund. For more information, call the state parks office on Kaua'i (808) 274-3444 or (808) 274-3445.
KANE'OHE
Searchers find missing man, 74
Fire rescue specialists found a missing Kane'ohe man during a search Monday at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden.
Richard Hadama, 74, was exhausted and slightly injured, said Phil Camero of the Police Department's missing persons unit.
Hadama, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, failed to return from a walk Sunday morning to the botanical garden. Fire and police crews searched until 9 p.m. Sunday. They were joined by state Department of Land and Natural Resources workers and 50 of Hadama's family members and friends when the search resumed Monday morning. Hadama was found about 9:30 a.m. in a brush area, Camero said.
BIG ISLAND
Kohala horse shot in shoulder
WAIMEA, Hawai'i — Big Island police were investigating the shooting of a black Arabian stallion in a North Kohala pasture.
A rifle is believed to have been used to wound the horse in the right shoulder, said Sgt. John Rodrigues of the Hawai'i County Police Department. The horse's owner on Kohala Mountain Road reported the animal's injury at 3:40 p.m. Saturday.
Anyone with information about the shooting should call the West Hawai'i Criminal Investigation Division at (808) 326-4646, ext. 238; the police nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311; or CrimeStoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo or (808) 329-8181 in Kona.
STATE
'No rules' fights bill becomes law
Gov. Linda Lingle has signed into law a bill that will prohibit so-called "no rules" mixed martial arts bouts.
Under the new law, promoters must establish rules and notify the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at least 30 days before the match.
In addition, competitors must not be disqualified in other jurisdictions at the time of the match, an experienced adult referee must be provided and a licensed physician must be at ringside.
Violators are subject to fines of up to $10,000 for each offense.
