Gov. Linda Lingle warned homeless advocates yesterday against overstating the homeless population in the Islands, and said only results will help maintain strong public support for the issue.

"I do want to issue one caution to everyone involved in these efforts, that is not to overstate the case," said Lingle, speaking to about 200 people gathered at a Waikiki forum on homelessness.

The conference, called "Unlocking the Door: The Key to Ending Homelessness," is part of a string of events in the Islands for Homeless Awareness Week. Tomorrow, a 10-day walk around O'ahu to bring attention to homelessness will wrap up at the state Capitol.

A candlelight vigil for the homeless will start at 4:30 p.m., and homeless and formerly homeless people will share their experiences.

The forum touched on a number of different issues facing the homeless, including affordable housing and employment. In breakout sessions, advocates discussed ways to help individuals at higher risk for homelessness, including foster children and convicts.

MUSEUM SOCIETY HONORS GENERAL

Retired Maj. Gen. Herbert Wolff yesterday received the Hawai'i Army Museum Society 2006 Ihe award in recognition of his contributions to the civilian and military communities and for his lifetime of service to the country.

The award, created by artist Umi Kai, is carved of koa wood and supported by a block of 'ohi'a — woods selected for their strength. Previous recipients include: Richard Kelley of Outrigger Hotels; Peter Schall of Hilton Hawaiian Village; William Paty, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, Pacific Region; Gov. Linda Lingle; and Michael Fisch, president and publisher of The Advertiser.

Wolff was selected, in part, because of his 38-year military career that spanned three wars and included 11 promotions and 59 awards and decorations. His Hawai'i volunteer work includes serving as a member of the Board of Governors for the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, the USO-Hawai'i, the Armed Services YMCA, the Girls Scout Council of Hawai'i and the Boy Scouts Aloha Council.

MESH CURTAIN WILL PROTECT MOTORISTS

A curtain of mesh soon will cover the hillside at the entrance to Kailua, protecting thousands of motorists a day from falling rocks that shed from the slopes, especially during heavy rain.

A series of landslides and falling boulders during the rainy season earlier this year prompted the $5.8 million project, according to the state Department of Transportation. The contractor, Prometheus Construction, will build a drainage and rockfall catchment ditch high above the street, install a fence and then drape the mesh over the lower slopes.

Work on the DOT emergency rockfall project is expected to run until May. Two additional months will be needed to restore the alignment of Kailua Road and install landscaping on the median. The road was realigned to make way for the construction project.

SAND ISLAND

COPPER THIEVES FORCE PARK CLOSURE

Copper thieves struck again yesterday, causing the closure of the 14-acre Sand Island Recreation Area.

Officials closed six comfort stations at the park after thieves broke into an electrical transformer and removed all the wiring. Without power, the system can't pump sewage from the restrooms; without restrooms, the park was closed.

About $2,000 worth of copper wire was stolen from the power distribution system and from the control station, police Sgt. Keith Kessler said. The theft was reported by the park's caretaker and is believed to have occurred between 6:45 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. yesterday, Kessler said.