A 32-year-old man who police say was involved in a domestic argument with his wife when their car crashed on H-1 Freeway's airport viaduct Wednesday night was charged yesterday with felony assault.

Iovani Alatini was charged with second-degree assault, which carries a prison term of up to five years.

His bail was set at $50,000.

Alatini's wife was driving the car when police said Alatini kicked the steering wheel, causing the car to hit a barrier and roll over several times. The wife was hospitalized in critical condition. Alatini was also treated for injuries.

The 7:45 p.m. crash in the west-bound lanes closed the H-1 viaduct for about six hours.

HORNET JETS END TWO-DAY STOPOVER

Thirteen F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets are scheduled to leave Marine Corps Air Facility at Kane'ohe Bay today for California. Residents may notice an increase in noise levels during flight operations.

The squadron arrived Thursday from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The two-day stopover allowed pilots and crew to rest before flying on to Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.

VICTIM IN FATAL CRASH IDENTIFIED

A woman killed in a car-truck collision near Kalaheo High School Thursday has been identified as Ellen Laa, 41, of Honolulu.

Laa was the front-seat passenger in a 1991 Toyota sedan traveling on Mokapu Saddle Road toward Kailua. Police said the driver, a 44-year-old Honolulu man, failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Kapa'a Quarry Road. The car collided with a 1997 Peterbilt semi-truck turning left from Kapa'a Quarry Road onto Mokapu Saddle Road.

Laa suffered injuries to her head, legs and torso and was taken to Castle Medical Center, where she died, police said. The driver of the Toyota was taken to The Queen's Medical Center in serious condition.

The driver of the car suffered injuries to his torso, police said.

Police said the man may have been under the influence of alcohol and drugs and was speeding when he ran the red light.

Laa's death was the 40th traffic fatality on O'ahu this year.

FUNDRAISER TO AID STATE'S HOMELESS

The River of Life Mission is having its third annual "Christmas in July" fundraiser Wednesday.

Volunteers will be posted around the island at major intersections, from Wahiawa to Wai'anae, Pearl City to Hawai'i Kai, and Kane'ohe to Kailua, all dressed in Santa hats, ready to take donations to help the homeless.

River of Life Mission is partnering with Salem Media of Hawaii including 95.5 The Fish and Oldies 107.9 and AM690 KHCM radio stations to help raise awareness of the issue.

Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch and Crab restaurant will donate $3 for every River of Life special meal purchased that day.

Donations will help start up a women's residential program and help fund existing programs. Last year, River of Life Mission served a record number of meals.

To donate or volunteer for "Christmas in July," call 524-7656.