HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Copters told not to land in forest
Advertiser Staff
The state has ordered tour helicopters to stop landing in Kaua'i's Moloa'a Forest Reserve because the forays into the area may harm the ecosystem.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources last week sent 15 helicopter tour operators a letter reminding them that illegal landings may draw fines of $2,000 per day.
In early May, the state inspected an area near a waterfall and pool in the reserve and found a helicopter landing site with two adjacent structures.
Peter Young, the DLNR's director, said the landing pad consisted of a simple, cleared area, and the structures provided shade.
Young said the state wasn't exactly sure who was landing at the spot so it sent a reminder to all helicopter tour companies.
"In order to do things like this you need to get a permit," Young said. "In some cases, a permit is not even available."
BIG ISLAND
SWIMMER WHO DIED IDENTIFIED
A 52-year-old man who apparently drowned Saturday in waters off Miloli'i, South Kona, was identified yesterday as Robert Henderson of Miloli'i.
Witnesses reported that Henderson was swimming just before 1 p.m. when he appeared to experience difficulty. Several divers came to his aid and pulled him from the water. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:28 p.m.
Police are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
SALT LAKE
BALLOONS, MAGIC COMING TO LIBRARY
"Balloon Monsoon" will perform magic and create a variety of unique balloon sculptures, including characters and animals, in a free one-hour presentation Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Salt Lake-Moanalua Public Library's children's area.
The library is at 3225 Salt Lake Blvd. Call the library at 831-6831 for more information.
STATE
SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS FUNDED
The state has released $1.6 million for the design and construction of new classrooms at Wai'anae High School and Na'alehu Elementary and Intermediate School on the Big Island.
With the additional $1,020,500 Wai'anae High School is receiving, an eight-classroom building will be completed as originally planned. The building was to be scaled back to four classrooms but will be completed as designed with the additional money. The total cost of the project is about $7.3 million and is scheduled to be completed in October 2007.
On the Big Island, $608,700 will allow Na'alehu Elementary and Intermediate School to design a new six-classroom building. The total cost of the project is estimated at about $5 million. It is scheduled to be completed in November 2008.
GRANT TO HELP GUARD CHEMICALS
Hawai'i will receive a $189,000 federal grant to protect its key chemical facilities.
The grant from the Department of Homeland Security is part of the Chemical Sector Buffer Zone Protection Program, which allows states to develop their own chemical protection measures.
Because of security issues, the protected sites will not be disclosed.
KAWANANAKOA IN HOUSE RACE
Former state House Minority Leader Quentin Kawananakoa filed candidacy papers for the 2nd Congressional District yesterday, becoming the third Republican candidate in the Sept. 23 primary.
Republican Michael Powers filed in March; state Sen. Bob Hogue, R-24th, (Kailua, Kane'ohe) has announced his candidacy.
After raising $135,000, Kawananakoa, an heir to the estate of James Campbell, also announced yesterday that he would use $250,000 of his own money to fund his campaign.
KALIHI
MAN SAYS HE WAS HIT WITH HAMMER
Police were investigating a complaint filed by a 58-year-old man who said he was waiting at a bus stop in Kalihi about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday when a 21-year-old man hit him in the head with a hammer.
The man who filed the complaint was taken to The Queen's Medical Center where he was treated for minor head injuries, police said.
Police classified the incident as a case of second-degree assault.
WAIKIKI
MAN ATTACKS CELL-PHONE USER
Police arrested a 22-year-old man Tuesday night in Waikiki after he allegedly tried to take a cellular phone from a 24-year-old man.
The older man told police he was walking through a park and talking on his cell phone when the younger man approached from behind, placed him in a chokehold and tried to take the phone away.
Police said the older man told them he was able to break free, run to a nearby business and ask for help.
The younger man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree robbery.
