LAHAINA, Maui — A motorcyclist was in critical condition yesterday at Maui Memorial Medical Center after an early morning crash on Honoapi'ilani Highway.

The 33-year-old Napili man and a female passenger were riding a 2006 Honda dirt bike against traffic on the makai shoulder of the road when he apparently lost control and hit a guardrail, police said. The crash occurred at 12:40 a.m. yesterday about a tenth of a mile south of the Lower Honoapi'ilani Highway intersection.

The 35-year-old passenger, also from Napili, was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

WOMEN ADVISED TO BE ON ALERT

WAILUKU, Maui — Maui police are advising women to be alert to potential trouble after a series of recent purse-snatchings and a sexual assault.

The assault occurred July 2 when a woman was attacked while jogging off Hana Highway in Ku'au. A man who witnessed the incident helped the woman fend off her assailant, who had been hiding in bushes, and a suspect was arrested.

The most recent purse-snatching occurred Aug. 8 near the cruise ship berth at Kahului Harbor, police said. A woman and a juvenile male were arrested following an investigation.

A day earlier, there were two reports of attempted purse-snatchings at the Costco parking lot in Kahului. No suspects have been identified, police said.

On July 11, a women was robbed of her handbag in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Suspects have been arrested in that case.

Police said women should be aware of their surroundings and be cautious when using music players and similar devices. They say such distractions may prevent them from being aware of what's around them.

MAUI'S 1ST FEMALE POLICE CAPTAIN

WAILUKU, Maui — Jody Singsank has become the first woman to earn the rank of captain in the Maui Police Department.

Her promotion is effective Saturday. Singsank will become commander of the Moloka'i Patrol District starting Oct. 16. She currently serves as the department's accreditation manager.

Singsank joined the Maui Police Department in 1986 and has worked in the Plans, Training, Research and Development Section; the Lahaina, Hana and Wailuku patrol districts; and the Criminal Investigation Division. She is a member of the Crisis Negotiator Team and is a mock crimes and physical training instructor in the recruit training program. Singsank also instructs field training officer and ethnic sensitivity classes.

In 1996, Singsank became MPD's first female lieutenant. That same year she was honored with a "Top Cop" award by the National Association of Police Organizations.