The Office of the Public Guardian is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 68-year-old Waikiki man.

In a news release issued yesterday, state officials said Walter Sakoda wandered away from his home at the Ainahau Vista Apartments at 2428 Tusitala St. at about 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11.

Sakoda reportedly wandered off last month and was found five days later. He suffers from memory problems and may be wandering around disoriented, officials said. He does respond to his name. Sakoda is 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 130 pounds and has gray hair, a mustache and wispy gray facial hair.

Anyone with information on Sakoda's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 548-0006, ext. 16.

DOWNED PHONE POLES REPLACED

HANA, Maui — Two downed telephone poles blocked a section of Hana Highway for several hours yesterday. Telephone service was not interrupted, according to Hawaiian Telcom spokesman Ron Mizutani.

One damaged pole was replaced by 3 p.m. And the second pole was reinstalled, he said.

CONFRONTATION RESULTS IN ARREST

Big Island police have arrested and charged a 49-year-old Kawaihae man with several offenses stemming from a confrontation at a home in Makapala, North Kohala.

A 33-year-old Makapala wo-man reported that a man entered her home unlawfully on Friday and demanded that she turn over her vehicle. The man later reportedly damaged the house and a vehicle on the property.

Martin Booth was arrested Friday and charged Sunday with second-degree criminal property damage, harassment, first-degree burglary and second-degree terroristic threatening. His bail was set at $8,250. He was being held yesterday at the Kona police cellblock pending a court appearance.

MADD RENEWS HOLIDAY MESSAGE

Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Hawaii yesterday launched its annual "Tie One On For Safety" red ribbon project. Through the project, motorists are asked to tie a MADD ribbon onto their vehicle, or place a MADD red ribbon magnet on their vehicle as a pledge to drive safe and sober, as well as to wear their seat belts and to remind others to do the same this holiday season.

MADD-Hawaii officials plan to distribute more than 300,000 red ribbons and magnets throughout the state at various retailers.

According to the state Department of Transportation, nearly half of all traffic deaths in Hawai'i during the 2006 holiday season were alcohol-related.