Police yesterday were investigating thefts from four automated teller machines in the 'Aiea-Pearl City-Waipi'o area this week, including one in which the robbers forced people in a pool hall into another room.

Three masked men entered Aiea Cue at 98-064 Kamehameha Highway about 2 a.m. yesterday and forced occupants into another room before breaking into an ATM and change machine. No one was hurt.

Thieves early yesterday also hit ATMs at Pearl City Business Plaza and near Big City Diner at the Gentry Waipi'o Shopping Center.

On Tuesday night, someone broke into the ATM at Aiea Shopping Plaza on Kauhale Road. Police believe the break-ins are related. The amount of cash taken was not disclosed.

BRUSHFIRE FORCES BRIEF EVACUATION

HILO, Hawai'i — Smoke from a four-acre brushfire near Hualalai Road in Kailua, Kona, yesterday prompted a brief evacuation of about 71 residents, including the tenants in a senior housing complex.

Fire Battalion Chief Bob Bailey said about 31 people were bused to a hotel and about 40 more were told to leave their homes mostly because of the threat from smoke. The evacuees included the residents of the Hualalai Elderly Housing complex, according to Big Island Civil Defense.

Bailey said the fire was reported about 4 p.m., and controlled by about 5:45 p.m.

There were no reports of property damage or injuries, but police closed Hualalai Road between Kuakini Highway and Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway during rush hour.

County officials were beginning to allow people to return to their homes by early evening and expected residents all would be able to return home last night, Bailey said.

CHARGES FILED IN TAGGING OF SIGNS

One of two suspects arrested yesterday on suspicion of causing graffiti damage to 38 city roadside signs was charged with misdemeanor third-degree criminal property damage.

Berdon Tarawo, 23, was being held in lieu of $400 bail for the criminal property damage charge and an outstanding $100 warrant. His initial appearance is today at District Court.

The primary suspect is a man, 23, who was arrested yesterday at his home on the 900 block of 8th Avenue at 2:05 a.m. for second-degree criminal property damage. Police said the man admitted to tagging the city signs. Charges were pending last night.

Police said witnesses reported two men using black marker pens scrawling graffiti on the wall of a school at 11:50 p.m. The men left before police arrived but officers looking for the suspects found fresh graffiti on signs along the way to Kaimuki Avenue.

POOL CLOSING FOR WATER LINE REPAIRS

WAILUKU, Maui — Coach Soichi Sakamoto Pool will be closed starting today for repairs to the main water line, Maui County Aquatics officials announced yesterday.

Staff members noticed a leak and traced it to the main water line located on the ocean side of the pool. The water line, which must be shut down for the repair, affects all water leading to the pool facilities.

No estimate was available on how long the pool will be closed. The public is advised to call the county pools information line at 270-8208; the recorded message is updated by 9 a.m. daily.

The pool is named for Maui swim coach Soichi Sakamoto, who taught Olympic champions. His "Maui Ditch Kids" at first learned to swim in irrigation ditches of Pu'unene sugar cane fields. The pool is near War Memorial Stadium and Baldwin High School.