Newswatch


By Star-Bulletin Staff

Tuesday, August 20, 1996


Judge accepts results
of drug field test

WAILUKU - Prosecutors say a milestone has been reached in Hawaii law enforcement with a judge's decision to accept the results of a drug field test for the first time.

Wailuku resident Leon Gemma last week pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of liquor, driving under the influence of cocaine, and three traffic offenses, in Wailuku District Court.

Police subjected Gemma, 42, to the drug test during a traffic stop in Kihei on Nov. 19, 1995.

The plea followed a decision by District Judge John Vail last week to allow the test results as evidence in the case.


Kula man: New pipeline critically needed

WAILUKU - In rural Kula, the county water pipeline near Herman Kele's house is more than 50 years old and breaks frequently. The water is so filled with residue that the brown tile around his bathtub turns light green if left unscrubbed for a few days.

Kele is upset because, according to the county Water Department, a plan to replace the pipeline has been delayed due to a lack of money and rejection of a water rate increase.

"We need that line because every time we're fixing broken pipes over here," said Kele, 57. "I think the water we pay should not be charged to us because of the condition of the pipes."

Despite several years of debate, county officials haven't resolved differences to increase water rates, which are the lowest among the counties.


Fear motive for killing, attorney tells court

HILO - William Bal, who knew Solomona Misa had been terrorizing downtown Hilo for at least a month, feared for his life when he shot and killed Misa in self-defense last year, his attorney says.

Numerous witnesses will testify Misa, 35, threatened Bal, then 19, with death moments before the shooting, defense attorney Brian De Lima told a Circuit Court jury yesterday as Bal's trial began. "He had no doubt he would be killed."

Bal is charged with second-degree murder for killing Misa, and attempted second-degree murder for allegedly wounding Misa's friend Phillip Kaina, 34. He is also charged with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly trying to kill two people in the same incident on Ohai Street on May 17, 1995, and with two firearms offenses and possession of cocaine.


For expanded versions of these and other stories,
see today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.



Police/Fire


By Star-Bulletin staff


Police seek charges
in transvestite killing

Police are seeking charges against a Schofield soldier suspected in last week's murder of a transvestite who was severely beaten with a brick behind Dot's restaurant in Wahiawa.

The suspect, 22, was arrested at about 6 p.m. yesterday.

The victim, 33, suffered severe facial and head injuries in the assault early Wednesday near 130 Mango St. He died Thursday in Queen's Hospital.


Endangered turtle killed on Maui road

WAILUKU - An endangered Hawksbill turtle was apparently struck and killed by a vehicle near Kealia Pond in south Maui yesterday.

Police said the female was laden with eggs. Signs warning of turtles crossing the road are posted along two-lane N. Kihei Road, where traffic usually moves at 45 to 50 mph.

The turtle apparently crawled up the sandy beach and tried to cross the road.


Other Police/Fire headlines
in today's Star-Bulletin:

  • Brush fire restricts Lahaina tunnel traffic
  • Police pursue suspect in Liliha home assault
  • HPD awards medals in Miranda crisis

See expanded versions in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.




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