Newswatch

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Thursday, October 10, 1996

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The state Health Department's safe drinking water branch knew chlorine was being stored at Waiawa, but the facility was not in the state's data base, said Bill Perry, environmental health specialist with the state Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response team.

Robin Yokoyama, 52, a civilian maintenance worker at the minimum-security prison, was held overnight at Wahiawa General Hospital for observation after he was overcome by chlorine gas.

Four inmates who pulled him to safety were also treated for inhalation and returned to Waiawa in satisfactory condition.

The Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act - an emergency planning and community right-to-know act - requires all facilities that store hazardous materials and oil to register with the Health Department.

"If there is a release (of chemicals), it gives us information on what is there, information on quantities and location of materials so we could provide for adequate response," Perry said.

Because of yesterday's incident, the Public Safety Department will be ordered to comply or face regulatory action and civil penalties, he said.

"It's a personal consideration," he said. "I feel I've done what I could. I could do more, I'm sure, but I would like to do some personal things."

Suyat joined the three-member board in 1991 and has been chairman since January 1994.

Instead of receiving $326 a month for using their vehicles for city business, department heads will need to log their travel and apply for reimbursement at a rate of 37 cents a mile.

Deputy department heads, who have been receiving $276 a month, will also need to follow the policy.

The mileage reimbursement rate is the same amount paid to other city employees, except police officers. Officers who use their own vehicles receive up to $488 a month depending on whether they are frequently on the road, spokeswoman Jean Motoyama said.

In addition, City Council members have the option of being reimbursed 37 cents a mile or a flat rate of $148 a month.

Police/Fire


By Star-Bulletin staff

An 18-year-old North Kukui Street man and a 17-year-old Desha Lane youth were booked at 4:15 p.m. yesterday for investigation of second-degree murder. The juvenile was released pending investigation.

Mika was with friends outside the Groove nightclub early Saturday when several fights broke out. He and his friends were chased toward warehouses at 500 Alakawa St. Officers found Mika lying in the parking lot. He died upon arrival at Queen's Hospital.

He was taken unconscious to Queen's Hospital where he was being evaluated, hospital officials said.

He apparently was fighting with two boys, 16 and 17, just after midnight and picked up a spade, police said. Two 23-year-olds saw him pick up the tool and jumped in to assist the juveniles, police said.

The two juveniles and two adults were arrested for investigation of assault.