Newswatch

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Monday, May 26, 1997

Hawaiians may be in different
census ethnic category

WASHINGTON -- When native Hawaiians fill out their census forms in three years, they might have to check a different ethnic category than in years past.

It's a seemingly minor change, but it could trigger an array of public opinion and public policy benefits.

Sen. Daniel Akaka, Congress's only native Hawaiian, has asked the federal government to shift native Hawaiians from their current classification as Asian or Pacific Islanders to the category that now includes American Indians and Alaskan natives.

Akaka argues that native Hawaiians have more in common with American Indians and Alaskan natives -- educationally, sociologically and, perhaps most important, historically.

Cayetano makes bid
for Asian investors

HONG KONG -- Asian money may bolster the state's tourism-dependent economy after Gov. Ben Cayetano's 13-day trade promotion trip, but it probably will not arrive in great quantities from this soon-to-be-former British colony.

In a breakfast speech to the American Chamber of Commerce here, Cayetano repeated a message passed along to potential investors in Taiwan and the Philippines, urging business people to take a look at Hawaii as a source of bargains, notably in real estate, where values have plummeted in the wake of Japan's economic troubles.

"When you find an economy that is struggling, businesses that are struggling, that is the time for the wise investor to step in and see what opportunities exist," he told an audience of about 60 people. "There's some tremendous values there for people who are looking to get into real estate development."

It was his strongest selling point, though his speech emphasized his efforts to diversify the state economy, revitalize its construction industry and promote Hawaii as a center of medical technology and professional services.

Glider who hit mountain
suffers back injuries

A paraglider who crashed yesterday into the side of a mountain near Dillingham Airfield is in guarded condition with back injuries at Queen's Hospital.

The man used a cellular phone to call for help, and rescue workers reached him at 5:12 p.m.

See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
See our [Info] section for subscription information.

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Police/Fire


By Star-Bulletin staff

Man allegedly bites off
chunk of other man's lip

First-degree assault charges are pending against a 22-year-old man who allegedly bit off a chunk of another man's lip during a fight last night at Ewa Beach Community Park.

The suspect and the victim, also 22, are both from Ewa Beach.

They have had an ongoing dispute for the past two months concerning the suspect's girlfriend, police said.

The fight was reported at 8:25 p.m. Both men had been drinking, police said.

Woman in Punaluu crash
still in critical condition

A 52-year-old woman who was injured in a head-on collision that killed a Kaneohe couple Saturday near Punaluu remains in critical condition at Queen's Hospital.

The woman was a passenger in a car that apparently swerved into the path of another car near Ahi's Restaurant (formerly the Paniolo Cafe).

Two occupants of the car that was struck, whom witnesses have identified as Jack and Doris Zane, were killed. A 50-year-old woman, a passenger in the Zanes' car, is listed in fair condition at Queen's, while an 8-year-old girl, also a passenger in the car, was treated for injuries and released.

The 36-year-old woman driving the car that crossed the center lane is in fair condition at Queen's.

Three girls -- ages 10, 12 and 13 -- were also in her car. The 12-year-old is at Castle Hospital with a fractured foot. The other two girls were treated and released.

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

• Robbery suspect caught during alleged break-in
• Gang fight may have led to Desha Lane shooting
• Police suspect 2 Hilo robberies by same man

See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
See our [Info] section for subscription information.