Newswatch

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Friday, August 15, 1997

Staffs at public libraries working out
suggestions to book-buying proposal

Public library employees have concerns about a plan that could bring new books into their libraries by the end of the month.

Some responses sent to the state librarian show library employees are eager to get new materials into their libraries, but some believe they are being rushed into implementing the plan. The proposal addresses material acquisition immediately and for the next five years.

Yesterday was the deadline for library employees to review the plan and fax or e-mail responses to state Librarian Bart Kane. If they disapproved of the plan, they were to offer alternatives.

The plan, put together by Kane's leadership team, was based on suggestions formulated by nearly 70 library employees who participated in statewide meetings two weeks ago.

Part of new veterans medical
center to be dedicated next week

The first phase of the Spark M. Matsunaga Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be dedicated next week but, because of budgetary and other constraints, without the planned 105-bed hospital.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has shifted its emphasis from hospitalization to outpatient care, officials here say.

On Thursday, the 43,000-square-foot Center for Aging will be dedicated. It will be able to accommodate 60 veterans who require hospitalized rehabilitative care.

The $13 million facility on the grounds of Tripler Army Medical Center will be headed by Dr. Carol Joseph, an 11-year VA employee.

Barry G. Raff, local VA director, said he hopes the Center for Aging will become Hawaii's premier facility providing "rehabilitative and skilled nursing home care for veterans in a culturally sensitive environment."

Ward starts 'exploratory'
campaign to oust Abercrombie

State House Republican leader Gene Ward of Hahaione Valley says he likely will run for Democratic U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's seat.

Ward said yesterday that he has started to raise the $250,000 needed to launch his likely challenge to Abercrombie, 59, who represents urban Honolulu.

"This is exploratory, but it is getting more and more firm," said Ward, who earlier was also eyeing a bid for lieutenant governor.

If Ward, 54, enters the race next year, his candidacy could set up a primary battle against two-term state House Rep. Quentin Kawananakoa, 35, of Nuuanu.

Kawananakoa yesterday reiterated that he wants Abercrombie's seat.

If he is in a primary battle with Ward, Kawananakoa said, "I expect to win."

Kawananakoa has been endorsed by Orson Swindle, a Reagan administration appointee and Vietnam prisoner of war, who failed in two attempts to oust Abercrombie.

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Police/Fire


By Star-Bulletin staff

Car accident cuts power
to Tantalus, Punchbowl

Police closed off the 2100 block of Tantalus Drive following a car accident this morning that knocked down a utility pole and cut electricity to homes in the area.

Police said no one was seriously injured in the 3:50 a.m. accident. Work crews from Hawaiian Electric Co. were called out to repair the pole.

Hawaiian Electric said residents on Tantalus, Punchbowl and in the Ward Avenue and Kinau Street areas lost power. The utility would not estimate how many customers are in that area.

Makakilo firefighters
keep watch on blaze

Makakilo firefighters have been watching a fire that has been burning since yesterday.

Firefighters said the fire was reported at 6 p.m. in the same area plagued by earlier brush fires this year, an area east of Makakilo Drive.

Firefighters said the fire was burning throughout the night in an area unaccessible to them. They said they were waiting for daylight to use a helicopter and perhaps obtain air support from the military.

Sexual-assault suspect
held by Big Island police

KAILUA-KONA -- Police said they are holding a 59-year-old suspect for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl in Honaunau, South Kona.

The assault allegedly took place between 10 and 10:30 p.m. yesterday. The girl suffered no injuries other than the assault. An investigation is continuing.

Police find booby trap,
7,306 marijuana plants

HILO -- Police seized 7,306 marijuana plants in a 55-mile area of East Hawaii from Honokaa to Fern Forest yesterday, they said. That brought seizures in four days of operations to 53,840 plants.

At marijuana patches above Hakalau, police said they also found sharpened sticks designed to injure anyone stepping on them.

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