A brush fire on the Big Island raged out of control this morning, a day after a Maui blaze, possibly started by children, forced the evacuation of 75 people. Brush fire rages south of Hilo;
Maui, Kauai blazes containedA smaller blaze was reported on Kauai overnight.
On the Big Island, firefighters continued to battle the 300-acre forest and brush fire between the rural Paradise Park and Hawaiian Beaches subdivisions south of Hilo today, the Fire Department said.
The fire began shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday in a four-mile wide area between the two subdivisions. It was carried inland by tradewinds.
Firefighters were active through the night cutting a firebreak in anticipation of increased winds today.
On Maui, Assistant Fire Chief Clayton Carvalho said children were seen leaving the area near Namauu Place in Kihei where a fire was discovered shortly before 1:46 p.m. yesterday.
The fire burned a 2-mile-long brush area close to residences from Kulanihakoi Street to Lipoa Street, seaside of Piilani Highway. It was under control by 5:38 p.m., Carvalho said.
The fire damaged several homes and forced the evacuation of 75 people near Namauu Place.
On Kauai, a brush fire burned about an acre of land three miles up Waimea Canyon Drive last night. Fire Capt. Dave Walker said the fire was likely ignited by a discarded cigarette.
State's humpback whales sanctuary dedicated in Maui rites
KIHEI, Maui -- With native chants asking gods and goddesses for support, some Hawaiians joined hundreds of people in dedicating the state's sanctuary for humpback whales yesterday."It is a sending a signal to the state, the country and the world that Hawaii cares," said Sylvia Earle, a former chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
But while the mood was optimistic, government officials conceded more than songs and speeches will be needed to satisfy critics who opposed a Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
The reserve -- which includes Maui County waters and some northern sections of Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island -- is the 12th marine sanctuary in the nation. It extends from the shoreline of designated areas to a depth of 600 feet.Federal officials say no new laws will be put in place to alter fishing and navigation, but some critics are skeptical.
Absent from the celebration were fishermen, including some native Hawaiians, who fear a sanctuary would hurt their businesses and rights to underwater ceded lands.Also not participating was Maui Mayor Linda Lingle, who opposed the designation, saying she felt existing federal laws were enough to protect the whales.
State land board Chairman Michael Wilson said the decision to establish the sanctuary will be good for the environment and the whale-watching business."It's a growing industry," Wilson said.
Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono said if there is a problem with regulations, the Cayetano administration has established a five-year review system to evaluate the impact of the sanctuary.
Police conflicts hike Maui suspensions
WAILUKU -- Conflicts about alleged sexual discrimination and a fight among law enforcement officers contributed to the near doubling of the number of police suspended from active duty in Maui County in 1997.Serious disciplinary actions decreased on Kauai in 1997, compared to 1996 when the island's police department was embroiled in sexual misconduct scandal.
On the Big Island, the number of police suspensions increased last year.
In Maui County, the number of suspensions increased from 24 in 1996, to 47 in 1997.
The county has a force of 320 officers.
The suspensions included disciplinary action involving police officer Milton Yamashiro, who allegedly assaulted an officer and threatened others in Lahaina.
Yamashiro, 42, resigned from the police force after 17 years of service. He was sentenced to three months in jail.
Some police officers were suspended for being involved in the conflict or failing to take action to prevent it.
Disciplinary action also was taken against then-officer Malia Chun for allegedly letting her driver's license expire. She and two other women have filed lawsuits alleging unfair treatment by the department.
Maui Deputy Police Chief Thomas M. Phillips said he's still reviewing the suspension statistics to determine the reasons for the increase.
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Police/Fire
By Star-Bulletin staffStolen moped found in truck; man arrested
Police yesterday arrested a 31-year-old man for allegedly possessing a stolen moped.During a routine traffic stop in Kahaluu, officers found a stolen moped in the bed of the suspect's pickup at noon, police said.
In an unrelated incident, two boys, 15 and 16, were arrested yesterday for reportedly possessing a stolen moped in Aiea Heights.
Police arrest one man for striking another
Police last night arrested a man for allegedly assaulting another man at a Kalaimoku Street residence.The suspect, 50, hit the victim with an unknown object, slightly injuring the 53-year-old victim at 8:05 p.m., police said.
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