A Diamond Head couple were arrested yesterday in connection with the theft of $1.2 million, police said. Police arrest couple in
$1.2 million swindleA 65-year-old man from Nagoya, Japan, was introduced to the couple in September 1997 in hopes of establishing a business on Oahu, said police.
The couple -- a 46-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman -- persuaded the investor to buy an Aina Haina wedding chapel for $1.2 million, police said.
According to a police report, the investor returned here in July and "discovered the chapel was never purchased and found the $1.2 million was depleted." Police opened the case in August when the investor's attorney reported the missing money, said Lt. Dan Hanagami, head of the Honolulu Police Department's white-collar crime detail.
Police said they learned that the money was allegedly used for the couple's Kapahulu wedding business and their posh Diamond Head home.
The couple were booked on first-degree theft, money laundering, second-degree forgery and racketeering, police said.
They were released pending further investigation. More arrests are expected.
Varicose vein sufferers offered free seminar
The public is invited to a free Straub Foundation presentation on varicose vein problems at 8 a.m. tomorrow at the Ilikai Hotel's Pacific Ballroom."Shorts in Paradise: How to Manage your Varicose Veins," will give participants an opportunity to discuss diagnosis, treatment options, cosmetic aspects and cost aspects with physicians, health professionals and a lay panel.
Vascular lab technicians will demonstrate equipment to diagnose vein problems and people attending may participate in workshops on the role of compression stockings.
The foundation asks people to pre-register so it can make sure they can be accommodated.
To register or get more information, call 524-6755.
IRS, state tax office set 'problem-solving day'
The Internal Revenue Service and state tax office have scheduled a "problem-solving day" Nov. 14 at the federal building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Officials will meet with taxpayers to resolve any ongoing tax problems they may be having.
The IRS will also offer a free offer-in-compromise workshop at 9 a.m.
An offer-in-compromise allows a taxpayer to offer the IRS less than the full balance of tax, penalty and interest owed.
The law allows the IRS to accept an offer-in-compromise when there is doubt the tax is owed or it's unlikely the full balance will ever be collected.
Appointments for problem-solving can be made by calling the IRS at 829-1040 or the state tax office at 587-1791.
An appointment isn't necessary but it will ensure that preliminary research is completed.
Taxpayers are asked to bring pertinent records and copies of correspondence with them.
For offer-in-compromise workshop reservations, call 829-1040.
Senate District 10, Senate Co-Majority Leader Les Ihara Jr. faces Libertarian Darrel Gardner. The general election guide, published yesterday, incorrectly listed Ihara as unopposed. CORRECTION
See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
See our [Search] [Info] section for subscription information.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffBicyclist, 54, dies on Haleakala tour
WAILUKU -- A 54-year-old Syracuse, N.Y., woman died early this week while on a bicycle tour down Haleakala.Mary Elizabeth Messer lost consciousness after she fell from her bicycle off Crater Road Monday morning, according to police who received a call at 10:08 a.m.
Maui police said she was taken to Maui Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead a few hours hours later.
Haleakala National Park officials are conducting an inquiry to determine the cause of death.
Kauai junked-car fire suspicious
LIHUE -- Kauai fire investigators say a fire that burned 40 junked cars disposed of by police may have been started intentionally.Mike Kano, who heads the Kauai fire investigation unit, said workers at the Kapaa refuse transfer station saw a man walking around the area and then driving away shortly before the blaze started about 8 a.m. Wednesday.
The burned cars were among those recently removed from the Kauai police impound yard, Kano said.
Investigators say there was too much damage to determine exactly where the fire started or its cause.
Coast Guard brings in disabled boat
The Coast Guard cutter Assateague is escorting an 80-foot fishing vessel with a hole in its hull back to Honolulu.The Miss Lisa is due to arrive here late tonight, Coast Guard spokeswoman Sarah Foster-Snell said.
The Miss Lisa was 120 miles southeast of Hilo when it notified the Coast Guard at 6:45 a.m. yesterday that it was taking on water. The cutter reached the boat at 1 p.m.
Ice was dumped off the fishing boat to lighten its weight and the pumps were working effectively, Foster-Snell said.
There's no immediate danger to the fishing boat's five crew members.
COURTS
WAILUKU -- Maui Circuit Judge Boyd Mossman has ruled that a man accused of killing two people is mentally fit to stand trial. Accused double murderer
By Gary T. Kubota, Star-Bulletin
Kosi mentally fit, judge rulesDefense attorney Joseph Mottl yesterday argued that Daniel Kosi should undergo further evaluation because of a lack of thorough testing.
But Mossman pointed out that psychiatrist David Stein felt Kosi would be able to assist in his defense and was aware of court proceedings. Kosi's trial is scheduled for Jan. 19.
Kosi, 25, is charged with the gunshot killing of kickboxer Eric Vinge outside his Paukukalo home and the multiple stabbing death of 17-year-old Aisha Tolentino at a south Maui condominium in 1997.
During the hearing yesterday, Deputy Prosecutor Robert Rivera said Kosi's lack of cooperation has led to difficulty in evaluating his condition.
"His refusal is what's causing these continual delays," Rivera said.
The prosecution presented a list of requests by Kosi to make telephone calls to his attorney and a girlfriend.
A psychiatrist and two psychologists testified Kosi refused to allow them to conduct a number of tests to determine his mental fitness. He also refused to allow a scan of his brain.
The prosecution pointed out that although Kosi appeared to be confused and uncooperative during many evaluations, he seemed to cooperate more with a psychologist chosen by his attorney.
Stein said there was a high probability that Kosi was exaggerating his mental condition and that his intelligence quotient was higher than the 68 he scored on a test.
"He does have the capacity to understand the proceedings," Stein said.
See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
See our [Search] [Info] section for subscription information.
