Martin is proud that he has held a steady job for years as a maintenance man in spite of the neurological problems he's had since birth. Hard-working couple
By Pat Gee, Star-Bulletin
needs dressers for kidsHe works long hours but receives no medical insurance or food stamps to help support his wife, Sarah, and four children.
Sarah spends most of her time caring for a daughter who is severely disabled and mentally retarded -- she can't walk, talk or feed herself. She needs corrective surgery, but Martin and Sarah are extremely worried about the serious risks involved and how they will pay for the operation.
Despite their difficulties, they have a warm, nurturing home. They could use a couple of dressers so the children don't have to store their clothes in boxes.
Sarah needs a rice cooker/warmer to keep the rice hot for Martin when he returns late from work, and an assortment of pots and pans to replace their small supply of old cookware.
If you can help, send a check to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin's Good Neighbor Fund, P.O. Box 2019, Aiea 96701. Or you can donate items to the Community Clearing House in Building 914 at the Kapalama Military Reservation on the left of Sand Island Access Road, about a half-mile beyond Kilgo's. Call 845-1669 for information.
Nuclear carrier to stop here while on way home
More than 4,700 sailors aboard the nuclear carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will spend the weekend in Hawaii en route home to Everett, Wash., following a six-month deployment.The Lincoln will arrive at Pearl Harbor at 10 a.m. tomorrow and leave on Tuesday.
Governor wishes us happy Thanksgiving
Gov. Ben Cayetano has issued a Thanksgiving message and "greetings of warmest aloha" to the people of Hawaii as they enter the holiday season."Thanksgiving is that special time each year when we gather in our homes and places of worship, sharing a festive meal and offering prayers of gratitude for the many spiritual and material gifts we have received," he said.
Cayetano wished all of Hawaii's people a happy Thanksgiving.
"May you enjoy the warmth and sharing that the holiday brings, with continued blessings in the year that lies ahead."
Nonprofit attorney group seeks donations
The nonprofit group that volunteers legal services to low-income families and individuals statewide is seeking donations to remember friends and colleagues this holiday season.For a $100 tax-deductable donation, Hawaii Lawyers Care will deliver an "attorney's survival kit" consisting of a yellow-ruled pad, two pencils and a coffee mug to the contributor or their favorite attorney.
For $50, a personalized greeting card informing the recipient of a Hawaii Lawyers Care donation in their name will be delivered to a designated party. To order, call 528-7050.
The private nonprofit group, founded in 1981, serves low-income clients by providing them with services of pro bono volunteers.
The group also conducts more than 16 legal clinics a month and also refers cases to volunteer attorneys.
Hawaii Lawyers Care also sponsors other community projects.
Whitmore resurfacing to begin in February
Whitmore Avenue near Wahiawa will be resurfaced from Kamehameha Highway to Military Gate.The Hawaiian Bitumuls Paving and Precast Co. will do the work under a $652,460 contract.
It includes resurfacing and reconstructing weakened pavement, shoulders and driveways, and improving surface drainage.
The job is scheduled to begin by February, the state said.
Navy selects new leader for Pearl Harbor base
Rear Adm. John W. Townes III has been selected to be the new commander of the Pearl Harbor Naval Base.He also will serve as commander of Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific. He is currently executive assistant to the chief of naval personnel in the Pentagon.
Federal grants to bring $1 million-plus to isles
More than $1 million in federal grants are headed to Hawaii.U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said the grants are:
Clean Air Act funds of $77,097 to the state Department of Health for surveys, studies and investigations and $620,178 to the same department for air pollution control.
"It is gratifying to see these federal dollars coming into the state," Abercrombie said. "They'll help our economy and sustain jobs in Hawaii."
Groups receive grants for Hawaiian culture
Waikoloa Elementary School and the nonprofit group Na Kalai Wa'a O Hawaii have each received $6,000 grants for the preservation of Hawaiian culture from the Waikoloa Land Co.'s foundation.The school intends to use the donation to buy materials and to fund teachers for a Hawaiian music and arts program designed to increase students' awareness of native history, culture and environment.
Na Kalai Wa'a O Hawaii, which was founded to construct the double-hulled Hawaiian voyaging canoe Makali'i, teaches Big Island teen-agers the art of ancient navigation and other traditions.
The 11-year-old Waikoloa Foundation donates funds raised from a portion of the entry fees from the Waikoloa Kings' Cup.
Military golf courses get funds for upgrades
Construction projects to improve two military golf courses on Oahu have been approved by Congress.The plans include $4.6 million for a club house at the Pearl Harbor golf course and $2.9 million for an irrigation system at Hickam Air Force Base golf course.
The funding comes from revenues generated at base exchanges and military recreation facilities, according to U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie. The projects require approval from committees in the U.S. House and Senate.
Also approved was the $800,000 construction of a car wash at Pearl Harbor.
The projects will be a boost for Hawaii's construction industry, and enhance the quality of life for military families, Abercrombie said in a release.
Feds give $4.2 million to help microenterprises
HILO -- The nonprofit Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council has been granted $4.2 million by the federal government to develop "microenterprises," the U.S. Department of Labor has announced.The money will go especially for agricultural projects, but also for jobs in carpentry, education, transportation, and renewable energy, the announcement said.
The Economic Opportunity Council was one of 75 projects in 44 states to receive $273 million in the present round of funding.
Congress set aside $3 billion for the national welfare-to-work program, now in its second year, the announcement said.
Rights groups celebrate declaration's 50th year
The 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be observed in a ceremony 7 a.m. Dec. 10.The Gay/Lesbian Youth Support and the Coalition for Human Rights Education is sponsoring the ceremony, which begins at the Nagasaki Peace Bell on the Civic Center grounds.
The youth support group also will hold a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at the state Capitol, "to light the way to a new era and dispel the darkness of discrimination."
Salvation Army begins holiday kettle drive
The Salvation Army will launch its annual kettle drive the day after Thanksgiving to raise money for food, clothing and toys for needy families.About 140 red kettles, manned by bell ringers, will be stationed throughout Hawaii until Christmas Eve.
And the Salvation Army's Angel Tree will provide an opportunity to fulfill a Christmas wish of a child or senior citizen in need.
Shopping centers and malls throughout the state will have the trees decorated with angel tags, each with a name, age and gift suggestion. Shoppers can select a tag, buy a gift and return the unwrapped gift and tag to the tree.
The Salvation Army will deliver the gift.
The Chrysler Dealers Association of Hawaii has donated a new Dodge Neon to be given away at random to an gift sponsor.
Nisei soldiers discuss World War II book
Nisei veterans featured in the newest book on the Japanese American World War II experience, "Japanese Eyes... American Heart," will meet at the Japanese Cultural Center on Dec. 7 for a "talk story" session and book-signing opportunity.The session will begin at 7 p.m.
Featured are veterans from the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service and 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion.
Nearly 50 nisei soldiers submitted testimonies, including wartime thoughts recorded in private diaries and letters sent home, for the 400-page book. Books purchased that night will be discounted by $5. Hardcover price of the book is $35; softcover $25.
Get your tax break, donate to Goodwill now
Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is urging islanders to beat the holiday rush and begin donations soon to take advantage of tax deductions for this year.With the last day of the year as tax-deduction deadline, donation pickups already are running into the middle of December, said Laura Robertson, Goodwill's president. Call Donations Hotline, 834-1017, to schedule pickups. Donations also may be dropped off at any of Goodwill's retail stores during business hours.
Clothing, small appliances and computers that work, furniture, housewares, kitchen items, books, shoes, sporting goods, music CDs and tapes are needed the most. Goodwill no longer repairs donated items and does not accept major appliances, furniture requiring reupholstery or repairs, chemicals or dirty or damaged things.
Water department plans to fix aging equipment
More than $530,000 worth of construction contracts will upgrade Board of Water Supply facilities and renovate aging equipment."These projects will result in better service to our customers," said Clifford Jamile, manager and chief engineer.
Projects are:
Ceremony recognizes UH ROTC cadets, alumni
The University of Hawaii ROTC detachment will be recognizing its outstanding cadets and distinguished alumni at a Dec. 8 ceremony at the Rainbow Baseball Stadium in Manoa.The ceremony will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a formal parade featuring the Marine Corps band and numerous Oahu high school junior ROTC units. Speakers will include retired Lt. Gen. Allen Ono; Dean Smith, UH senior vice president and executive vice chancellor; and Ted Tsukiyama, UH Varsity Victory Volunteers.
An open house and demonstrations will follow the ceremony.
See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
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Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffMan allegedly assaulted his girlfriend for $15
Police yesterday charged a 37-year-old man for allegedly beating his girlfriend over $15 he wanted for "beer money."Mark Alan McBirnie was charged with second-degree robbery and kidnapping and is being held on $30,000 bail, police said.
McBirnie reportedly wanted beer money and grabbed his 43-year-old girlfriend's wallet from the table at their Lusitana Street home at 9:30 p.m., police said. When she attempted to grab it back, he allegedly punched her twice, pushed her against the wall and took $15, police said.
Electrical problems may have caused truck fire
Police believe a vehicle fire yesterday on North School Street was caused by electrical problems, but are continuing the investigation.A 56-year-old man driving a 1990 Chevrolet truck was stalled on North School Street at 11:05 a.m., police said. Witnesses said they saw smoke coming from the truck.
The man was discovered unconscious inside the burning car. He suffered a stroke and was taken to Kuakini Hospital in critical condition. However, he was not injured from the fire.
Grand jury indicts bank robbery suspect
A Honolulu man was charged yesterday with Friday's armed robbery of City Bank's Dillingham branch.The federal grand jury indictment charges William Gerberding with robbing the bank of $615 cash by using force, violence and intimidation, and also for being armed with a shotgun.
If convicted, Gerberding could be sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined up to $250,000 for bank robbery. He also faces a mandatory five-year sentence and fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge.
Spilled lacquer thinner holds up H-1 traffic
The substance spilled on the H-1 freeway yesterday morning has been identified as a lacquer thinner and a water-based stain.One H-1 Ewa-bound lane was closed for almost two hours while fire crews cleaned up the spill.
More than 50 gallons were spilled at 9:39 a.m., said fire Capt. Lee Muller. The substance was cleaned up with absorbents by 11:20 a.m.
Police roadblocks aim to catch drunken drivers
Honolulu police will set up drinking-driver checkpoints at unannounced times and locations over four consecutive weekends beginning tonight.In addition, checkpoints will be up every night from Dec. 18 through the New Year's weekend to deter drunken driving.
THE COURTS
Man may stand trial for 23-year-old murder
An elderly man accused of murdering his former wife in Hawaii more than 20 years ago will undergo a mental exam this week by an expert for prosecutors, who believe the man may be lying about his condition.William Scheblein is accused of killing Catherine Scheblein in Honolulu in May 1975, then shooting himself in a failed attempt at murder-suicide. He was not prosecuted at the time because he was not expected to survive.
Police found out last year he was alive and living in Florida.
Scheblein, 75, was arrested in Florida and extradited to Hawaii, where he pleaded innocent in June to second-degree murder charges. Scheblein's attorneys say the man has no recollection of his former wife.
Circuit Judge Victoria Marks ordered an examination to determine if Scheblein is capable of standing trial. The city prosecutor's office says an expert will examine Scheblein on Saturday.
A hearing to determine whether he is fit to stand trial is set for January.
The son and daughter of the slain woman believe Scheblein is faking his mental condition to avoid trial. Joseph Burgess and Patti Peter say they have seen Scheblein shopping, attending church and helping his current wife get out of a car.
"We believe it's a charade," Burgess said. "We believe (he) is capable of standing trial."
Welfare fraud nets man six months in jail, fine
Ross M. Halsted of Honolulu was recently convicted of welfare fraud, sentenced to six months in jail, five years of probation and ordered to pay nearly $39,000 to the state.Undercover narcotic agents caught Halsted after he ran ads in Honolulu Weekly for a Medical Marijuana Buyer's Club and they bought marijuana from him. They discovered his fake identities and money-making schemes that Halsted failed to disclose to welfare and tax authorities.
Using the name Ross Mato among others, Halsted lied to receive numerous welfare and food stamp benefits from 1989 to 1997.
The attorney general's office said Halsted claimed to be a nonresident of Hawaii using a New York driver's license he got with a fake passport. He used social security cards he got with fake IDs and birth certificates, and lied on employment eligibility forms.
As a result of his conviction, Halsted will be ineligible for food stamps for 10 years.
See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
See our [Search] [Info] section for subscription information.
