Families sought to take in special-needs youngsters
Adoption Connections is looking for families interested in opening their homes to special-needs children.Those who can provide stable, nurturing homes for these children or want more information may attend a meeting at 6 p.m. March 13 at Casey Family Programs, 1848 Nuuanu Ave.
For information, call 441-0999; neighbor islands, call collect.
Community leaders get mental health awards
The Mental Health Association in Hawaii has presented 2001 Mental Health Awards to the following organizations and persons for significant contributions to mental health education and improved mental services in Hawaii:Ellen Awai, community service; state Rep. Dennis Arakaki, legislator of the year; Dr. George Rhoades, media; and Joanne Yamada, community building.
Certificates were presented to Mental Health Association President Ben Carroll and Vice President Anela Patterson.
Bud Bowles, association board member and United Self-Help executive director, presented a program, "Famous People Who Enrich Our Lives," in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln suffered from depression yet overcame numerous personal and professional "failures" to lead the country through some of its darkest days in history, Bowles said.
He cited Lincoln as an example of what is possible for each person.
The association is planning a communitywide celebration during Mental Health Month in May with the help of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, its founding organization.
Credit union offers college scholarships
The Hawaii State Federal Credit Union is offering $30,000 in post-high-school scholarships for the 2002-2003 academic year.The scholarships are open to members and their dependents who are either enrolled or planning to enroll as a part-time or full-time student in post-secondary educational programs, including college, community college, university and trade school.
Applications are available online at www.hsfcu.com by clicking the "Feature of the Month" link. They are also available at all HSFCU branches: the main branch at 560 Halekauwila St.; Alakea branch at 1100 Alakea Plaza; Kapolei branch at the Kakuhihewa State Office Building at 601 Kamokila Blvd., Suite 206; Pearlridge branch at Westridge Shopping Center; and Windward branch at 46-028 Kawa St.
Applications must be received by the Marketing Department at 560 Halekauwila St., Honolulu 96813, no later than 5 p.m. April 1.
Since 1996 the HSFCU, the state's largest credit union, has awarded $90,000 to 52 recipients. For more information, call Joey Ancog at 808-587-2735, ext. 886.
>> The U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration has awarded a $2.5 million federal grant to the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Center on Disability Studies. The money will be used to establish a national technical assistance center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities. Taking Notice
>> The Hawaiian Railway Society was recently presented with a check for over $21,000 from Pearlridge Center. The money was donated in conjunction with the center's Pearlridge Express holiday train. From Nov. 17 to Jan. 1, a portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold went to the Hawaiian Railway Society. The money will help to fund operating expenses for the organization dedicated to preserving railroading history in Hawaii.
>> Masako Nashimoto-Luttrell has been named to the advisory board at Sisters Offering Support. She will help direct the efforts of SOS to combat commercial sexual exploitation of women and children in Hawaii.
Do you have items about Hawaii residents earning academic or professional honors, winning scholarships, awards or elections to professional or civic groups? Please send them in writing for Taking Notice to City Desk, Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Managing Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com. Corrections and clarifications
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffCENTRAL OAHU Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Man, 94, arrested for allegedly fondling 2 girls
Two girls were assaulted by a 94-year-old man while they were playing in their Wahiawa neighborhood, police said.Two girls, ages 5 and 10, were playing on Nakeke Place between 4 and 5 p.m. Thursday when they were approached by the suspect and who allegedly fondled them.
Police were notified after the victims' told their parents of the incident.
The suspect was arrested for sexual assault in the third degree and has since been released pending further investigation.
EAST OAHU
Diver finds human leg in waters off Hanauma Bay
A diver found a human leg off Hanauma Bay yesterday afternoon, police said.The diver called police and fire officials at about 11:45 a.m. after he spotted the body part about 30 feet below the ocean surface.
Water safety officials retrieved the leg from the water near the Lanai Lookout and took it to the medical examiner's office.
HONOLULU
Man sought in robbery of parking lot attendant
Police are looking for a man who robbed a parking lot attendant in Honolulu yesterday morning.Around 3:30 a.m., the suspect crept behind the victim on 1680 Kapiolani Blvd. and demanded money from his cash register, police said. The victim turned around and saw the suspect wearing a baseball hat with a handgun in his waistband.
Police said the suspect fled the parking lot on foot after the victim placed an undisclosed amount of cash in a bag.
The suspect is described as a man in his late 30s to early 40s, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 200 pounds. He is further described as having a husky build and a tan complexion.
