Waipahu resident gives sneaky snake a fatal wallop
A Waipahu resident killed a 2 1/2-foot-long snake Tuesday, according to the Department of Agriculture.The man crushed the brown gopher snake, which was in his front yard, with a skateboard before calling police, department officials said yesterday.
Gopher snakes are found primarily in North America and can grow up to 7 feet long. They feed on small rodents, lizards and birds.
The dead snake is being held at the department's Plant Quarantine Branch, and officials are investigating how it got into the state.
Anyone with information about the snake is asked to call the Department of Agriculture at 586-0844.
Snake possession in Hawaii is subject to penalties, including fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in prison. To report an illegal animal, call the department's hot line at 586-7378.
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>> Petty Officer David Allen DeArmond is suspected of killing his wife and mother-in-law on Monday. His last name was incorrectly spelled in a Page A2 article Wednesday. Also, victim Saniah Binte Abdul Ghani was 66 years old. Her age was incorrect in articles Wednesday and yesterday. Corrections and clarifications
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.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
NEIGHBOR ISLAND
Man directing traffic dies after being hit by truck
WAILUKU >> A 54-year-old Wailuku man died early this morning after he was hit by a truck as he was directing traffic through a road construction project in south Maui.Maui police officer Lawrence Becraft said a truck struck the victim on Honoapiilani Highway just north of North Kihei Road at about 2:46 a.m. He was wearing high visibility clothing, including white gloves, and also holding a flashlight. Bruce B. Mauvais, 56, of Lahaina was arrested and charged with negligent homicide. His bail was set at $5,000.
The fatality is the fourth in Maui County this year, compared with nine for the same period last year. The victim's name was withheld pending notification of next of kin.
EAST OAHU
Hawaii Kai man dies off Portlock in high surf
A 19-year-old Hawaii Kai man died yesterday after getting caught in high surf at a spot off Portlock known as China Walls. He was identified as Michael Okada of Hawaii Kai.The Honolulu Fire Department was alerted of a missing swimmer at 12:19 p.m. A companion said he lost sight of the victim after they jumped off a rock ledge into the ocean.
City lifeguards recovered the man's body with the help of HFD's Air One helicopter just before 1 p.m. in four feet of water at a surf spot in Maunalua Bay known as Pillars. While searching for the man, lifeguards rescued a 20-year-old Big Island woman who was swept into the ocean while picking opihi.
LEEWARD OAHU
Man caught in connection with gas station robberies
Police arrested a 21-year-old man Wednesday in connection with four gas station robberies in the past two months. Police arrested him at a home on Laulaunui Street in West Loch Estates. Police believe he was involved in the April 30 robbery of Bionic Chevron at 94-485 Farrington Hwy. in Waipahu, the May 22 robbery of Miya Chevron at 866 Kamehameha Hwy. in Pearl City, and the May 22 and May 29 robberies of Kapolei Shell at 577 Farrington Hwy.Nanakuli head-on crash critically injures 3 people Three people were injured critically this morning in a head-on traffic collision in Nanakuli.
Police said a car driven by a 23-year-old man was headed toward Waianae on Farrington Highway when it crossed the center line and slammed head-on into an oncoming car driven by a 29-year-old man.
The collision occurred just after 1:30 a.m. near the Helelua Street intersection. Both drivers and a 32-year-old Waianae woman in the first car were taken by medevac helicopter to Queen's Medical Center where their conditions have improved to guarded.
All are residents of the Leeward Coast, police said, and all were not wearing seat belts.
HONOLULU
Blowtorch accident destroys part of library
Part of the library at Fern Elementary School in Kalihi was destroyed yesterday after someone doing renovations improperly used a blowtorch, said Capt. David Kawasaki of the Kalihi-Uka Fire Station.Firefighters were called to the school at 1121 Middle St. at 3:43 p.m. and extinguished the fire by 4 p.m. The fire destroyed cabinets, walls and countertops, Kawasaki said. Damage was estimated at $15,000.
