Construction starts on UH medical school
Construction broke ground this morning for a new University of Hawaii medical school envisioned as an "economic engine" to power a biotechnology industry.Gov. Ben Cayetano, who was among officials participating in the groundbreaking ceremony, said he anticipates the John A. Burns Medical School will create more than 1,000 construction and bioscience jobs, bring millions of dollars in research grants to the university and anchor "development of a revitalized Kakaako waterfront."
Launching the 9.1-acre development will be construction of an education and administration building and the first of two research buildings. They are scheduled for use in fall 2005.
The site is bounded by Ilalo Street, Kakaako Gateway Park, Kakaako Waterfront Park and Fort Armstrong.
Kamehameha Schools is tentatively planning to develop about 10 acres of its property on the makai side of Ala Moana for related high-technology, biotechnology and bioscience uses.
Beach marquee lists 'E.T.,' 'Scorpion King'
Movies being shown this weekend at the city's Sunset on the Beach event in Waikiki will start earlier because of earlier sunsets.Saturday's movie is "ET: The Extra Terrestrial," and Sunday's film is "The Scorpion King," starring the Rock and Kelly Hu. Both movies will be shown at 6:35 p.m. The event at Queen's Surf Beach starts at 4 p.m. Radio station FM105 KINE is hosting musicians Nightlife on Saturday and SUGahDADDY on Sunday.
Council panel advances boulder removal bill
The Honolulu City Council's Parks and Public Safety Committee passed a bill yesterday that makes landowners responsible for any loose rocks and boulders on their property that are deemed hazardous.The bill would "put the duty on the landowner to inspect the property," said Committee Chairman Jon Yoshimura.
If the owner fails to remove the boulder after being notified of the hazard, the city could go onto the property, remove the boulder and charge the owner for the cost of the work.
Yoshimura introduced the bill after a 5-ton boulder crashed into a Nuuanu home two months ago and killed Dara Rei Onishi. In testimony before the committee yesterday, Nuuanu resident Eilene Kurano, a close friend of the Onishis, said, "Something can be done before something happens again."
The bill now goes to a public hearing before the full Council on Nov. 13.
Same-sex union issue stirs up House race
HILO >> State Rep. Eric Hamakawa (D, Hilo) "betrayed" voters by supporting same-sex marriage two years ago, Republican challenger Andy Smith said yesterday.Smith challenged Hamakawa to a half-hour radio debate on the issue Saturday.
Hamakawa answered that he introduced a bill, which got little support, to permit "civil unions" between same-sex couples.
Smith says civil unions and marriage are the same thing. Hamakawa denies it, adding: "The issue is discrimination against a certain group of people. The way I was brought up, that's just wrong."
Hamakawa said he has a prior commitment on Saturday but might be able to debate Smith another time.
Maui hires contractor to plan new highway
WAILUKU >> The Maui County Department of Planning has entered into a $100,000 contract with an engineering firm to prepare a master plan for relocating Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui.Under the contract with R.M. Towill Corp., the new route would be located mauka of the current highway enough to avoid the erosion that occurs in such places as Launiupoko.
Mayor James Apana said he wants the existing right of way and adjacent buffer to eventually serve as a linear park extending along the coastline.
Apana said while the highway belongs to the state, his administration feels it could speed up the process of relocation by doing the master plan.
The contract calls for the master plan to be consistent with the county's West Maui Community Plan, a land use guideline adopted by the County Council.
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[Taking Notice]
GRANTS
>> Deborah Lesher, Pat Sweeney-Ching and Susan Valle, American Airline employees from Hawaii, were part of a team that recently took 3,000 pounds of supplies to 400 orphaned children in El Salvador.The supplies included toys, clothing, shoes, school supplies, hygiene kits, bedding and other necessities, as well as more than $2,000 in cash. A nurse and a dentist also joined the group to visit and spruce up four Central American orphanages.
The Hawaii volunteers were accompanied by their children, Katelyn Ching, Joshua and Jason Valle.
PROMOTIONS
>> St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii has announced the following changes in staff:Renee Shimabukuro is the hospital's new corporate compliance officer, responsible for addressing health-care fraud, abuse and administrative errors. Previously, she was privacy officer, and director of health information management and medical staff services at Castle Medical Center.
Colleen Kojima was promoted to senior vice president of program development, overseeing clinical program development, physician projects and physician relations. She was executive director of business development and materials management.
Catherine Tanaka, former assistant administrator, was promoted to senior vice president of nursing services and oversees all clinical areas, as well as the Liliha and West campuses.
Michael Warren, former assistant administrator, was promoted to senior vice president of community health services, overseeing St. Francis Hospice, home care services, health services for senior citizens and the mobile care programs.
Ronald Lee was promoted to senior vice president of human resources. He was the vice president of human resources and property development.
Jay Plisco was promoted to vice president of logistics and support services. He will oversee property development, facility and environmental services, safety and security, and biomedical engineering. He was the director of materials management.
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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 staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
LEEWARD OAHU
Eyewitness alerts cops to burglary in Maili
Honolulu police said an eyewitness foiled a burglary in Maili earlier this week.Police said that on Tuesday a man broke into an Apana Road home, stole a TV and a VCR, then carried out both to a second suspect in a vehicle.
While the first suspect was walking to the vehicle, an adult male saw him and called out to him, according to police. The suspects took off and police were alerted. The suspects later were found and identified by the witness, police said.
EAST OAHU
Japanese visitor victim of apparent drowning
A 72-year-old Japanese tourist died yesterday at Hanauma Bay. Friends told police that they last saw the victim snorkeling sometime prior to 12:05 p.m. His body was found later and pulled from the water by lifeguards. He was pronounced dead at Straub Hospital.
HONOLULU
Trio terrorizes women in Kapiolani residence
Honolulu police are looking for three men who allegedly broke into a Kapiolani Boulevard residence and terrorized a group of women.Police said the suspects entered the residence at 11:55 a.m. One of the suspects brandished a handgun and pistol-whipped one of the females, police said. Two of the suspects then took the handbags of two of the women before all three men fled, police said.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Hotel employees catch alleged faux bomber
Big Island police charged a man with terrorist threatening after he allegedly threatened employees and guests at a hotel restaurant with a bomb.Police said that on Tuesday, 36-year-old Chet H. Woolley, of Puako, entered a restaurant at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and said he had a bomb. He then left a small duffel bag in the lobby and ran to the main road.
U.S. Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit members later determined that there was no explosive device inside.
Woolley was caught by hotel security and employees.
