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Kalihi church need not disclose its finances

A state judge has denied a request that would have required a Kalihi church to give an accounting of its finances to a disgruntled member who has accused church leaders of mismanagement.

Circuit Judge Colleen Hirai said on Friday that Steve Crouch lacked legal standing to seek a court order requiring Apostolic Faith Church to provide a financial accounting.

He also lacked standing to seek ouster of the church's board of trustees, Hirai ruled.

Because the church is a charitable trust, the state, which oversees such trusts, has the authority to seek court action if it suspects there is a problem.

The attorney general's office recently asked the church to address the concerns raised by Crouch, but it has yet to decide whether to take action, Crouch's attorney told the judge.

Church leaders have denied any wrongdoing.

Aloha United Way boss announces retirement

Aloha United Way President and Chief Professional Officer Irving Lauber announced Friday he will retire Dec. 1 after 14 years, ending a 35-year career with the United Way.

The 62-year-old has held the position since August 1990. Lauber has served with four other local United Ways in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Lauber is credited with expanding the AUW's role as fund-raiser to community builder in several efforts.

In 1990, AUW helped implement ASK-2000, an information and referral service, which it helped keep open after state funding was lost.

Lauber led AUW as it responded to local and national disasters, such as Hurricane Iniki and the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Susan Au Doyle will succeed Lauber effective Dec. 1. Doyle serves as AUW vice president and chief operating officer.

Outer island airports awarded federal boost

Neighbor island airports will receive $2.3 million in federal funds for runway improvements, U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye has announced.

"Because we live in an island state, airports play an important role in our lives," Inouye said Friday in announcing the grants for the Molokai, Lihue and Kahului airports. "These three federal grants will help to ensure the continued safe functioning of neighbor island airports."

The Molokai Airport will receive $902,500, the Lihue Airport will get $760,000 and the Kahului Airport will receive $637,500.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

HONOLULU
Man sought in attempted robbery of Palama service station

Police are looking for a male suspect who attempted to rob a Palama gas station yesterday.

Police said the suspect entered the Tesoro Gas Express at 1311 Palama St. at 1:50 a.m. He brandished a gun and demanded money.

Police said the suspect fled empty-handed on Palama Street when the cashier hit an alarm.

The suspect is described as a man who is about 19 years old, 5-foot-2 with a slim build. He has black straight hair and was wearing dark clothing, a vest and tennis shoes at the time of the attempted robbery.

Cooking fire empties McCully high-rise units

A Honolulu resident was treated for smoke inhalation last night after a cooking fire at a McCully high-rise building.

The incident happened about 8:30 p.m. when cooking oil caught fire in Unit 903 of McCully Villa at 2121 Algaroba St., said fire Capt. Emmit Kane.

As a precaution, firefighters evacuated residents in nearby apartments. The fire did not spread beyond the stove area, Kane said, but heavy smoke billowed out of the windows.

The person treated for smoke inhalation was released.

Police chase down teen burglary suspect

Police arrested a 17-year-old boy yesterday for allegedly breaking into a Makiki apartment.

An 18-year-old woman woke up about 4 a.m. and saw a male searching her apartment on Kinau Street. Police said the suspect jumped from the second-floor balcony and fled.

Police found the suspect near the apartment complex, and he led officers on a foot chase before he was apprehended.

Police discovered items on the suspect from the victim's home. He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree burglary.

WAIKIKI
Intoxication cited in breaking and entering

Police arrested a 39-year-old man who allegedly crashed through the door of a Waikiki apartment.

Police said a neighbor heard a crash from a nearby apartment at 2957 Kalakaua Ave. about 2:30 a.m. yesterday. He saw a smashed door and the suspect searching the kitchen. Police said the suspect threatened the witness and a friend.

Police arrested the man for first-degree burglary.

WINDWARD OAHU
Police seek man who stole car at gunpoint

Police said that they are still looking for a man who allegedly robbed a 19-year-old man's vehicle in Kailua last Monday and then set the vehicle on fire.

Police said the victim was sitting in the vehicle with a friend when the suspect came up with a handgun and ordered the two out of the vehicle.

Police said that the suspect fled in the vehicle, which was later found on fire a few miles away. The suspect was described as in his 40s, 6 feet tall and slim.

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Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers