|
Newswatch
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
|
More schools meet or top SAT average
A total of 169 Hawaii public schools -- 60 percent of schools in the state -- met or exceeded the national average on both the reading and mathematics portions of the 2005 Stanford Achievement Test, up from 162 last year.
The SAT, administered each spring, is a nationwide test that provides an indication of how Hawaii students compare with others across the country. The 169 schools were spread throughout the state, with 33 in the Honolulu district, 31 in Central Oahu, 23 in Leeward Oahu, 21 in Windward Oahu, 22 on the Big Island, 16 on Maui, 10 on Kauai and 13 charter schools.
To meet or exceed the national norm, 77 percent of students at a school must score average or above.
» On the Net: The list of schools is at doe.k12.hi.us.
State unveils plan to deal with flu pandemic
A draft of Hawaii's Pandemic Flu Preparedness & Response Plan has been released by the state Department of Health for public comment.
It can be seen on the department's Web site at www.hawaii.gov/health until 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9.
State Health Director Chiyome Fukino said: "One of today's most important public health challenges is the threat of a global flu outbreak, or an influenza pandemic. This plan will help to enhance Hawaii's public health preparedness, but there is still much left to do."
Hawaii residents can help by reviewing the plan and offering feedback, she said.
The plan is one step in Hawaii's response to a possible flu pandemic. Gov. Linda Lingle said last week that she will ask the Legislature for $15 million to help prepare for a possible pandemic.
30-year HFD veteran is named deputy chief
The Honolulu Fire Department's chief-designate has announced his selection for a deputy chief.
Fire Chief-Designate Kenneth Silva said this week that he has chosen Assistant Chief Alvin Tomita to be promoted to deputy fire chief on Jan. 16. Tomita is a 30-year veteran with the department.
TAKING NOTICE
» Hawaii Theatre Center has received a $2,000 grant from the Atherton Family Foundation for purchases of a computer and software. The James & Abigail Campbell Foundation has given the theater center $5,000 for an encore presentation of "Showtime at the Hawaii Theatre," a 2004 production to introduce Leeward middle school students to theater.
» American Savings Bank has donated $25,000 to the Read Aloud America Program at Waianae Elementary School.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staff
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Family reports Kauai visitor missing
LIHUE » Kauai Police Department detectives are looking for a 24-year-old Portland, Ore., man who did not return from his vacation.
Daniel Marks was supposed to return to Portland on Nov. 16, after a week-long trip to Kauai. His sister reported him missing this week when he did not return, Kauai officials said yesterday.
Marks is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 130 to 140 pounds and has brown eyes, brown hair and a beard. He has small, barely visible tattoos above both his temples.
Marks apparently spent most of his vacation camping, police said. They said they believe he spent a night at the Kauai International Hostel in Kapaa.
Anyone who has seen Marks should call Kauai police dispatch at 241-1711, KPD detectives at 241-1696 or CrimeStoppers, 241-1887.
Lantern blamed in fire at house in Pahoa
Fuel from a gas lantern sparked a fire yesterday that heavily damaged a house in Pahoa on the Big Island.
The fire, at the intersection of South Puni Mauka and Honu streets, was reported at 6:19 a.m. It was quickly brought under control and extinguished by 6:46 a.m., fire officials said.
No one was hurt. Damage was estimated at $150,000.
LEEWARD OAHU
Armed robbery suspect arrested in stolen car
Police arrested a 20-year- old man for investigation of multiple charges including allegedly forcing another man to accompany him as he tried to rob someone else.
Police said that on Friday the suspect forced a 21-year-old man to go with him as he drove around the Mililani-Waipahu area looking for someone to rob.
The two ended up at a Waipahu home where the suspect used a firearm to try robbing a 31-year-old man, police said.
However, when a neighbor interrupted, the 21-year-old escaped and the suspect fled in his vehicle, police said. Officers found the suspect Tuesday in Waipio Acres while he was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle, police said.
After a short foot-chase along Waimakua Drive, officers arrested the suspect for investigation of first-degree robbery, kidnapping, auto theft, drug and firearm offenses.