Newswatch Star-Bulletin staff and wire service

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State cites culvert clog in Pali-closing cascade

The state Department of Transportation knows what caused a waterfall to wash across Pali Highway, shutting down the Kailua-bound lanes earlier this month, but will not be able to fix it right away.

One of the culverts clogged, sending water down the mountain and onto the roadway, said Scott Ishikawa, transportation spokesman. Work crews used sandbags to divert the water to another culvert, which was clear.

He said clearing the clogged culvert will require some special equipment.

The state closed the Kailua-bound lanes of Pali Highway for much of March 3 as the waterfall poured water across the roadway. The waterfall washed rocks onto the roadway the day before.

Drunken-driving trial delayed for 'Lost' star

"Lost" television star Michelle Rodriguez's trial on a drunken-driving charge has been postponed until next month.

Rodriguez's attorney, Steven Barta, said he "needs more time" to prepare his client's case, and filed for a continuance earlier this week. Rodriguez's trial was scheduled for today. However, her new trial date is April 25 at Kaneohe District Court.

Kailua police pulled Rodriguez over on Dec. 1, along with fellow actress Cynthia Watros while both were driving separate cars and allegedly swerving on the road. According to the police report, Rodriguez had a 0.14 percent blood-alcohol level, while Watros had a 0.10 percent blood alcohol level. Hawaii's legal limit is 0.08 percent.

Watros pleaded no contest to the drunken-driving charge during a hearing in January.

Windward career fair scheduled for April 11

More than 50 companies and organizations are participating in a College & Career Fair at Windward Community College on April 11, the school announced in a news release.

The event is sponsored by WCC's Employment Training Center and the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii.

For more information, call 844-2357. Visit www.wcc.hawaii.edu/WCCmap.html to view a campus map.

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» Michael Mizuuchi of Waipahu has been promoted to the rank of Eagle Scout. He belongs to Unit 76, chartered by the Leeward Oahu Lions Club.

» Leinaala H. Nakamura was named the City Employee of the Year, and Earl W.M. Ng, the 2005 Manager of the Year.

Nakamura is a job resource specialist in the Department of Community Services and program manager of the City's Youth Services Center for at-risk youth, one of the top-rated programs in the nation.

Ng is the assistant Wastewater Division chief in the Department of Environmental Services. He demonstrated outstanding leadership and technical skills.

» Award winners of the 2005 Central Pacific Bank C.A.T.C.H. (Citizens Against Troublemakers and Criminals in Hawaii) Fund include Hoa Aina O Makaha, which will use its $2,500 to repair its animal and aquaculture farm, a learning resource to more than 4,000 students and the Makaha community since 1987; Catholic Charities Hawaii, which will put the $2,500 award toward building a rest area at Lanakila Senior Center in Kalihi-Palama; and the Law Enforcement Explorer Program, which will use its $5,000 for disaster preparedness, first aid and CPR training for selected teens who have volunteered more than 4,000 hours in community service.

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Police, Fire, Courts Star-Bulletin staff

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WEST OAHU

Neighbors alert residents to fire

Three people escaped their burning house in Honokai Hale without injury yesterday morning, thanks to an early warning by their neighbors.

Firefighters were sent at 11:31 a.m. to 92-621 Malahuna Loop.

When firefighters arrived five minutes later, they found the upstairs engulfed in flames, but the three occupants of the home were safely outside, said Capt. Kenison Tejada.

Tejada credits the quick action by neighbors who saw smoke, ran to the burning home and warned the family.

The family had been home for just 10 minutes when they were warned, Tejada said.

Three generations lived in the two-story house, Tejada said.

The second story of the home received fire and smoke damage, and the downstairs portion was smoke- and water-damaged.

Fire investigators did not have a cause or damage estimates yesterday.

Red Cross assisted the four adults and three teenagers who live in the home.

Police investigate injury to 5-month-old

Police are investigating a possible assault of a 5-month-old Waipahu infant who suffered a skull fracture.

The baby boy was brought to Tripler Army Medical Center at about 10:30 a.m. yesterday for treatment of a head injury.

A doctor confirmed the infant's skull was fractured.

Police said no adequate explanation has yet been offered by caregivers.

No arrests have been made.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine if the injury was intentional.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Big Isle police identify 2 fires as suspicious

Big Island police are asking for the public's help in finding suspects in two suspicious fires in the Kona District.

The latest fire occurred at about 11:47 p.m. Monday at the Pacific Waste base yard off Alapa Street in the Old Industrial area. Police and firefighters responded to an anonymous report of smoke in the area.

A 1986 White brand roll-off-type truck was found engulfed in flames, police said.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which caused $50,000 in damage, police said.

The first fire occurred 2 a.m. March 16 at Nalani Street. Two Pacific Waste compactor bins were on fire when police and fire personnel arrived.

Police have not found a link between the two fires, but they are suspicious in nature, police said.

Anyone with information on the cause of the fires is asked to call Officer Reynold Kahalewai in Kona at 326-4646, ext. 257.

Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.

HONOLULU

Police seek suspects in alleged robbery

Police are looking for two men who allegedly robbed another man at gunpoint early yesterday.

Police said a 32-year-old man was sitting in his parked vehicle in Honolulu about 4:20 a.m. when two other men approached him, pointed a gun at him and demanded money.

The two men fled on foot, police said. One suspect was described as in his early 20s, while the other suspect was described as in his late 20s.