|
Newswatch
Star-Bulletin staff and wire service
|
Bethany Hamilton film to debut
Bethany Hamilton, the Kauai surfer whose arm was torn off in a shark attack in 2003, has a new documentary coming out this month. "Heart of a Soul Surfer," produced by the nonprofit Christian surfing film company Walking on Water, features footage of Hamilton surfing before and after the attack, including her first surfing attempts with one arm. Hamilton is scheduled to appear at California premieres Friday to Sunday.
Ceremony marking Pearl attack on DVD
Answering popular demand, the Arizona Memorial Museum Association is issuing a DVD of the ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Some survivors said the remembrance would be the last time they got together in large numbers because most would likely be too frail to return for the 70th anniversary in 2011.
About 500 people who lived through the attack gathered from around the country for the most recent Dec. 7 observance.
Survivors -- now in their 80s and 90s -- laid wreaths on the Pearl Harbor's Kilo pier to honor ships sunk by Japanese torpedoes and aerial bombs.
Sailors aboard the USS Russell stood at attention on deck as their ship passed the Arizona to render honors to those killed in the attack.
Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw -- who coined the phrase "the Greatest Generation" -- delivered the keynote speech.
The Arizona Memorial Museum Association is sponsoring the DVD release. The firm Cosmo Media is handling sales. Call (808) 949-2811 or e-mail thomas@cosmo-media.com to order a copy. The DVD can also be ordered on the Cosmo Media Web site.
Opposition greets Stryker Big Isle plans
HILO » The Army received strong and angry opposition to its plans to base a Stryker brigade in Hawaii during its fifth and final public meeting last week.
Big Island residents expressed concern Friday of the brigade's potential impact on cultural sites and pollution.
"They didn't even look for another site because they think the island is a dumping ground for the rest of the nation," said Moanikeala Akaka, of the Aloha Aina Education Center. "We Hawaiians deserve more respect from America."
Comments were taken in writing, through court recorders and video recorders.
The Army held five scoping meetings to comply with a federal appeals court order from October. The ruling said the Army violated environmental law when it decided to base the Stryker brigade in the islands without first considering a variety of alternatives.
At Waiakea Intermediate School on Friday night, many told the Army to station its 4,000-man brigade anywhere but in Hawaii.
The Army wants to station the brigade at Schofield Barracks on Oahu and train at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island.
"We're trying to get as much comment, as much input from folks as we can," Col. Michael Bishop said. "That's why we've held the five meetings."
Hilo resident Bunny Smith said the brigade would be tearing up an environment sacred to Hawaii.
"It's one more way the U.S. will be imposing itself on other people, and the vehicles will be used to do murderous things in Iraq," said Smith, holding a sign that read "Peace Now."
Emotions flared more than once during the meeting, and voices grew to an angry shout at times.
"The only reason they're having these meetings is because they didn't follow the law," said Henry Horton, a Pahoa resident. "Now they come here and tell us we can't speak."
Meetings also were held in Waianae, Honolulu, Haleiwa and Waikoloa.
SHINING STARS
Catholic Charities to celebrate 60 years
» Catholic Charities Hawaii is installing its 2007 board of directors at its annual meeting Friday, when it will also celebrate its 60th anniversary. The social service agency has responded to the needs of children and families since 1947.
Its new officers include:
Rix Maurer III, chairman, chief financial officer of the Queen's Medical Center.
Les Correa, vice chairman, dean of Arts and Sciences at Hawaii Pacific University.
Gregg Robertson, treasurer, president of Robertson & Co.
Mary Fastenau, secretary, president of StarrTech Interactive.
Resurrection of the Lord Parish will be presented with the Partners in Mission Award.
Marianita Lopez, Esq., will be honored with the 2007 'Ulu Award for extraordinary volunteer contributions.
» Michael Ruley, chief executive officer of Hawaii Telcom, is a new trustee at Hawaii Pacific University. Ruley is also on the board of directors for the Blood Bank of Hawaii, Child and Family Service and Hawaii Business Roundtable, among other agencies.
|
Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff
|
HONOLULU
1-vehicle accident leaves couple injured
An elderly couple suffered serious and critical injuries in a one-car accident in St. Louis yesterday after the woman lost consciousness while driving.
At 2:30 p.m. the 82-year-old woman was driving a four-door Honda wagon heading east on Dole Street when she lost consciousness in front of Kanewai Field and drifted off the right side of the road, police said.
The Honda jumped the curb and hit a concrete bench, plowing forward and wedging itself between a light pole and a tree.
The woman suffered serious injuries, while her 100-year-old husband, riding in the passenger seat, suffered critical injuries. Both were taken to the Queen's Medical Center.
Police said the accident occurred under clear skies, and excluded speed and alcohol as factors in the crash.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Fire caused by candle burns Honokaa home
A burning candle was the cause of a fire that spread early yesterday throughout a home in Honokaa on the Big Island.
At about 2:59 a.m., firefighters responded to a blaze on Naupaka Street. Two people evacuated to a neighbor's home at the time of the fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed flames and thick smoke billowing from a bedroom window. The blaze spread throughout the home before firefighters had the fire under control at 3:30 a.m.
The blaze was extinguished at 3:45 a.m.
Damage to the home was estimated at $150,000.