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Newswatch
Star-Bulletin staff and wire service
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Panel approves community college system
An accrediting commission removed
Windward Community College from warning status and renewed the accreditation of all seven University of Hawaii community colleges.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges took the action at its meeting last month.
"I'm pleased that ACCJC has reaffirmed the accreditation for a full six years of all our community colleges, who play such a transformational role in the lives of our citizens and in our state's economy," UH President David McClain said in a written news release.
Along with the accreditation approval, the ACCJC review teams recommended that the colleges review and evaluate institutional effectiveness of its strategic planning processes, program review and assessment practices, and governance and decision-making structures.
The next regular accreditation review will be in 2012, with interim and mid-term reports to be prepared by each campus on a prescribed timeline.
Jellyfish warning continues
A box jellyfish warning continues today for Oahu beaches. The most commonly affected area is Waikiki Beach. Other near-shore waters that have been affected include Hanauma Bay, Pokai Bay, Makaha Surfing Beach and Waimea Bay. Yesterday the Ocean Safety Division reported only one jellyfish found. Lifeguards assess beaches for box jellyfish during the alert period and post warning signs if warranted.
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Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff
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NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Hit-and-run accident critically injures toddler
Big Island traffic investigators were called out to Puna last night on a report that a hit-and-run crash critically injured a two-year-old baby.
Police were called out to the Orchidland subdivision at about 8 p.m. last night, police said.
Investigators were still on scene at about 9 p.m. last night and further details were not available.
Crash burns vehicle, but occupants escape
Six Big Island residents, including an infant, were taken to Kona Hospital by ambulance after a fiery crash Friday afternoon.
The Big Island fire department said in a news release that two vehicles crashed in the south-bound lane of Queen Kaahumanu Highway near Hina Lani Road at 1:55 p.m. A third vehicle may have also been involved, the news release said.
One vehicle was fully-engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, but all six occupants managed to get out, apparently before the vehicle caught fire.
House fire in Puna takes 4 hours to quell
Big Island firefighters are investigating the cause of a fire at a Nanawale home on the corner of Seaview and Niihau Road in Puna.
Shortly after 3 a.m. yesterday, firefighters found the home fully engulfed in flames and smoke. The people who lived in the home were able to escape and no injuries were reported.
It took three engine companies and one tanker to extinguish the fire by 7 a.m. Damage to the home is estimated to be about $270,000.
Assailant used gate in attack on man
Big Island police are looking for a man who allegedly attacked a Keaukaha resident on Jan. 26.
The victim reported that at about 9:30 p.m., a man forced his way into his residence on Kalanianaole Avenue, ripped a gate off its hinges and hit the victim in the face, knocking him unconscious. A witness saw a red car and a white pickup truck with a pipe rack shortly after the alleged attack.
An unknown man gave assistance but left before police arrived. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (808) 935-3311.
EAST OAHU
Sharks force closure of Makapuu Beach
Makapuu Beach remained closed yesterday after officials spotted two tiger sharks off the shore.
The sharks were apparently attracted to the body of a man who may have committed suicide by jumping off the Makapuu cliffs Friday afternoon.
His remains were found at about 6:20 p.m. near the shoreline.
The sharks prompted the Department of Land and Natural Resources to close the beach Friday afternoon. Officials will decide whether to reopen the beach today.
LEEWARD OAHU
Officer's check reveals stolen car
A routine check of a license plate led to the arrest of two people who were in a stolen car in Ewa Beach, police said.
Police said that at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday an officer in Ewa Beach took notice of a vehicle and checked the license plate and found that it had been stolen.
The officer pulled the driver over and noticed that the car had no key, and a wire was hanging from its steering column, police said.
The driver, a 43-year-old man, was arrested for investigation of auto theft. A 30-year-old woman in the passenger seat was arrested for investigation of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.