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Newswatch
Star-Bulletin staff and wire service
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Governors' home will be repaired
Washington Place is getting a $358,000 makeover.
The museum at the historic home of Hawaii's governors will be closed from Wednesday to Oct. 17 for safety, accessibility and landscaping improvements. The home is a National Historic Landmark.
The 1920s brick walkway that leads from the Beretania Street gate to the main entry will be replaced with a gray aggregate finish set in concrete to resemble the original walkway.
New handrails for those needing assistance will be installed, as well as new roofing material to prevent leaks and improve drainage. The existing wrought-iron gates also will be repaired.
The state is partnering with the Washington Place Foundation to reduce costs.
The foundation will help by salvaging the lawn and replanting the grass during the installation of a new irrigation system, and installing conduits for future lighting on the grounds.
The foundation and the Garden Club of Honolulu also will bring plantings from Queen Liliuokalani's era back to the planter areas.
STAR-BULLETIN / 2007
Washington Place, the historic home of Hawaii's governors, will be closed starting Wednesday for safety, accessibility and landscaping improvements.
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Mayor plans 9/11 commemoration
The public is invited to join Mayor Mufi Hannemann in a "Remembrance Walk" on Sept. 7 in observance of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
The commemoration will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the entrance to the Honolulu Police Department headquarters, 801 S. Beretania St. A procession of pipe and drum players will lead the group to the Fire Department headquarters on South Street and then on to Honolulu Hale, where a formal program will take place at the eternal flame on the front lawn. The Royal Hawaiian Band will perform, and emergency vehicles will be on display.
Free parking will be available in the Civic Center parking structure. Participants are encouraged to bring flashlights.
Taro task force needs farmers
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is seeking taro farmers willing to serve on a task force that aims to protect the plant, which is being decimated by diseases and insects.
The task force will include two farmers from each of the five major islands as well as representatives of state agencies and agricultural organizations.
The Taro Security and Purity Task Force was created by the state Legislature this year to find solutions to the problems facing the staple crop while avoiding the controversial issue of genetic modification. State lawmakers have considering a proposed moratorium on genetic modification of taro, a measure that has pitted native Hawaiians who consider taro sacred against scientists trying to engineer crops resistant to diseases that have decimated production in other Pacific areas.
Sept. 15 is the application deadline. People with three or more years of taro-growing experience may apply. For information call Sterling Wong of the OHA Native Rights, Land and Culture division, 594-0248.
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Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff
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WINDWARD OAHU
Bus driver arrested in DUI case
Police arrested a 61-year-old city bus driver for suspicion of drunken driving Thursday night in Waimanalo after a passenger reported that he was driving erratically.
He was also arrested for driving with an open container of hard liquor, according to police.
Police said the bus had about seven passengers when it was stopped in Waimanalo at 7:50 p.m.
A passenger, who had gotten off the bus, called police and reported the alleged erratic driving. Police said they also received an anonymous call about erratic driving.
CENTRAL OAHU
2 injured in crash in Waipio Gentry
A motorcyclist and pedestrian were critically injured yesterday evening in a traffic accident in Waipio Gentry near Costco.
A vehicle struck the motorcycle, which in turn struck a pedestrian, shortly before 6:21 p.m., according to police dispatch.
The accident occurred on Ukee Street near Moaniani Street in Waipio Gentry.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Big Isle police ID diver's body
Big Island police identified a 59-year-old diver whose body was found Thursday morning floating in waters off Puako as Kenneth K. Yamase of Hilo.
Police said a resident reportedly heard a call for help and, with the help of other divers, found Yamase floating.
They brought him to shore and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Police found no evidence of foul play and have requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The South Kohala Patrol Division is continuing the investigation.
WEST OAHU
Man is accused of choking woman
Police arrested a 26-year-old Kapolei man yesterday who allegedly choked a 27-year-old female household member.
Police said the man and woman argued at 11:45 a.m. yesterday. The man grabbed the woman by the throat, choking her, and struck her on the head with a TV remote control, police said.
The man was arrested for investigation of felony abuse of a family or household member.
LEEWARD OAHU
Husband allegedly strikes his wife
Police have arrested a 42-year-old man for allegedly hitting and threatening his wife.
On Aug. 17 a 43-year-old woman said her husband allegedly assaulted her at a Waianae home, causing minor injury.
Police said the suspect allegedly threatened his wife while brandishing a bicycle handlebar.
The suspect fled before police arrive, and was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of abuse and terroristic threatening.
WAIKIKI
Suspect accused of stealing purse
Witnesses chased and captured a theft suspect in Waikiki Thursday.
Police said a 46-year-old woman was walking along a sidewalk when a 31-year-old man riding a bicycle came from behind and allegedly stole her purse out of her hand at about 2:30 p.m.
Witnesses chased the man, caught him on Olohana Street and retrieved the woman's purse, police said.
Police arrived and arrested the Village Park man on suspicion of second-degree theft.
HONOLULU
HPD to set up sobriety stops
Honolulu police will be conducting sobriety checkpoints Labor Day weekend through October to include Oktoberfest and Halloween.
The checkpoints will also be conducted in November on Election Day and Veterans Day.
The checkpoints will be set up at unannounced times and locations through Nov. 12.
Police report that as of Wednesday, 29 people were killed in 28 traffic accidents on Oahu in 2008.
Alcohol and speed contributed to at least five of those collisions.
During the same period last year, 43 people were killed in 38 crashes.