Police target drivers not using seat belts
Police today began stricter enforcement of seat belt use as part of a national blitz targeting the Memorial Day weekend, which is the traditional start of the summer driving season.There's currently about 79 percent compliance in Hawaii, which adopted its seat belt law in 1986, said Assistant Chief Robert Kane of the Honolulu Police Department.
"We'd like 100 percent but we're shooting for 85 percent, which is the national standard," Kane said.
"When you have head injuries from collisions, 99 percent of the time, you'll find the injured person was not wearing seat belts."
Capt. Michael Hama, acting commander of the Traffic Division, said the emphasis is on passenger and child restraints.
The fine for not having a child properly restrained is $82, while it'll cost adults who are not using seat belts $27.
Police are also working on a plan calling for stricter enforcement against speeding, blocking intersections and tailgating.
"We're looking at things that cause anxiety on the roadway," Hama said.
Sick whale is released after speedy recovery
WAILUKU -- The sick pygmy whale found off Lahaina over the weekend has been released after making a quick recovery, according to the Maui Ocean Center.The whale was released yesterday morning in the same area where it was found, after "doing really well" Saturday evening, said Leimomi Lilinoe, an ocean center employee.
The whale was given shots of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication and placed in a tank at the Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea Saturday night, after being rescued by a group of people that morning, according to the Pacific Whale Foundation.
Landowners discuss plans for their lands
Major landowners will present their long-term visions for their land at an informational meeting on the Koolauloa Development Plan from 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the Kahuku Elementary School cafeteria.For more information, call Lowell Chun at 527-6015 or Matt Higashida at 527-6056.
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Police/Fire
By Star-Bulletin staffTwo robbery suspects caught at the scene
Two suspects were captured as they were leaving the scene of a robbery yesterday at Rainbow Oriental Relaxation Therapy Massage at 1538 Makaloa St.Police Officer Andre Peters, responding to a call about a woman armed with a gun, confronted the two suspects at 2:10 p.m.
Peters was able to detain one of them but the other fled on foot. The second suspect was arrested nearby by Officer Stason Tanaka.
The two women, ages 21 and 19, allegedly robbed five employees of cash, jewelry and a cellular telephone.
They were booked in connection with first-degree robbery, third-degree theft and drug offenses.
Man beaten and robbed in church parking lot
Police are looking for two men who beat and robbed another man yesterday in the parking lot of Sts. Peter & Paul Church on Kaheka Street at 1:40 p.m.The 27-year-old victim was repeatedly punched in the face and robbed of his wallet, containing more than $100 cash, and his cellular telephone.
Van involved in fatal moped accident located
Vehicular homicide investigators yesterday questioned one of two people who were allegedly in a Chevrolet Astro van involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident Friday night in Kapahulu.Police found the van at about 3 p.m. in Makiki at the registered owner's residence after receiving an anonymous tip. A 40-year-old man riding a moped was killed Friday when he was struck by a van, which veered across the center line on Kapahulu Avenue.
Police arrest suspect in Burger King holdup
A 22-year-old man was arrested for questioning yesterday about the April 19 armed robbery of a Burger King restaurant at 1505 Dillingham Blvd.The man and the assistant manager of the fast-food restaurant that was robbed are acquainted, police said.
The employee filed a police report identifying the man following the arrest. The man was later released without charges pending further investigation.
Old plantation house in Ewa damaged by fire
A fire yesterday caused an estimated $48,000 damage to an Ewa plantation house on Renton Road.There were no injuries in the 11:38 a.m. fire, which was reported under control at 12:09 p.m.
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