Court orders Scheblein to undergo examination
William Scheblein, accused of killing his ex-wife in Waikiki almost 24 years ago, was ordered today to be re-examined by a psychiatrist and psychologist to determine if he can ever stand trial.Scheblein, 76, is at Straub Hospital in Honolulu suffering from sepsis, a blood poisoning condition, said Jim Fulton, spokesman for the city prosecutor's office.
Scheblein's body appears to be shutting down, said his attorney.
The court will review the psychiatrist's and psychologist's reports by March 25.
Scheblein was scheduled to stand trial Aug. 3 for the murder of Catherine Scheblein, found dead in a hotel on May 23, 1975.
Police believe Scheblein shot her and then shot himself in what would have been a murder-suicide. He later moved to Florida and went on with his life.
The victim's son said he wants Scheblein to go to prison for the rest of his life.
Fed jury convicts pair in drug trafficking
A federal jury has convicted Edward Sua, 23, and Raymond Pulu, 25, of three drug-trafficking counts.The jury acquitted Dilon Cagulada on the same counts.
Information produced at the eight-day trial and court documents indicated that Sua and Pulu belonged to a group of Hawaii residents receiving more than five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and three kilograms of cocaine intercepted by law-enforcement officials.
Jose Sanchez, Bobby Steve Chalk and Kaisa Tai previously entered guilty pleas to roles in the drug-trafficking activity.
Sentencing for Sua and Pulu is set for June 30. They face penalties that range from a 10-year minimum up to life imprisonment.
Pali lanes close for work on utility pipeline
A Kailua-bound lane of the Pali Highway near Wyllie Street was scheduled to be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Friday for utility pipeline maintenance, according to The Gas Company.Two townbound lanes will be closed near Ahipuu Street Friday through Tuesday. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.
Helco withdraws bid to hike rates by 11.5%
HILO -- Hawaii Electric Light Co. has withdrawn an 11.5 percent rate increase request it made a year ago to the state Public Utilities Commission, the company announced."One of the major reasons for the rate request was to recover costs of adding new generation at Helco's Keahole (Kona) power plant," the company said.
"The project has been delayed as the company awaits the permits needed to proceed with construction," it said.
In December, prodded by community opposition to the Kona expansion, the Environmental Protection Agency ordered further studies of the effects of the proposed plant on air quality.
In the meantime, Helco has signed an agreement to buy 60 megawatts from Encogen Hawaii L.P., and has been ordered by the commission to negotiate the purchase of 10 more megawatts from the Hilo Coast Power Co.
Helco said it would refile the rate request later.
"It shows good sense. If they don't need it, they shouldn't get it," said Ginnie Aste, former head of the Puna Community Council.
Aste was among the majority testifying last year against the rate hike, saying many people on the economically depressed Big Island are already months behind in paying their electric bills.
CORRECTIONS
Eight Hawaii judges have resigned in the past three years because of low pay. However, a total of 16 judges left the bench during that time. A story in some editions of yesterday's Star-Bulletin gave an incorrect figure.
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Police, Fire
By Star-Bulletin staffPOLICE FIRE
Man found hanging upside down in Waialua
The partially clothed body of a 59-year-old Asian man was found hanging upside down yesterday at the concrete products yard near the old Waialua Sugar Co. mill.Police have classified the case as an "unattended death" pending autopsy results.
The body was found by a sugar company employee at about 9:30 a.m., homicide Detective Allan Castro said.
The man had on a shirt but no pants, and a rope was tied around his waist, Castro added.
"There's no type of major injuries to the head, but some injuries around the leg," the detective said.
Police recovered some clothing, including pants, near the scene.
Man in wife beating faces serious charge
Police yesterday arrested a man in connection with the beating of his wife.The couple were arguing on Feb. 9, when the man, 34, allegedly struck the woman causing injuries to her head and neck, police said. The woman, 39, was left alone and injured at their Kaneohe home until her children found her two days later.
Because of the time she was left unattended, the injuries became life threatening, police said. The man was booked for second-degree attempted murder.
In other news...
A barn at the park was reported to be on fire at 4:51 a.m.
The man reportedly stole three wallets, two sunglasses and two women's watches from a store at 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave. at 8 p.m., police said.
The chapter yesterday said it continues to receive inquires from businesses who are being solicited for an event called the "Fireball Classic," which never took place.
Police seized $4,854 in cash and released the arrestees pending further investigation.
Watarai will command the Central Patrol Bureau. He previously was the Kalihi District commander.
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