Newswatch

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Tuesday, June 1, 1999

Volunteers needed to test diabetic neuropathy drug

Researchers are seeking volunteers who suffer from diabetes to participate in a test of a drug meant to treat diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder that is a common complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, shows up differently in different people. Symptoms include sharp pain, numbness, tingling or a loss of sensation in the feet or hands. Usually the diabetic with neuropathy is unaware of the symptoms, making a higher risk of injury that leads to infection and possible amputation.

Almost 50 percent of amputations that are not emergencies result from diabetes. Doctors feel that regular screening would lead to diagnosis and prevention. Those inquiring about the clinical study may receive a free screening.

Right now, there are no approved treatments available for neuropathy. Only the patient's pain is treated with drugs or alternative therapies such as herbal medicines, massage, reflexology and acupuncture.

Asians, Mexicans, African-Americans, Hispanics and American Indians are two times more likely to have diabetes, leading to higher risk of diabetic neuropathy. The risk increases if the diabetic smokes or is over the age of 40.

Diabetics who qualify will remain in the research study for two years.

Seminar offers insight on infertility

Couples who have been trying unsuccessfully for more than a year to conceive a child are urged to attend an all-day seminar Saturday on "Insights into Infertility: When You're Wishing for a Baby."

Resolve of Hawaii is sponsoring the event, beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m. at Tokai University, 2241 Kapiolani Blvd.

Although one out of six Hawaii couples experience infertility, little is said about it publicly because it's a difficult topic for most people to discuss openly, said Dot Shigemura, conference co-chairperson.

Hawaii and mainland specialists in the field will address such topics as adoption, in vitro fertilization and other advanced reproductive technologies, alternative therapies, egg donation and the impact of stress on fertility.

The individual fee for nonmembers is $50; for nonmember couples, $75. It includes information packages, a continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments. For more information, call Resolve of Hawaii's HelpLine at 528-8559.

Resolve of Hawaii is a nonprofit corporation, one of 57 chapters of the national Resolve organization. It is led by volunteers who have experienced infertility. It meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month in Room 626 at Kapiolani Medical Center.

Massage parlor closes as part of settlement

A McCully massage parlor has shut down after the landowner of the Kapiolani Shopping Plaza began eviction proceedings against it.

Operators of Far East Relaxation closed their doors and disconnected the telephone yesterday as part of a settlement agreement with the shopping center's owners.

Attorneys for the building, on Kapiolani Boulevard and McCully Street, moved to obtain a writ of possession against the business, citing laws prohibiting lessees from conducting illegal activities on its premises.

Four prostitution arrests were made at Far East Relaxation from November 1998 to January 1999.

Food bank benefit set

A "Gala Food Bank Headdress Ball" Aug. 28 at the Big Island's Hilton Waikoloa Village will strike a blow against hunger.

The fund-raising event in the Grand Ballroom will begin at 5:30 p.m.

It is sponsored by the Big Island Food Bank.

A "Carmen Miranda"-inspired theme will lend a Latin touch to the Headdress Ball, which will boast delectable dining, great dancing and a contest for the most outrageous, beautiful and towering examples of headdress.

Corporate donor-sponsors will back contestants.

See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
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Police, Fire



By Star-Bulletin staff

Cause of baby's death remains 'unknown'

The medical examiner's office today said it is unknown what caused the death of a newborn boy who was found in the closet of his 14-year-old mother last month.

The teen-age mother's parents found the infant on May 5. The infant was wrapped in a towel, put inside a plastic bag and placed in a box at their Kaneohe Bay Drive home.

The parents, who did not know their daughter was pregnant, reported that the baby was stillborn. The baby was born about two weeks prior to being found.

A report from the medical examiner's office listed the cause of death as "unknown," and the manner of death as "undetermined."

Homicide detectives said the case will not be closed and the death will be investigated further.

Suspect arrested in death threat

A man threatened to kill his father and another man with a kitchen knife yesterday after being refused money for beer and cigarettes, police said.

Officers disarmed the suspect and arrested him at a Moanalua Road apartment on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder and first-degree robbery.

Cooking waste blamed in Waikiki fire

Fire investigators said cooking waste caused this morning's blaze inside a restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Waikiki. Seven fire crews had the two-alarm fire under control in 13 minutes, fire officials said. The blaze started in the deep-frying area of the Furusato Japanese Restaurant at 3:18 a.m.

Fire damages building in Lahaina

WAILUKU - Maui fire officials were still investigating the cause and extent of damage from a fire in a one-story building in Lahaina town this morning, Assistant Fire Chief Richard Fernandez said.

The fire at 780 Front Street, which occurred at about 5 a.m., caused no injuries, fire officials said.

Businesses occupying the building included Thomas Kincaid Art Gallery, Leola of Hawaii, and Sunspots.

New fire station opens today
near Waikele shopping area

Around lunchtime today, Honolulu's newest fire station was expected to be ready to respond to emergencies in the Waikele, Waipahu and Waipio Gentry areas.

The $2.01 million Waikele fire station, located on Lumiaina Street near the Waikele shopping center, was scheduled to open this morning. An engine company consisting of a captain, engineer and three firefighters were to begin moving into the new station at 8 a.m. and were expected to be ready to fight fires and help with other emergencies by noon.

"It's going to enhance our ability for public safety in the area," said Battalion Chief John Coe.

The Waikele station will respond to emergencies in an area now covered by the Pearl City and Waipahu stations.

Coe estimates the average response time now in the Waipahu area is between four to six minutes. The new station should cut the response time, Coe said.

Another station is scheduled to open later this month in Mililani Mauka.

See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
See our [Search] [Info] section for subscription information.