Accused bank robbers' hearing is postponed
An evidentiary hearing for accused bank robbers Sean Matsunaga and Jacob Travis Hayme has been rescheduled for Friday.Magistrate Francis Yamashita yesterday granted the postponement but refused to act on a request from Matsunaga's attorney, Birney Bervar, to keep the U.S. Marshal's Service from moving Matsunaga to a mainland holding facility.
"The marshals will handle it the way they want to," Yamashita told Bervar and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Johnson, both of whom expressed concern about the presence of Matsunaga and Hayme in court next week if they were transferred this weekend.
Matsunaga and Hayme are accused of the June 7 armed robbery of American Savings Bank's Kahala branch at 1215 Hunakai St.
Albert Raymond Batalona and Roger Dailey also are charged in the $100,000-plus robbery.
No reason was given for the postponement request. Bervar and Johnson both declined comment outside of court.
Flea market owner claims retaliation
Edwin Medeiros, president of Aloha Flea Market, which holds swap meets at Aloha Stadium, has sued the state Stadium Authority, charging that it violated his constitutional rights.Medeiros charged that the Stadium Authority retaliated against him and the flea market for backing GOP gubernatorial candidate Linda Lingle in 1998.
In a federal court complaint filed yesterday, Medeiros also requested a contract extension to continue swap meets at the stadium.
The Stadium Authority has notified the flea market that it would not extend the contract beyond Sept. 30.
Stations to recharge electric cars planned
Hawaii will become electric vehicle-friendly with a capability that allows motorists anywhere in the state to recharge vehicle batteries in less than 10 minutes, says U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka.The Hawaii Electric Vehicle Demonstration Project will receive $1.6 million for such initiatives, with funding from the federal Department of Transportation and Department of Defense, along with $2.9 million in matching contributions from participating organizations.
The demonstration project is one of seven regional groups taking part in the federal Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology Program.
A joint venture with Hawaiian Electric Co. and Hawaii Electric Vehicles Inc. will provide a network of rapid chargers throughout Hawaii.
An electric tram people-mover at Honolulu Airport also is planned.
Arson caused storage room fire in Waikiki
A storage room fire yesterday at a three-story Waikiki apartment building was deliberately set, police said.The 3:06 p.m. fire at 2412 Prince Edward St. caused an estimated $30,000 damage to the structure and $5,000 damage to the contents.
The fire was reported under control at 3:22 p.m.
Waikiki Engine Capt. Alfred Akau said the room was used to store old furniture.
No injuries were reported.
Corrections
Lyon Arboretum is holding an annual summer plant sale from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Blaisdell Center exhibition hall. An article yesterday had the wrong date.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Niu Valley robbery suspect arrested; one still on loose
Police arrested an 18-year-old man and are searching for another man in connection with this morning's robbery of the Niu Valley Domino's Pizza.Two masked men, one armed with a handgun, approached an employee just after the Halemaumau Street business had closed at 1 a.m., police said. They took money and ran away.
One suspect was picked up a short time later, police said.
The second suspect is still on the loose.
