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Newswatch

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Monday, February 7, 2000

Tradewinds should blow vog out to sea

Light tradewinds should return tomorrow, dispersing the voggy haze that has lingered over the islands since last week, said National Weather Service forecaster Henry Lau.

Easterly winds, between 5 to 15 miles an hour, are expected to breeze through the islands beginning tomorrow and last through the week, Lau said. The winds should bring some relief to most of the islands, except for areas blocked by mountain ranges, such as parts of Leeward Oahu and Kona, he said.

The vog from Kilauea caused Big Island health officials to issue an advisory warning against outdoor burning of agricultural wastes on the island. The advisory remains in effect today. Officials also curtailed outdoor activities in schools and public parks last week.

Harry Kim, Big Island Civil Defense chief, said the vog has lessened since Friday when it was the thickest. "Today, we still do have some vog situation to some degree, especially in Kona. But it is not as heavy as last week."

Wisconsin visitor dies after scuba diving

OPIHIHALE, Hawaii -- A 50-year-old Wisconsin woman apparently drowned at about noon yesterday while scuba diving at Pebble Beach at Opihihale, South Kona, police said. Her name was not immediately released.

The woman was caught in a current and was rescued by people in a rubber Zodiac boat, fire rescue personnel said. The woman was in cardiac arrest when rescue personnel arrived, but they were able to restart her heart as they took her to Kona Hospital, they said.

The woman died at the hospital at 1:16 a.m. today, with the cause of death expected to be listed as drowning, police said.

Downtown Jazz Festival set for Saturday

The second annual Honolulu Downtown Jazz Festival is set for Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. at the Downtown Post Office at Richards and Merchant streets.

Admission costs range from $2 to $6. Parking will be permitted at Harbor Square and Alii Place for $2.

More than 50 musicians will perform. The city is among the sponsors of the event.

For more information, call 372-3250.

Whale foundation hosts run Feb. 19

The Pacific Whale Foundation 5K/10K Run for the Whales will take place Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Maui Prince Hotel.

The run will benefit marine education programs for schoolchildren and the new Marine Science Education Center of Maui, to be run by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation.

The race begins the official start of Whale Week on Maui, which includes free talks about whales, events for children, plus Maui's Parade of Whales and Whale Day on Saturday, Feb. 26.

To register for the fun run, fill out an entry form distributed at Maui food stores, health clubs and the Pacific Whale Foundation at the Kealia Beach Plaza in Kihei. People can also register by phone at (808) 879-8860.

Maritime archaeology, history subject of meet

The 12th annual Symposium on the Maritime Archaeology and History of Hawaii and the Pacific will be held from Feb. 19-21 at the Hawaii Maritime Center, Pier 7.

Speakers will include:

Peter Mills of the University of Hawaii-Hilo, "Bridging the Gap Between Ship and Shore: Exploring Relationships Between Western Maritime Culture and the People of Hawaii."

Lou Ann Speulda and Robert Shallenberger, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "The Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Historic Preservation Program."

Kathy Billings, National Park Service superintendent, Arizona Memorial, "USS Arizona: Cultural Site vs. Natural Ecosystem."

William Dudley, Naval Historical Center director, "The Battle of Midway."

Daniel Martinez, National Park Service historian, Pearl Harbor National Landmark, "Analysis of Historic Photographs."

Ben Finney, University of Hawaii-Manoa professor of anthropology, "East to Rapa Nui."

The UH Maritime Archaeology and History Program and the Hawaii Maritime Center are co-sponsoring the conference.

For more information, call the UH Marine Option Program, 956-8433; fax 956-2417; e-mail to mop@hawaii.edu; or check the Web site http://www2hawaii.edu/mop.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers

Guards head off attempted suicide

A recently recaptured Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility escapee, who allegedly attempted to run over a police officer last December in a stolen car, attempted to kill himself with a "shank," or prison knife, police said.

The boy was treated at Castle Hospital for injuries and released.

He then was arrested on charges of first-degree terroristic threatening against youth facility officers, and promoting prison contraband for having the "shank." HYCF officers said they found the boy armed with the knife in his holding cell last Thursday at 9:20 p.m.

As officers tried to disarm him, he allegedly tried to kill himself.

Juveniles suspected in fire at Kalihi

Police are investigating Saturday's fire at 1824 Democrat St. in Kalihi as arson.

Damage to roofing material caused by the 9:20 p.m. fire was estimated at $1,900. Neighborhood juveniles are suspected of starting the fire, police said.

Big Island man held in Orchidland shooting

HILO -- A 35-year-old Orchidland man remained in custody today, accused of shooting the man he shares a home with in this rural subdivision.

Police said Paul Olson, 42, suffered wounds in his cheek, scalp and lower back.

He was released after treatment at Hilo Hospital.

Police said the cause of the shooting was a dispute, but gave no specifics.