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Public defender tapped for judgeship
The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved the nomination of Public Defender Richard Pollack as a Circuit Court judge.The nomination now goes to the full Senate for a vote.
Numerous supporters endorsed Pollack at a hearing yesterday, but Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle questioned whether Pollack could be fair, saying that for 20 years he has taken the side of people charged with crimes.
Pollack has advocated for the rights of criminal defendants and not for the rights of victims or the public, Carlisle said.
But Pollack said he would never do anything to bring dishonor to the judicial system, and said he would have no trouble imposing lengthy sentences on criminals he believed deserved them.
Prison-reform group may block proposed site
HILO -- A Big Island prison-reform group is threatening to block access to a site southeast of Hilo proposed for a major prison.Members of E Ho'opakele (Project Rescue) issued a statement yesterday saying access across Hawaiian Homes land to the proposed prison site owned by Sheila Watumull would be blocked by a gate. The House Finance Committee has approved a bill providing for a 1,700-bed prison at the Watumull site if it has a strong drug treatment program.
In an experimental program, Hawaiian Homes has allowed beneficiaries to live in the area without the department's requirements for improvements such as electricity and water.
State sued over suicide of robbery suspect
The mother of a man who committed suicide while awaiting trial on a robbery charge has filed a wrongful death suit against the state.Farrington Governor Santos hung himself in his cell at the Oahu Community Correctional Center on Feb. 11, 1999.
In a complaint filed yesterday in Circuit Court, Lucy Santos said the Department of Public Safety failed to adequately supervise her son and place him in a module for potentially suicidal inmates after officials had been told of previous suicide attempts and psychiatric problems.
The suit also accuses the state of failing to employ licensed and qualified mental health professionals and failing to provide adequate medical and mental health care.
Santos was one of four men charged in the January 1999 robbery at a Wahiawa store in which the owner's wife was shot in the face. Tomas Quirantes, Damien Kaahu and Roland Ragasa have yet to go to trial.
Party to honor Hokule'a Sunday at Kualoa Park
The Polynesian Voyaging Society will welcome home the Hokule'a from its Rapa Nui voyage at Kualoa Regional Park on Sunday.The celebration will also honor the 25th anniversary of Hokule'a's launching and the achievements of the past quarter-century.
The ceremony begins at 8 a.m. The beach will be marked off, and access limited. The public may view the ceremony. The hoolaulea, with entertainment, food, games and crafts, runs from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 536-8405.
State proposes changes for hazardous transport
The state Transportation Department has scheduled five public hearings on proposed amendments to laws on transporting hazardous materials.Hearings all begin at 9 a.m. They will be held:
Friday in Kapolei at the Kakuhihewa Building, Room 577A, 601 Kamokila Blvd.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Fire started in kitchen damages home in Aiea
A fire at 99-1731 Hoapono Place in Aiea sent a 61-year-old woman to the hospital for smoke inhalation and caused $250,000 damage yesterday, the fire department said.The woman was cooking at 12:22 p.m. when grease caught on fire in the kitchen, Fire Capt. Richard Soo said. The woman managed to save two pet parrots before leaving her house.
The fire was brought under control by 12:40 p.m, he added.
The woman was treated at Kapiolani Hospital at Pali Momi, but was not admitted, a spokeswoman said.
Second arrest made in attack on Wahiawa man
A second man was arrested in connection with Sunday's robbery in Wahiawa.The two male suspects, 26 and 35, allegedly beat up a resident on Lakeview Circle and robbed him of his tools Sunday night, police said.
Driver slams into tree, is flown to hospital
A 53-year-old woman was critically injured yesterday after her Honda Accord hit a tree in Mililani.She was headed north on Lanikuhana Avenue when her car drifted off the road near Meheula Parkway at 4:12 p.m., police said.
The woman was taken by helicopter to Queen's Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition this morning.
Speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the accident.
Exotic dancer reports assault by customer
Police are investigating an apparent sexual assault on an exotic dancer in Pearl City.The woman, 41, agreed to have dinner with one of her customers on Feb. 5, police said. But the suspect went to her Pearl City apartment and sexually assaulted her, police said.
