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Working groups to try to define Hawaii status
Working groups will be used to help clarify the relationship between the United States and native Hawaiians, says U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, who heads a Hawaii congressional delegation task force on native Hawaiian issues.Akaka said today that the working groups will represent the Hawaiian community; the White House and federal officials from agencies dealing with Hawaiians; other members of Congress; state officials, and constitutional scholars; and other members of the Native American community.
The goal is to streamline and expedite a form of federal recognition for Hawaiians following the Rice vs. Cayetano decision that struck down the state's Hawaiians-only voting restriction for Office of Hawaiian Affairs elections.
Akaka said the Hawaiian working group will be a cross-section of people from the Hawaiian community and will play an integral role in advising the task force.
The goal is to get some sort of legislation introduced during this current session of Congress, which ends Oct. 6.
"Our timetable is ambitious, and community support and interest will help shape our proposal," Akaka said.
7 arrested in drug case sweep in Kalihi area
Seven of eight people indicted recently for federal drug offenses were arrested over the weekend in a sweep of the Kaahumanu Homes area between McNeil Street and Waiakamilo Road in Kalihi.Most were arrested for violating the "Safe Streets Act" which prohibits drug dealing within 1,000 feet of public schools, housing or parks.
Car fire slows traffic on Moanalua Road
A car fire forced police to close a section of Moanalua Road today, causing some delay for motorists heading to work.Only one westbound lane was open for awhile because of the 6 a.m. incident in Halawa, near the H-1 Freeway's east-bound onramp to the H-3.
No injuries were reported, police said.
Downed trees snag Tantalus Drive traffic
A tree fell near 3653 Tantalus Drive yesterday afternoon, blocking both lanes on the narrow road, police said.A road crew was called out to remove the tree at 3:20 p.m., but the road remained closed for at least five hours.
Another downed tree partially blocked Tantalus Drive near Forest Ridge Way and Kawika Place later yesterday afternoon, but cars were able to maneuver around it.
Marine wives to get a taste of the duty
Marine Corps spouses will learn what their husbands do when they don their husbands' helmets and camouflage battle fatigues Saturday and report to work at Kaneohe Bay.Wives of Marines in Combat Service Group 3 will participate in the annual Jane Wayne Day at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where they will try activities such as rappelling and running through an obstacle course. A picnic will conclude the day's events, held to give spouses the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Marine lifestyles.
Delinquency program gets state grant
A three-year delinquency-prevention program in Waipahu has the blessings of the state Office of Youth Services.The office has awarded a $330,000 grant for the project. The city and county will provide overall coordination, and the YMCA of Honolulu, Leeward branch, will serve as lead agency.
A policy board will include representatives from the police, the city Department of Parks and Recreation, schools, businesses and other community groups.
A Teen Employment Training Program will be part of the prevention project.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Cabbie choked, cut on neck by robber
A cab driver was choked and slashed on his neck with a knife last night during a robbery. The driver was treated at a hospital for his injuries and released.The robbery was reported at 10 p.m. The victim told police he picked up the suspect on Kuhio Avenue, drove him to Mililani and then back to Launiu Street. The man then choked the driver with a seat belt and slashed him.
The suspect fled in a car, police said.
Suspect in Waikiki slaying is arrested
Police arrested a 38-year-old Waikiki man yesterday in connection with the death of a 47-year-old man. The victim was found lying on the kitchen floor of the suspect's 23rd-floor apartment at 469 Ena Road with head injuries when police responded to an argument and fight complaint at 5:46 a.m.The injured man was taken to Straub Hospital and pronounced dead at 6:57 a.m.
The suspect, 38, was taken to Queen's Hospital, where he was treated and released for minor injuries. He remains in police custody.
Bullet grazes man in fight outside bar
A 30-year-old man was grazed in the head by a bullet during a fight early yesterday outside a Makaloa Street nightclub.Police said the victim and the suspect had an earlier argument at another location. The shooting at 1522 Makaloa St. was reported at 5:19 a.m.
The suspect, driving a white or silver sports utility vehicle, is still at large. Police are investigating the case as an attempted murder.
Coast Guard responds to medical emergencies
The Coast Guard responded to separate medical emergencies in Lihue and Midway Island this weekend.A C-130 aircraft from Barbers Point brought two ailing cruise ship passengers to Honolulu Saturday from Midway Island.
Donald Martin, 88, suffering from dehydration and fainting spells and Dale Schreiber, 71, suffering from heart problems, were passengers on the cruise ship Rotterdam. They were taken to Queen's Hospital by ambulance. Another Coast Guard C-130 took Paul Caron, a 37-year-old Maine resident suffering from acute respiratory problems, to Hickam Air Force Base where he was taken by ambulance to Queen's Friday.
Police order autopsy for victim on Big Isle
Big Island police have ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of a 64-year-old Colorado man who died while while diving in waters off the "Pine Trees" area north of Kailua-Kona.The man was pronounced dead at 11:10 a.m. Saturday at the Kona Community Hospital.
