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Army pilot's widow sues murder suspects
The widow of an Army helicopter pilot who was shot and killed at the Waianae Army Recreation Center during a robbery attempt in 1998 filed a civil suit yesterday in federal court seeking damages from the murder suspects.Wendy Latchum is seeking unspecified damages, attorneys' fees and other costs from Keala Leong, Bryson Jose and Roberto Miguel, who was 17 at the time of the June 3 fatal shooting. The suit also names Miguel's parents, Jerilyn and Vincent Jr., as defendants.
Miguel admitted firing the fatal shot that killed 33-year-old John Russell Latchum Jr., according to the FBI. Miguel and others allegedly tried to break into the beach-side cabin where Latchum and his family were vacationing.
The three suspects all have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, attempted robbery and attempted burglary charges.
Trial was to begin in February, but it was delayed to September to allow Jose to undergo a mental examination.
Protective order stands on Kamehameha papers
A state judge has rejected efforts by Honolulu's daily newspapers to lift a protective order on records produced in the surcharge proceedings against the former trustees of Kamehameha Schools.Probate Judge Kevin Chang yesterday said the Honolulu Advertiser's challenge to a court-appointed discovery master's March 24 protective order was "premature, overly broad and excessive."
Granting the Advertiser's motion, which was joined by the Star-Bulletin, would be disruptive to the surcharge trial, which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 18, Chang said.
Clyde Matsui, discovery master in the surcharge proceeding, previously ordered the estate and its former board members to hand over confidential and privileged documents relating to the surcharge proceedings to the attorney general's office under a protective order.
The state is seeking to surcharge ex-trustees Richard "Dickie" Wong, Henry Peters, Oswald Stender, Gerard Jervis and Lokelani Lindsey for investment losses incurred during their tenures.
Drivers sue bus firm over medical leave
Five current and former bus drivers are suing Oahu Transit Services, the private company hired by the city to provide public bus transportation, saying their employer violated the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.The class-action suit was filed yesterday in U.S. District Court by David Josiah Jr., Alapati Manuta, Charles Mullietner, Craige Naipo and Blake Tomimatsui as representatives of all employees of Oahu Transit Services from July 1, 1997, to July 1, 2000.
The exact number of employees affected is unknown at this time, but it is believed there were at least 600 members during the designated period.
The suit alleges Oahu Transit failed to grant medical leave to members that stemmed from serious medical conditions.
Instead, their employer imposed disciplinary action, including suspension of pay from one to 45 days, to termination, the suit says.
The suit seeks an unspecified amount of damages.
Graduation exercises may jam Blaisdell lot
Blaisdell Center hosts several events this weekend, which may create a parking jam in the lot.Hawaii Baptist Academy and Punahou School commencement exercises will be held today at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. Waipahu High School's graduation ceremony will begin tomorrow at 6 p.m.
People are advised to arrive early. Alternate parking lots will be available on Ward Avenue across from the Blaisdell box office, on Young Street near the Honolulu Academy of Arts, and on Kapiolani Boulevard across from TheoDavies Euromotors Ltd.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Two-car crash on Kauai kills Kapaa student, 16
LIHUE -- A Kapaa High School student was killed and three others injured in a two-vehicle crash on the Kapaa bypass shortly after noon yesterday, Kauai police said.Investigators said the two vehicles were traveling in opposite directions on the winding two-lane road. Speed may have been a factor, officers said. All of the victims were boys.
The 16-year-old driver of a four-door sedan driving toward Kapaa apparently lost control of his car, crossed the center line and was broadsided by a Wailua-bound pickup truck, crushing the driver's side of the sedan.
A 16-year-old passenger in the rear seat of the sedan was killed, the driver seriously injured and flown to Queen's Hospital on Oahu late yesterday, and the front seat passenger was reported in stable condition today at Wilcox Hospital following surgery.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 17-year-old Kapaa High School senior, was treated and released for minor injuries.
Visitor, 31, arrested in abuse of her son, 2
Police arrested a 31-year-old tourist in connection with the alleged abuse of her 2-year-old son.The woman, a U.S. citizen who resides in Singapore, was visiting Hawaii when her son was admitted to Kapiolani Hospital in critical condition with a skull fracture on May 18, police said.
The woman told police the toddler fell off a bed in their Illikai Hotel room.
Doctors later determined the injuries were mostly likely caused by abuse, police said.
Homicide detectives arrested the woman at 1:20 p.m. yesterday for attempted murder.
Police seek male, 22, who escaped from rehab
Police are asking for the public's assistance in locating a convicted felon who escaped from a drug rehabilitation house last month.Shane Edralin, 22, escaped from a rehab house in Kalihi on May 25, police said. He was ordered to stay in the house until his July sentencing for his felony assault and terroristic threatening convictions.
Edralin is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, 160 pounds, with a medium build. He has black hair, brown eyes and a tan complexion.
Canadian man nearly drowns in hotel pool
A 25-year-old Canadian man was hospitalized yesterday after nearly drowning in a swimming pool while playing "who could hold their breath the longest," the fire department said.Firefighters responded to the Waikiki Parkshore Hotel and discovered witnesses administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the unconscious man at 6:30 p.m., fire officials said. He was found at the bottom of the hotel swimming pool.
His friends said he sank to the bottom of the pool while playing the game.
The man was taken to a nearby hospital. His condition was unavailable.
Woman, 20, hurt jumping from moving automobile
A 20-year-old woman was seriously injured yesterday after she jumped out of a moving car in Waipahu during an argument with her boyfriend, police said.The incident happened on Farrington Highway and Waipahu Street at 8 p.m. The woman is listed in guarded condition.
