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The parents of a Mililani girl have filed a medical malpractice suit against the United States for injuries suffered by their nearly 2-year-old daughter at Tripler Army Medical Center. Parents sue, claim Tripler's
negligence led to amputationThe suit, filed yesterday in U.S. District Court by parents Robrick and Supreania Brown seeks an unspecified amount of damages.
Amanda Brown was born Nov. 23, 1998, at Tripler. Her left leg below the knee was amputated on Dec. 10 because hospital personnel were negligent in diagnosing and delaying treatment for insufficient blood flow to the lower extremities, the suit contends.
Tripler officials could not be reached for immediate comment.
The parents filed the suit after the U.S. government failed to deny or respond to an administrative claim filed in December.
Hawaii delegates rally support for Akaka bill
With only a few weeks left before the end of session, Hawaii's Congressional delegation continues to lobby for support of the Akaka bill.U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye held a news conference today on Capitol Hill with representatives of native Hawaiian and American Indian groups to show support.
"Today is a day when, standing together, the native people of America, the first Americans, call upon the United States government to assure that all first Americans may have an equal opportunity to express their rights to self-determination and self-governance," Inouye said.
JoAnn K. Chase, executive director of the National Congress of American Indians, said the oldest and largest American Indian group strongly supports a process that will lead to economic self-sufficiency for Hawaiians.
"Our member nations have seen how respect for tribal sovereignty and self-determination has transformed failing Indian communities into strong, successful governments," Chase said.
The Akaka bill clarifies the political relationship between native Hawaiians and the United States and sets up a process for Hawaiians to achieve self-determination.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved the bill last week, and it is being prepared for a floor vote. The House Committee on Resources is expected to take action on a similar bill tomorrow.
One runway shut down at Honolulu Airport
With one runway closed at Honolulu Airport, aircraft are flying over Waikiki and Iroquois Point.Starting last night, Runway 8R-261 was shut down for restriping work from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. It will continue to be closed nightly during these hours through Monday.
Free vaccinations for qualified seniors at fair
Free vaccinations to protect against pneumococcal disease will be available at the annual Hawaii Seniors Fair on Friday and Saturday at the Blaisdell Center exhibition hall.Seniors covered by Medicare Part B will qualify for the free protection against pneumonia, meningitis and blood infections. The free fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tomorrow
Some events of interest7 p.m., Hawaii Kai Public Library: Vision meeting. Contact: Cynthia Bond, 523-4032.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Man trapped in burning car dies at scene
A 54-year-old man died yesterday after being trapped inside his burning car in Waimanalo.The Waimanalo man was speeding west in his 1985 Pontiac 4-door sedan on Hihimanu Street at 5:20 p.m. when he slammed into a utility pole on Mokulama Street near Rocky Road Products Inc. and Banyan Tree townhouses, police said.
Witnesses were able to rescue a 28-year-old man who was a passenger in the car, but were unable to retrieve the driver because of the intense flames, police said. The passenger was taken to Queen's Medical Center with burns and other injuries. He was in fair condition last night. The driver died at the scene.
Police said speed and alcohol are possible factors in the crash.
The accident knocked out power to 4,500 homes in Waimanalo, Enchanted Lake and Lanikai.
Kauai police identify man shot to death
LIHUE -- A man found shot to death in a Hanamaulu home yesterday morning was identified as Colan Fernandes 42, of Hanamaulu.A 27-year-old Hanamaulu man is in police custody in connection with the case but had not been charged as of last night. The man briefly barricaded himself in the house where Fernandes' body was found before surrendering to police.
Kauai police still have not given any information about a possible motive for the shooting.
Detectives also have not discussed a link with a shooting a short while earlier in Hanamaulu Beach Park. An unidentified man was wounded.
Scream foils robbery at night deposit slot
Police are looking for a suspect who attempted to rob a 50-year-old man making a night deposit outside the First Hawaiian Bank last night.The victim was confronted by the male suspect as he was dropping off money in the night depository at the North King Street branch of First Hawaiian Bank at 10:50 p.m.. The victim's wife, waiting in the car, screamed and the suspect let go of the bag and ran, police said.
Teen-ager admits setting three fires in apartment
A 16-year-old boy has admitted setting three separate fires this month at a Hausten Street apartment, police said.The fire on Sunday night and two other fires on Sept. 4 caused a total of $44,000 damage, police said.
Volcanoes National Park victim Kailua-Kona teen
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK -- Park rangers have identified a driver killed in a one-car accident in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Wednesday as Richard G. Conte, 18, of Kailua-Kona. The exact cause of the accident is still undetermined, but excessive speed is still considered a contributing factor, they said. Toxicology reports are pending.
