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North Shore beaches closed for 20-foot waves
Lifeguards closed all beaches on Oahu's North Shore because of 20-foot waves.Waves washed over Kamehameha Highway in some places and have washed under lifeguard towers at Alii and Sunset Beaches, said Water Safety Division Capt. Ed Pestana.
Peter Hirai of the Oahu Civil Defense said the surf is expected to remain high until tomorrow morning. High tides are expected to occur at 11:30 tonight and 10:30 tomorrow morning.
"Everybody should be exercising caution," Pestana said.
People are being advised not to go into the water and to stay away from the shoreline where waves could wash them into the water.
Maui mayor proposes moving Lahaina library
LAHAINA -- Maui Mayor James Apana has proposed moving the public library in Lahaina town to a different location.Apana, who met recently with State Librarian Virginia Lowell, said he wants a Lahaina Public Library with more parking area and larger facilities.
But Apana said the decision rests with the state, which owns the property.
"If they decided it is something they would like to do, I would help them to secure land as well as put up a building," Apana said.
The library is located in the middle to the commercial district of Lahaina Town, overlooking Lahaina Harbor.
Some residents who favor the proposal want part of the land in the vicinity of the library building to be used to provide public restrooms.
A number of residents have also expressed opposition to moving the library, saying the scenic location adds to the quaint atmosphere of the town.
IRS: 10,600 here have 1997 refunds coming
More than $11 million in unclaimed tax refunds for 1997 are awaiting 10,600 Hawaii residents who have until April 16 to file an income tax return.The Internal Revenue Service estimates that half of those who could claim refunds would receive less than $486. Some individuals had too little income to require filing a tax return, but may have had taxes withheld from their wages. Others may not have had any tax withheld, but would be eligible for the refundable earned income tax credit.
However, the IRS warns taxpayers seeking a 1997 refund that their checks will be held if they have not filed tax returns for 1998 or 1999.
No Saturday gas line work on Kalanianaole
Kalanianaole Highway motorists won't have to deal with construction on Saturdays anymore, The Gas Co. says.The Gas Co. on Saturday started replacing old lines on the highway between Ainakoa Avenue and Anali'i Street, causing a traffic jam that backed up vehicles for miles.
The only reason the company started working extra-long hours on Saturday and Martin Luther King Day was to expedite the work as much as possible, says Steve Golden, the Gas Co.'s public affairs manager.
In deference to the annual Sony Open golf tournament at the Waialae Country Club nearby, no construction will be done Friday, Saturday and Sunday, he said.
Otherwise, construction will only be done between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays -- after school starts and before rush-hour traffic normally begins.
In response to criticism that construction on highways never seems to be coordinated, Golden said the gas company had to begin working before the Transportation Department starts its two-year project the first week of February.
The Courts
Off-duty cop pleads not guilty in DUI accident
An off-duty police officer charged with driving under the influence and rear-ending another car in Village Park has pleaded not guilty.An attorney for Celso Bautista, 36, waived his presence in Ewa District Court yesterday and entered the officer's plea. Trial has been set for March 20.
No one was injured in the two-car crash on Kupuna Loop Dec. 11.
Slain man's family sues accused killer, parents
The family of a slain vacuum cleaner salesman has filed a lawsuit against the Waialua man charged in his slaying and the man's parents.The suit, filed yesterday in Circuit Court against Michael Lawrence and his parents, Frederick and Carolyn Lawrence, claims the parents' negligence led to serious injury against Melchor Tabag and resulted in his death on March 27, 1999.
Lawrence will go to trial the week of March 27 before Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall -- almost two years to the day after Tabag's death.
Lawrence is suspected in the disappearance and slaying of Tabag, who apparently was last seen conducting a carpet-cleaning demonstration at the Lawrences' home.
Tomorrow
Some events of interest
8:30 a.m., Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School, Hilo: Dedication ceremony for new sculpture, "Sea of Knowledge." Call 808-586-0307 for more information.
Clarification
A stabbing Sunday morning in Waikiki occurred on Dudoit Lane next to 478 Ena Road, rather than in front of 478 Ena Road as reported Monday.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Bandanna-masked man robs grocery store
Police are investigating the robbery of a grocery store at 2111 Young St. in Moiliili last night.A 71-year-old man was alone in his store when he was approached by a man with a bandanna covering his face and a handgun at about 7:20 p.m, police said.
The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled on foot.
Man arrested for threatening ex-girlfriend
A man was arrested for terroristic threatening and kidnapping after an incident in Kalihi yesterday morning.The suspect saw his ex-girlfriend at a card game and thought she had a new boyfriend, police said.
The suspect allegedly threatened the woman and the man and forced them to drive in the man's car to Waipahu and Waianae at gunpoint.
The suspect and the woman were dropped off in Kalihi Valley, and police located the suspect and the woman in Kapalama.
Argument over bicycle leads to Waianae assault
A 34-year-old male assaulted another man over a bicycle in Waianae, police said.The suspect accused a 24-year-old man of taking his bicycle and assaulted him near Maipela Street at 5:19 p.m. yesterday.
Police said the victim suffered broken ribs, a damaged spleen and head injuries.
The suspect left before police arrived and had not been arrested this morning.
Drunken man allegedly pees in front of HPD HQ
A 76-year-old man was arrested for urinating in front of the Honolulu Police Department's main station at 801 South Beretania St.A detective was driving by the main police station at 4:10 yesterday morning when he observed the man standing Ewa of the main steps urinating on the sidewalk.
The intoxicated man waved at the detective and continued to urinate when the detective approached him, police said.
The man was arrested and charged for open lewdness.
