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Elderly tourist attacked in restroom of hotel
An 81-old tourist was robbed and hit in the restroom of the Outrigger West Hotel early this morning as his tour group checked into the hotel.The suspect is believed to be a male in his mid-30s who was wearing a dark T-shirt with the word "Hawaii" stenciled in the front, shorts and rubber slippers.
Police said the victim was hit on the head shortly after 1 a.m. today and is in critical condition at Queen's Hospital. The victim had arrived in the islands with his wife and had gone to the hotel's restroom while his tour group was checking in. The victim's wallet was taken during the robbery.
Arrest warrant issued for indicted deputy
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a state deputy sheriff indicted last week for threatening and pointing his gun at another deputy sheriff.An Oahu grand jury last Wednesday indicted Christopher Kimsel on a charge of first-degree terroristic threatening, punishable by five years imprisonment.
The incident occurred Aug. 21 when Kimsel, a sergeant with the sheriff's division, allegedly removed his issued handgun and pointed it at Robert Searle, threatening to shoot his foot.
Public Safety director Ted Sakai yesterday issued a statement saying Kimsel was placed on administrative leave after the incident but has now been assigned to duties that do not require the use of a firearm.
Several groups appeal Waahila impact report
Several groups are appealing the state's acceptance of an environmental impact statement for Hawaiian Electric Co.'s plans to install a 138-kilovolt transmission line on Waahila Ridge.The Outdoor Circle, 'Ilio'ulaokalani Coalition Inc., Life of the Land and Palolo resident Karla Kral filed a complaint in Circuit Court yesterday against the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, seeking to declare the environmental statement inadequate and require that all proceedings be suspended until public hearings are held on the specific areas of concern.
The groups say the report fails to adequately address viable alternatives, cultural issues and the impact on the environment, health or safety.
Coalition won't appeal Hanauma Bay decision
Members of the East Honolulu Community Coalition say they will not appeal a decision blocking their intervention in a Board of Land and Natural Resources hearing on a proposed city permit for a Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve project.The board would not grant the group standing in the case last month. Coalition spokesman David Washino said opponents of the Hanauma renovation will continue to urge the board to reject the application.
Tomorrow
Some events of interest9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1099 Alakea St., Room 2120: The Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry will conduct free registration and testing for adults ages 18 to 60. Information: 547-6154.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Maui hillside fire strands thousands of people
LAHAINA -- An electrical surge was suspected as the cause of a fire that burned an estimated 600 acres of hillside in West Maui near the former Olowalu landfill.No one was hurt. But thousands of people were stranded when the fire closed the Honoapiilani Highway, effectively cutting off West Maui from the rest of the island.
The fire left a dark scar along green hillsides for about a mile and a half between the Olowalu Store and Launiupoko State Park.
Lahaina firefighter Kono Davis said that at about 2:30 this morning, light winds, cooler temperatures and morning dew stopped the fire's advance up the West Maui Mountains.
"It pretty much killed itself," Davis said.
Davis said it appeared the fire did not advance into native forest areas. But he said night observations limited firefighters from determining the damage.
The fire was reported at 9:30 a.m. yesterday.
Acting Assistant Fire Chief Michael Cummings said at one point yesterday, winds were blowing at 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph.
Maui police closed the highway and then reopened it at 5:40 p.m. yesterday, according to Civil Defense.
Lahaina resident Robbie Wares said state parks at Wahikuli were full of hotel workers unable to return home.
"They were hanging out at the parks and having tailgate parties," she said.
Rags may have caused fire in Kaneohe
Oil and gasoline soaked rags in a metal garbage can may have started a fire in Kaneohe that destroyed a shed and affected two homes yesterday morning.The shed was located at 47-224 Miomio Loop and caused an estimated $7,000 damage. A 12-year-old boy and his 47-year-old mother were at home at the time of the 10:38 a.m. fire.
The fire apparently jumped to a neighboring home at 47-218 Miomio Loop, causing an estimated $15,000 damage to the building. Two 19-year-old men rented the studio apartment there.
The Red Cross was called to assist because the family of five who lived at 47-224 Miomio Loop had no electricity.
Fourth State Hospital escapee apprehended
The fourth escapee in the last six months from the Hawaii State Hospital was taken into custody this morning.Thomas Kapoi, 55, was apprehended by police at 8:30 a.m. at Haleiwa Beach Park. He had last been seen at the Kaneohe hospital around 1 p.m. yesterday.
Kapoi's offenses date back to 1965 and include theft, escape, burglary and drug violations.
He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree terroristic threatening in 1997, but was acquitted because of mental incapacity.
