Pay phone sales scam prompts 25 states to act
State securities regulators from 25 states have announced actions against individuals and companies in a nationwide pay phone sales scam.Nearly 4,500 people, mostly elderly, lost an estimated $76 million investing in coin-operated customer-owned telephones. They were promised high returns from risky or fraudulent investments in pay telephones.
In many cases, middlemen were independent insurance agents.
Hawaii's Business Registration Division has received no formal complaints concerning this scam, said Patricia J. Moy of the Securities Enforcement Branch.
One company, Phoenix Telecom LLC, did try to register the business of selling coin-operated telephones but withdrew its application and had already been under attack by other states' regulators.
Japanese 4-H exchange students need hosts
The 4-H Japanese Exchange program is in need of families to host Japanese students from July 24 to Aug. 20 as part of a two-way exchange program.Hawaii families with children close in age to the Japanese participants are eligible to host students, and families without children will be considered to host adult chaperones. Involvement with 4-H and proficiency in the Japanese language are not requirements, as the exchange students have studied English.
Applications are due April 15.
Applications and a brochure are available at any 4-H office or the 4-H office at 2515 Campus Road, Honolulu 96822. For more information, call 956-2254 or e-mail hzeug@hawaii.edu.
'Woofstock' fund-raiser to show canine fashions
The Hawaiian Humane Society is recruiting dogs to take part in a canine fashion show in April.The dogs need to be able to walk well on a leash, be comfortable around other dogs and not object to being dressed up for short periods of time. About a dozen dogs are needed, and preference will be given to dogs that were adopted from the Humane Society.
The fashion show is being coordinated by Purr-fect Paws, a pet boutique in Windward Mall, and will be part of the society's April 7 fund-raiser at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
The event's theme is "Woofstock," reminiscent of 1960s and '70s tie-dye and leather fashions. Tickets are $150 and include cocktails and dinner.
Those who are interested in having their dogs considered for the fashion show should call Eve Holt at 946-2187, extension 212, before Friday.
>> Brent White is an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union representing ADBwatch. A story in some editions of yesterday's paper had an incorrect first name. Corrections and clarifications
>> Jay Fidell is a civilian attorney who has been monitoring the Navy's court of inquiry. His last name was misspelled in some editions Monday.
>> Troy Baker, student government president at Honolulu Community College, told the Board of Regents that many students will see a $500 tuition increase this fall. A story in Friday's late editions had an incorrect amount.
>> Census 2000 lists 22,003 African American citizens in Hawaii. A larger number was included in a story in Monday's late edition.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Publisher and Editor in Chief John Flanagan at 529-4748.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Publisher and Editor in Chief John Flanagan at 529-4748 or email him at jflanagan@starbulletin.com.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Driver caught after trying to flee wreck on foot
Honolulu Police and state Harbor Patrol officers arrested a 34-year-old Aiea man following a hit-and-run traffic accident on Sand Island Access Road.Honolulu police say the man fled on foot after the car he was driving hit a fuel truck that was turning into the Kapalama Military Reservation in front of him at 8:55 p.m.
The car then hit a wooden pole, backed up and hit a metal pole, chain link fence and parked bus before coming to a stop.
The driver suffered minor injuries. His passenger, a Kaneohe man, 23, broke his arm. The driver of the truck was not injured.
The Aiea man was arrested for failing to render aid, negligent injury and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Armed pair robs cabbie after ride to Waianae
Honolulu police were looking for two men who robbed a taxicab driver Sunday night at the Waianae Shopping Mall.Police said that at about 7:15 p.m. the two male suspects, between the ages 18 and 20, caught a taxi from Ala Moana Center to Waianae.
Once in Waianae, police said, one of the suspects pointed a handgun at the male driver demanding money. The suspect then struck the victim on the head with the gun, after which, police said, both robbers fled on foot.
The cab driver suffered a laceration above his right eyebrow and was taken to St. Francis Medical Center-West.
Police described the first suspect as 5-foot-6, 140 pounds with blond hair and wearing a yellow T-shirt and shorts. The second suspect was described as a man with a tan complexion and a faded mustache.
Eight held after drug raid nets 'ice,' coke, pot, guns
KAILUA-KONA >> Police were holding eight people yesterday for various drug and weapons violations after a raid in Puukala, North Kona.Police had raided the home the day before and found 2.6 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, 3 ounces of cocaine, half an ounce of marijuana, $7,500 in cash and three guns.
Charges were pending for the four men and four women found at the house.
Police also found three children during the raid, all of whom have since been placed in foster homes.
