Beach cleanups scheduled through 2001
The Chun's Beach and Malaekahana Beach Cleanup schedule for the remainder of the year is: April 21, May 19, June 16, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1.All cleanups are on Saturdays. Cleaners meet at Save the Sea Turtles International Foundation, 61-529 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleiwa, at noon. Water and light pupus are provided. For information, call 637-2211.
'Weed & Seed' convict gets mandatory jail term
A 48-year-old man was sentenced to seven years and 11 months under a federal statute that carries stricter penalties for drug offenses near playgrounds and schools that children are likely to frequent.Iupeli Migi was one of more than 30 people arrested during a sweep of Aala Park during the 1999 Memorial Day weekend. A federal jury convicted him of six counts of distributing and possessing crack cocaine within the "Weed & Seed" area.
The Weed & Seed program is a joint effort by state and federal law enforcement to rid Chinatown, Kalihi and Palama of repeat criminal offenders and drug traffickers.
Before his arrest on federal drug charges, Migi was convicted in state court of assault and drug offenses that occurred within the Downtown-Chinatown area, which is part of the "Weed & Seed" district.
Under federal sentencing, convicted defendants are not eligible for parole.
After Migi serves his sentence, he will be on supervised release for six years. If he violates conditions of his release, he could face more jail time.
Abercrombie will meet constituents in chat room
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie will meet with Hawaii residents via the Internet on April 17.Abercrombie will host an electronic open forum from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Hawaii time. During that period, he will respond to questions and comments submitted to a chat room. The address of the room is http://www.ohananet.com/chat.
Abercrombie will field questions and views on federal issues submitted by Hawaii residents. He said the distance and time difference between Hawaii and Washington, D.C., make it a big challenge to keep in touch with his constituents.
"A chat environment makes it easier to communicate in both directions, and I look forward to utilizing this means of shrinking the miles between Hawaii and the nation's capital," he said.
State announces grants in urban tree program
Applications are being accepted for the 2001 Kaulunani Urban Forestry Cost-Share Grant Program, the state Department of Land and National Resources has announced.The grant program provides financial assistance to nonprofit community and grass-roots organizations, local government, schools and tree groups for programs that enhance Hawaii's urban forests. Grants of $5,000 and $10,000 are available in five categories: tree planting in urban areas, educational or informational programs, technical tree care, Arbor Day activities and partnership enhancement projects.
The first application deadline is May 15. Call 672-5167 or 672-3383 for more information.
Whale sanctuary council has 6 advisory seats open
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is seeking new members for its sanctuary advisory council.Six nongovernmental seats are up for renewal: Hawaii County, City and County of Honolulu, Kauai County, Maui County, and Education and Research.
SAC was formed in 1996 to provide the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with advice on the management of the sanctuary. Members serve staggered two-year terms.
Those applying for membership are asked to call the Oahu Sanctuary Office at 397-2651. Deadline is June 1.
Kapiolani Park walk benefits kidney charity
More than 200 people have signed up to participate in the inaugural "Gift of Life Walk" charity event to benefit the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii, organizers said.The fund-raising walk, scheduled for April 29 at Kapiolani Park, is intended to raise public awareness about kidney disease and donation.
In addition to the walk, the event will include a post-walk festival and a Health Fair Expo that will provide blood pressure readings, kidney and glucose testing, stroke assessment, educational games and health-related exhibits.
Red Cross offers training for nursing assistants
The Red Cross is accepting applications for its Nurse Assistant Training Course.Upon completion of the course, graduates are able to take the state examination to become certified nurse assistants. Classes start on April 25 and run until May 18 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Applicants must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation before entering the program. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
Corrections and clarifications
>> State Sen. Rod Tam supports the creation of an aquarium along the state's makai Kakaako waterfront. A "Winners and Losers" item Monday erroneously reported that Tam opposed the project.
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
Arson suspected in fire at cedar home in Kona
NAPOOPOO, Hawaii >> Arson is the suspected cause of a fire that destroyed a unique $750,000 home in Napoopoo in rural South Kona shortly before midnight yesterday, the Fire Department said.Responding to an 11:10 p.m. alarm, firefighters found the 4,000-square-foot home fully engulfed in fire, they said.
The house was described as being of a "four-pod" design, built of cedar, with copper roofing.
The owner, Cameron Healy, is out of town, the department said. The house was insured.
