Sen. Akaka starts bill to expand City of Refuge
HONAUNAU, Hawaii >> Sen. Daniel Akaka has introduced a bill in Congress to allow expansion of Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park by 238 acres, he announced.The park, popularly known as the City of Refuge, now consists of 182 acres stretching south along the seashore from Honaunau Bay. The land to be added would reach inland from the southern end, giving the park an L shape.
Although the park is best known for its puuhonua, or place of refuge for people who broke ancient kapu or were defeated in war, it also holds numerous archaeological sites outside the puuhonua walls.
The expansion proposed by Akaka would include the former Kiilae village and associated agricultural lands.
The private, nonprofit Trust for Public Lands is funding an appraisal of the property and has indicated an interest in helping to facilitate expansion of Puuhonua o Honaunau, a statement from Akaka said.
Maui Council may ask 2nd look at planned mall
WAILUKU >> A request to reopen a coastal zone application for a shopping center in Lahaina was referred yesterday to the Maui County Council's Land Use Committee.Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson wants the Council to pass a resolution asking the Maui Planning Commission to take another look at its issuance of a coastal permit to the proposed Harbor Village shopping center. A coastal zone permit allows for development near a coastal area.
Johnson said inaccurate information about parking at the proposed center was given to the commission during its decision making. Some residents oppose the center's location across from a school and its proximity to a former pond and island occupied by King Kamehameha I.
Come take a free trolley ride today on Family Fun Free Day
The city is inviting the public to hop aboard the Kaimuki-Kapahulu-Waikiki Trolley for a free ride on Family Fun Free Day today between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.Riders should look for green and gold balloons at trolley stops. They can enjoy live music performed by local artists aboard the trolleys.
Also, riders can take advantage of deals from the neighborhoods' retail shops and restaurants by showing their special "Free Day" stamp. Participating merchants will offer free merchandise, a free gift with a purchase, other savings and discounts. Look for the green and gold balloons at participating merchant locations.
Family Fun Free Day is organized by the city, the Greater East Honolulu Community alliance, neighborhood boards and TransHawaiian.
Among the activities on that day will be a historic 2-1/2-hour walk through Kaimuki, meeting at Kaimuki Recreation Center on Waialae Avenue. A one-hour walking tour featuring "treasures of Kaimuki" will begin at 11 a.m. Meet at the Koko Head Trolley stop.
The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association will conduct a historic trail walk beginning at surfboard marker No. 2, Waikiki Beach, across from the zoo entrance, at 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Children's storytelling and craft classes will be held at Market City Shopping Center.
>> Ewa Beach resident and St. Louis graduate Kellen K.K.W. King has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship by the Elks National Foundation. Kellen will receive $1,000 a year for the 2001-2002 to 2004-2005 academic years. He is one of 494 high school seniors nationally to be awarded the scholarship. [TAKING NOTICE]
>> The Bank of Hawaii Charitable Foundation has contributed $25,000 to the Hawaii Nature Center. The money will be used to improve and expand the center's community education programs and outreach efforts. Bank of Hawaii has donated more than $150,000 to the center since 1994.
>> Waipahu High School has been awarded a $4,000 grant by Salomon Smith Barney in conjunction with the Citigroup Foundation. The money will be used to support the high school's Academy of Finance program, a national two- to four-year program that allows students to learn about and prepare for careers in the financial services. There are 26 students enrolled in the program at Waipahu High.
>> The Hawaii branch of the Salvation Army was presented with a $9,666 grant from Home Depot. The money will be used to benefit those seeking energy assistance from the Salvation Army.
>> The Honolulu Police Department recently promoted the following individuals to the rank of major and announced their new assignments: Capt. Susan Ballard, Finance Division; Capt. Bart Huber, Juvenile Services Division; and Capt. Michael Tamashiro, Training Division. Maj. Susan Dowsett moves from Narcotics/Vice to become commander of District 4.
Individuals promoted to the rank of captain and their new assignments include: Lt. John Lum, District 7; Lt. Randal Macadangdang, District 6; Lt. Delbert Tatsuyama, Finance Division; and Lt. Michael Thomas, District 2.
Individuals promoted to the rank of lieutenant and their new assignments include: Det. Sherman Chan, District 7; Sgt. Mark Hibbs, District 4; Sgt. Bennett Martin, Traffic Division; Det. Andrew Okada, Central Receiving Division; Sgt. David Passmore, District 8; and Sgt. Michael Tanaka, Internal Affairs.
Officers promoted to the rank of detective and their new assignments include: Frank Abreu, District 3; Glenn Hayashi, District 5; Henry Holcomb, District 5; Marie Kanealii-Ortiz, District 6; Emerick LaMontagne, District 6; and Wilson Lau, District 6.
Officers Lee Donohue Jr. and Roger Nitta have been promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to District 1.
Officers promoted to the rank of metropolitan police officer II and their new assignments include: Andrew Bonifacio, District 2; Harold Cabbab Jr., District 6; James Canario, District 6; James Chee Jr., Training Division; Terrence Ito, Specialized Services Division; Cullen Kau, District 6; Steven Ono, District 6; Jefferey Pohaku, District 6; Carl Roth, District 4; Derrick Sagawa, District 4; Nancy Smith, Training Division; Rory Souza, District 3; Joseph Tabarejo Jr., District 4; Scott Tamasaka, District 7; Dennis Yogi, Criminal Intelligence Unit; and Duke Zoller, District 6.
Do you have items about Hawaii residents earning academic or professional honors, winning scholarships, awards or elections to professional or civic groups? Please send them in writing for "Taking Notice" to City Desk, Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813. Corrections and clarifications
The fatal stabbing of George Nakamura occurred this past February. A report yesterday gave an incorrect date.
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. Corrections and clarifications
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Tech theft hits Big Island school and organization
KEALAKEKUA, Hawaii >> Thousands of dollars worth of computers and other office equipment were stolen from Konawaena High School and Kona Krafts, located next to the school, last weekend.Thieves stole eight computers, a computer monitor and a scanner from the high school's computer room, police said. The loss is estimated at $6,795.
Police believe both burglaries happened sometime between June 8 and 10.
The school burglary was reported Tuesday, while the other was reported Sunday.
Kona Krafts, an organization that assists the mentally and physically handicapped, lost about $7,000 in office equipment, including four computers, a printer, a laminator and a battery backup unit.
Police seek suspect in Kaimuki kidnap try
Police are looking for the driver of a blue Pontiac Trans Am with Hawaii plates in an attempted kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl in Kaimuki Thursday afternoon.
The driver's side of the car is emblazoned with "Trans Am" in gold lettering.
Police said the girl suffered an abdominal injury when she was hit by the passenger door of the car. She was admitted to a local hospital for observation.
She told police she was walking near Pizza Hut at 3113 Waialae Ave. at 4:30 p.m. Thursday when the suspect stopped his car in front of her in the restaurant's driveway. He opened the passenger door, hitting her in the stomach, and demanded that she get in.
The girl fled and said the suspect followed her as she ran home.
Family members called police and the suspect fled.
The girl was taken to an area hospital in guarded condition. The suspect is described as a man in his 40s, with a medium build, black neck-length hair and pale complexion. He was wearing a blue baseball cap with "See Composite" printed on it and a white printed T-shirt.
Pakalolo plants seized by police on Big Island
KAILUA-KONA >> Police seized 689 marijuana plants in an eradication operation Tuesday and Wednesday in South Kohala, Kona, and Kau, police said yesterday.
