McNair gate at Schofield Barracks will be open to vehicles with three or more people in them starting tomorrow from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Army said. Schofield's McNair Gate
to open for HOVIt's hoped that opening the gate for high-occupancy vehicles will encourage car pooling. Access for essential contractors will remain at McNair gate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Army also announced the Nagorski Golf Course at Fort Shafter and the Outdoor Recreation Facility on Schofield Barracks will be open today.
Starting tomorrow, people wishing to express sympathy to those who lost loved ones in the attacks may do so at several locations statewide. 'Care books' offered
for sympathy wishesThe YWCA of Oahu will have a "Caring Book" available in the lobby of the Laniakea Center at 1040 Richards St. in downtown Honolulu. The book will be mailed to the mayors of New York City and Washington, D.C. Those interested may call the YWCA at 538-7061.
People may also sign register books at Borthwick Mortuary locations on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai. The books will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will become part of a permanent memorial to the victims.
Auto insurer faces charges of price gouging
ASSOCIATED PRESS -- Three Honolulu law firms announced that they have filed a class-action lawsuit Friday against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., alleging the largest insurer in the state violated the Hawaii Insurance Code by overcharging customers with poor credit.State Insurance Commissioner Wayne Metcalf said last Saturday that the company had agreed to stop the use of credit bureau information in calculating policies.
A company spokesman could not be reached for comment.
The lawsuit claimed State Farm engaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices by overcharging up to 50 percent in insurance premiums.
The law firms want the company to notify affected customers and return excessive charges.
The lawsuit was filed by the firms Brickerton, Saunders and Dang; Bronster Crabtree & Hoshibata; and Davis Levin Livingston Grande.
Green dye in harbor ID'ed as non-toxic
A bright green dye was found in the waters of Honolulu Harbor yesterday before 8 a.m., said Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali.Someone noticed what appeared to be dye coming out of a water drain between Pier 13 and Aloha Tower, where the cruise ship Patriot was moored.
The state Harbors Division notified the fire hazardous materials team, which identified the substance as a harmless non-toxic dye. A company used the dye to trace a drain system from one of the downtown buildings.
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 staff
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
LEEWARD OAHU
FBI nabs suspected 'Black Beard Bandit'
The FBI believes it has captured the serial bank robber dubbed the "Black Beard Bandit."The suspect, Glen Yonamine, 36, was arrested yesterday by federal agents and police officers following the robbery of the Waipahu branch of Central Pacific Bank, Special Agent Daniel Dzwilewski said.
The bank was robbed by a man wearing a ski mask and armed with a handgun. Witnesses saw the man get into a vehicle and drive away.
Yonamine was subsequently arrested in his vehicle at the corner of Farrington Highway and Leoku Street in Waipahu, Dzwilewski said.
The serial robber, who disguised himself by wearing a fake black beard, is suspected in nine previous Oahu bank robberies dating back to January 2000.
HONOLULU
2 men injured in attack by mob in Kalihi
Two men were injured when a group of men attacked them last night in Kalihi, police said.One was stabbed and was in stable but serious condition and the other was in guarded condition at an Oahu hospital.
The two men were standing across from 2303 Kalihi Street when the large group of men approached. An argument ensued and the gang attacked the men in a mob-like fashion, police said.
One man was stabbed several times with a knife-like object, then the group fled on foot to waiting vehicles, police said.
No suspects had been arrested yesterday evening.
Police find no humor in alleged bomb jokes
A man from Madison Heights, Mich., faces first-degree terroristic threatening charges for making bomb jokes Friday about a package he sent via Airborne Express.Police say the package was mailed from Michigan to Pearl Harbor.
When it failed to arrive on time, the sender called the office and asked about his package being checked on by "bomb-sniffing dogs."
Police say he then said, "It's going to blow into tiny pieces."
Airborne immediately notified authorities. The object was found to be a laptop computer, police said.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Man injures head, dies at Piihonua Falls
HILO >> A 19-year-old Waimea man died of an apparent drowning yesterday while swimming with friends at Piihonua Falls in Hilo, Big Island police said.The man was found with a head injury after failing to surface following a dive into the Piihonua River, fire officials said. The man's friends were performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation when fire rescue personnel arrived at the scene. He was pronounced dead less than half an hour later at Hilo Medical Center.
Police were withholding the man's name until positive identification was made.
