Airport nearing normal operations; stranded JAL fliers should be out today
Operations at Honolulu Airport continue to work their way back to normal, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marilyn Kali said.As of yesterday about 200 Japan Airlines passengers stranded in Honolulu since Tuesday's attacks were still unable to leave, Kali said.
Everybody should be able to fly out today, said Gilbert Kimura, JAL Regional Sales Manager.
"People who were turned away were assured of a seat," he said today.
With seven different Japanese destinations, Kimura said many passengers chose to wait for a seat to their intended city rather that fly to a different one. He said the airline is flying its full schedule of flights today even bringing in passengers from Japan.
"We have people coming in but the numbers are very small," Kimura said.
At least one of the state's interisland carriers is reporting a decline in passengers.
"We have seen a significant drop in passenger traffic since we reinstated service," said Keoni Wagner, Hawaiian Airlines spokesman.
However both Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines continue to fly full schedules.
Big plans for Ka Iwi State Park get green light
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has won approval from the City Council to place parking and other improvements as part of the Ka Iwi Scenic Shore and Makapuu Lookout in what will be the 354-acre Ka Iwi State Park.Among the projects allowed under the special management area use permit will be two parking lots, improved vehicular access, landscaping and upgraded scenic lookouts.
The project is expected to cost about $4 million.
Members of the East Honolulu Community Coalition say they support this phase of improvements for Ka Iwi but oppose any further development because they fear overuse of the area. They note that an earlier plan called for tour bus parking.
"Protect her future now so another Hanauma Bay disaster does not happen," said Kelly Washino, a member of the coalition. Washino also called for the state to conduct a traffic study to assess the effects of visitors to the area.
Former bar owner elected to Liquor Commission
A businessman who formerly had ownership in two bars that were fined for violating liquor laws has been approved as the newest member of the Honolulu Liquor Commission.Dennis Enomoto had 15 percent ownership in the now-defunct Hawaii Stars operation. One of the liquor-serving establishments was fined once for an open-container violation and twice for failing to file annual gross sales reports in a timely manner. Another bar was fined for failing to file a gross sales report.
Several people testified against Enomoto's nomination, stating that his former involvement in the liquor trade should disqualify him from consideration.
Others, however, testified that Enomoto belongs to several community organizations and would be able to provide a fair and impartial view of liquor-related matters.
Enomoto's nomination was approved 8-1. Councilman Andy Mirikitani was the sole dissenting vote. Enomoto's term will expire in 2005.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT TURNS CRITICAL
A man and a woman were taken to Queen's Medical Center in critical condition last night after a motorcycle collided with a car along Ala Moana. Acting Capt. Curtis Aiwohi of the Kakaako Fire Station said the motorcyclist, operating a Harley-Davidson, appeared to have struck the left side of a red Honda CRV at the intersection of Ahui Street and Ala Moana around 8:23 p.m. Both victims were on the motorcycle. The man was wearing a helmet, but not the woman, said Aiwohi. Both suffered head injuries and were transported to Queen's by ambulance. Medical staff said the man is 27 years old. The age of the woman is unknown. Honolulu Police traffic investigators closed the section of Ala Moana between Koula Street and Ward Avenue last night while they investigated the accident.
Oahu restaurant, bar raising funds for victims
Two Oahu establishments were helping out the American Red Cross today.Dixie Grill at 404 Ward Ave. was accepting donations to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and was holding a drive to create "Aloha Cards" for the victims of last Tuesday's attacks. The public is invited to stop by and sign the cards, to be sent to New York and the Pentagon.
Also, the National Waikiki bar at 2330 Kuhio Ave., beneath the Ohana Waikiki West Hotel, planned a fundraiser tonight to benefit the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The proceeds from $5 tickets will be donated to the Red Cross. Drawings for gift certificates and show tickets also will be held.
Man charged in 'Black Beard' heists
Federal officials filed bank robbery charges yesterday against Glen Yonamine, 36, believed to be the Black Beard Bandit responsible for nine bank robberies on Oahu.Honolulu police said Yonamine was wearing a ski mask and a dark polo shirt when he entered the Central Pacific Bank at 94-210 Pupukahi St. in Waipahu around 12:20 p.m. Saturday.
The suspect brandished a 9 mm handgun and ordered everyone to get on the ground, police said. He then ran around the counter and emptied three teller drawers, according to police.
Police said Yonamine ran out of the bank but was followed by a 14-year-old girl who saw his face after he took off his ski mask. The suspect was identified from a photo lineup.
About three hours later, police said, a patrol officer spotted Yonamine's vehicle at a stoplight a block away from the bank. Officers surrounded the vehicle on Farrington Highway at Leoku Street and arrested Yonamine.
Yonamine was expected to appear today in federal court.
Corrections and clarifications
A story on Page A1 yesterday about a Hawaii-born man who rescued several people from the burning Pentagon Tuesday said incorrectly that American Airlines Flight 11 hit the building; it was American Flight 77. Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
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
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Snorkeler dies off Mahukona on Big Isle
KAILUA-KONA >> A 26-year-old man died yesterday while snorkeling off Mahukona in North Kohala.Fire rescue responded to a distress call at 1:51 p.m. of a man who was pushed against the rocky shoreline on the north side of the bay.
Bystanders pulled the victim out of the water and started CPR.
The victim was taken to Kohala Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:10 p.m.
An autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death.
Kona man in custody after allegedly firing shot
KAILUA-KONA >> A 63-year-old South Kona man was arrested for attempted murder yesterday for allegedly firing a shot at another man during a dispute.Police said that around 10 a.m. the suspect and a 54-year-old man were arguing at a home on Middle Keei Road when the suspect pulled a rifle from his truck and fired one round, barely missing the victim.
The suspect left the scene and later turned himself in to police. He is currently being held pending further investigation by the Kona Criminal Investigation Section.
Hilo drowning victim was 19-year-old from Waimea
HILO >> The man who drowned Saturday has been identified as 19-year-old Melchor Sambrano of Waimea.Sambrano was swimming with friends at Piihonua Falls above Hilo. He was discovered with a head injury after failing to surface after he dove into the water.
LEEWARD OAHU
Pickup truck accident hospitalizes Kapolei girl
A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition at Queen's Medical Center after being involved in a car accident Saturday afternoon.Police said an 18-year-old man from Kapolei was traveling eastbound on the H-1 freeway with three passengers: a 14-year-old girl from Kapolei, a 15-year-old boy from Kapolei and a 14-year-old girl from Ewa Beach.
The driver, navigating a gold 2001 Ford pickup truck, attempted to make a right turn onto Kalaeloa Boulevard when he lost control and drove over the center median. The vehicle spun in a clockwise direction, hit a curb and overturned.
The driver and the 14-year-old girl from Kapolei were taken to St. Francis Medical Center and later transported to Queen's by helicopter.
The other two passengers were also taken to St. Francis after suffering minor injuries. Police said speed is a possible factor in the accident.
WINDWARD OAHU
Laie infant dies after found floating in ocean
A 1-year-old baby was found lifeless in the ocean after he crawled out of his Laie home Saturday.Police said family members did not immediately notice the boy was missing.
The baby's father, 55, found his son floating in the ocean around 5:10 p.m. The baby's mother performed CPR on her child. Police said the baby was taken to Kahuku Hospital, where he died.
HONOLULU
Kapiolani club turns up funny money and arrest
A 49-year-old man was arrested yesterday morning after he attempted to buy a beer with a counterfeit bill.At about 1:20 a.m. the suspect entered Club D'Amore on Kapiolani Boulevard and ordered a beer. Police said he gave the bartender a $50 bill.
The bartender gave the man his change but later discovered the bill was counterfeit.
Police arrested the suspect at the establishment for forgery in the first degree.
