U.S., Hawaii flags return to full staff tomorrow
Gov. Ben Cayetano announced yesterday that the state flag will be raised to full staff tomorrow in accordance with President Bush's orders to fly the U.S. flag at full staff.President Bush had ordered that the American flag be flown at half-staff until sunset today.
U.S. and state flags were lowered to half-staff on Sept. 11 as a mark of respect for the victims of terrorist attacks.
Vets face increased security at Tripler
Veterans needing services at the Veterans Affairs clinic at Tripler Army Medical Center must have a VA identification card because of the new security measures now in effect.The VA also will no longer accept prescription refill requests made in person. All refills must be requested by either mailing in the refill request sheets or by using the phone-in system.
The security restrictions are the result of the Sept. 11 terrorist incidents on the mainland and are a part of the nationwide precautions now in effect at all military bases.
Veterans need to present their VA Universal Access cards at the checkpoint and be prepared to have their vehicles searched. A veteran who does not have a VA ID card should call VA engineering services at 433-0164, or the Tripler provost marshal at 433-6670.
To phone in a refill, call 433-0050. Mail in refill slips or write the request on a separate sheet of paper with your name, social security number, prescription number and drug name. Mail to: Pharmacy Service, Spark M. Matsunaga VAMROC, 459 Pattern Road, Honolulu, HI 96819.
SNIFFING FOR TROUBLE
Say going to national conference as planned
State House Speaker Calvin Say said yesterday he will attend next week's National Speakers Conference in Charleston, S.C., as planned.Say said he agreed with conference president David Wilkins, South Carolina's House speaker, that changing plans because of last week's terrorist attacks would help the terrorists achieve their goal of using fear to disrupt Americans.
The conference leaders have decided to use the gathering to raise funds for New York City's police and fire departments, Say said.
The agenda has been changed to focus on terrorism and will include briefings from federal officials about the attacks, he said.
The four-day conference that begins Wednesday is sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. It is scheduled to be held in Hawaii in 2003, assuming Say wins re-election next year.
Say is now second vice president of the speakers organization and will be vice president next year.
The event is held in the home state of the group's president, which this year is Wilkins.
"In spite of the tragedy, we're moving forward," Wilkins said. "I think it showcases the state. It's a boost for the economy."
There were no requirements for additional security and "we will have adequate security," Wilkins said. Planned events include visits to plantations and Fort Sumter, the target of the first shots of the Civil War.
There have been a handful of cancellations, Wilkins said, but there also have been additional last-minute reservations.
A CRY FOR PEACE
Forum to focus on terrorism, peace
"From Terrorism to Peace" is the topic of a noon forum Tuesday by the Spark M. Matsunaga Institute for Peace.Audience participation will be encouraged in addition to discussion by panelists in the event at the University of Hawaii Bilger Hall, Room 150.
The forum is the first in a series of Tuesday panels responding to the Sept. 11 attack on America.
Aloha Airlines to add 8 flights back to its reduced interisland schedule
Consumer demand has led Aloha Airlines to add flights to the reduced schedule it announced in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.Aloha had said that beginning Monday it would offer 113 daily interisland flights instead of the current 150. But the airline announced yesterday that it is adding eight "early-bird" round trips that will depart from Honolulu Airport to the four neighbor island airports.
"We said we would add flights if the demand arose, and we're doing just that by reinstating our early-bird departures," said Aloha President and Chief Executive Glenn Zander.
Sporting event aids Hawaii Foodbank
The Hawaii Hunter Education Program is sponsoring an event today and tomorrow that collects food for the hungry while introducing people to hunting and fishing.National Hunting and Fishing Day will be celebrated at Koko Head Shooting Range, located at the first left turn past Hanauma Bay on Kalanianole Highway when heading from Hawaii Kai to Waimanalo.
The national event has been going on 30 years and the local event for five years, said Wendell W.S. Kam conservation education program specialist with the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. In those five years, Kam said, "We've gathered 3 tons of food and several thousand dollars for the Foodbank."
"It's an opportunity to get good coaching," Kam said.
People who have never fired a gun or shot an arrow from a bow will be able to do so, under the supervision of experienced sportsmen. They can also get expert instruction on fly casting -- though it will be on land, with no fish to catch.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. For each canned food item or $1 donation, attendees will get an activity coupon to participate in skeet, .22 rifle and handgun, muzzleloader, archery, air gun or fish-casting contests.
All safety rules must be followed, including the use of ear protection. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children 9-12 may only fire a .22 rifle under adult supervision, and children 8 or younger may not fire guns.
Sewage spills onto Aiea school grounds
A Navy wastewater line overflowed onto Aiea Elementary School property yesterday, according to Navy officials.The Navy estimated that 5,000 gallons of sewage overflowed because a manhole clogged with debris.
Work crews recovered about 4,500 gallons of the spill while 500 gallons entered a storm drain.
Navy officials said crews cleaned and disinfected the area and posted signs for the public. The Navy said it also informed the state Department of Health of the spill.
Corrections and clarifications
>> Rick Tsujimura, chairman of the city Zoning Board of Appeals, recused himself from voting on a matter involving Councilman John Henry Felix on Wednesday because his wife, an attorney, is representing the University of Hawaii on an unrelated business interest tied to Felix. An article on Page A12 yesterday incorrectly explained the recusal.
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
[THE COURTS]
Kauai man gets 60 years for killing wife with fire
LIHUE >> Manuel Aguiar, who pleaded guilty to fatally setting his wife on fire during an argument at their home on March 12, 2000, has been given a minimum sentence of 60 years, Kauai County Prosecutor Michael Soong said yesterday.Aguiar agreed to plead no contest to second-degree murder. In return the prosecution agreed to not seek the maximum penalty of life without parole.
The parole date is set by the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Aguiar had no criminal history and surrendered to police.
Aguiar admitted pouring gasoline on his wife, Mui Lan Esposo Aguiar, and setting her on fire.
She later died of complications from the burns that covered more than 80 percent of her body.
The couple was arguing because Aguiar was upset that his wife, who managed a medical equipment rental company, was spending too much time on Oahu opening a new store.
Murder charge dropped for killer's accomplice
LAS VEGAS >> A man arrested in the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old tourist from Maui at Harrah's hotel-casino has entered into a plea agreement.Deputy Special Public Defender Dayvid Figler said Michael Frimmel, 32, pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of burglary in exchange for the dismissal of a number of other charges, including murder.
Prosecutors will recommend Frimmel receive four sentences of one to 10 years each served at the same time. He will be sentenced Nov. 2.
Frimmel, who has no prior felony convictions and did not fire the shot that killed the woman, also is eligible for parole.
Authorities think Frimmel and Stephen Mullen Jr. were involved in a number of thefts from various casinos in the days leading up to the Sept. 8, 2000, death of Heather Vitarelli, who had been attending college in Napa, Calif.
Police said Mullen fired his gun while security officers were trying to detain him and Frimmel.
Mullen, too, has entered a plea agreement. He will receive a life prison sentence with parole possible after 40 years when he is sentenced Oct. 16.
Motorcyclist's family awarded $1.3 million
A Honolulu arbitrator has awarded $1.3 million to the family of a Kula, Maui, motorcyclist killed Nov. 11, 1999, when he was struck by a car driven by an 88-year-old man.Craig Diego, 29, was riding his motorcycle on Lower Kula Road when James Scott Cumming made a left turn near the intersection with Waipoli Road and car struck Diego, causing injuries that resulted in his death.
Arbitrator James Duffy found Cumming 75 percent negligent, the County of Maui, 15 percent, and Diego, 10 percent at fault.
The Diegos sued the county for failure to keep the double center line visible on Kula Road.
Duffy awarded Diego's estate $391,828.90; his widow, Rachelle Diego, $350,000; his parents, Norman and Patricia Diego, $375,000; and his daughter, $200,000.
A separate suit has been filed to collect the award from Cumming's insurance company, said James Krueger, attorney for Diego's parents.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Police find fugitive who fled supervised release
Puna police, acting on a tip yesterday, arrested a 34-year-old man wanted for revocation of supervised release. Puna patrol officers arrested the suspect, Jack Nanaole Napeahi, at 10:40 a.m. in Pahoa.Police had issued a news release Monday asking for the public's help in locating Napeahi, and they expressed appreciation for the assistance in apprehending the suspect.
Napeahi was wanted on bench warrants for revocation of supervised release and contempt of court. He was being held in lieu of $7,500 bail.
LEEWARD OAHU
Waipahu teen allegedly stabbed younger sister
A 17-year-old Waipahu girl was arrested Thursday night for assault after allegedly stabbing her 14-year-old sister in the leg with a steak knife during an argument.Police said the argument occurred at about 8:50 p.m. in the family's Aniani Street apartment.
They said the older sister stabbed her sibling after the younger sister grabbed her hair. The younger sister received a superficial wound that was treated at the scene.
