Japan foreign minister thanks gov for Ehime effort
TOKYO>> Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka thanked visiting Gov. Benjamin Cayetano today for Hawaii's contributions to U.S. Navy-led efforts to salvage the Ehime Maru, a Japanese high school fisheries training ship that sank off Diamond Head in February after being hit by a Navy submarine."We are very grateful for your generosity," Tanaka told Cayetano, who was accompanied by his two immediate predecessors, John Waihee and George Ariyoshi.
Cayetano explained that the U.S. Navy has "made progress" in its operation to lift the Ehime Maru after the accident which killed nine Japanese, including four high school students.
Tanaka, however, expressed concern that the task was taking "such a long time." Cayetano assured her by replying, "But we'll get it done."
The Japanese foreign minister also asked Cayetano whether he is planning to respond to the wishes of the families of the dead to build a monument using part of the Ehime Maru after it is salvaged.
"They have expressed an interest in the past, so we thought that when the time comes, we'd be glad to discuss it with them," the governor replied.
Cayetano also explained how the tourism industry in Hawaii is suffering due to the effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Tanaka in turn expressed regret that the attacks affected the airline and tourism industries, according to ministry officials.
Former Gov. Ariyoshi urged the people of Japan to visit Hawaii to help reactivate its tourism industry, the officials said.
Fire stations on Oahu invite public to stop by
Fire stations on Oahu will be open for public tours during Fire Prevention Week, which runs this week through Saturday."Cover the Bases & Strike Out Fire" is the theme for National Fire Prevention Week.
The goal of the campaign is to teach simple steps to prevent the three leading causes of home fires in the United States: cooking, heating and electrical distribution.
Invasion of box jellyfish expected to peak Thursday
The Honolulu Ocean Safety Division is warning of a box jellyfish invasion starting today that will peak on Thursday.Most of the jellyfish are expected to leave the affected areas by Saturday.
The Ala Moana Beach Park swim channel and Waikiki Beach are the areas most commonly affected. Hanauma Bay, Pokai Bay and Makaha Surfing Beach are also usually affected.
Lifeguards will post warning signs in any beach area where box jellyfish are found.
The division recommends flushing areas stung with lots of vinegar and seeking medical help if pain persists.
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 Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Bouncer killed in fight had blunt chest trauma
A bouncer who died after a fight at the Venus Nite Club suffered blunt chest trauma, according to the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.Robert Cullen, 47, collapsed after he was kicked in the chest during a fight early Saturday near the entrance to the club at 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
Tony Kwak, 21, of Mililani, was arrested at the scene and later charged with second-degree murder.
He made his initial court appearance yesterday and remains in custody in lieu of $125,000 bail.
HPD investigating details of officer firing shotgun
It has not yet been determined whether a 24-year-old Honolulu police officer will remain on patrol or be reassigned to desk duty while the department's Internal Affairs Division investigates an alleged accidental shooting, police said.
Police said the officer, who has been with the HPD for 2 1/2 years, allegedly discharged a shotgun accidentally in a Halawa Heights home Friday, injuring a 19-year-old man. The officer had gone to the home to look for two suspects in an incident at Toys-R-Us, police said.
The injured man, who was shot in his right leg, was not one of the suspects.
The officer has yet to return to work following his regular days off and the mandatory three-day administrative leave imposed on officers who discharge their weapons.
LEEWARD OAHU
Embers from rubbish fire ignite 2 homes nearby
A rubbish fire that damaged two vacant homes in Ewa's Varona Village yesterday is believed to have been set intentionally, Honolulu Fire Department officials said.Winds apparently carried embers from the burning pile of rubbish to the houses at 91-1710 and 91-1714 Paalua St. Fire officials said they were able to contain the flames to the roofs and eaves of the structures.
The fire caused an estimated $200 damage.
CENTRAL OAHU
Police seeking 2 suspects who stole woman's purse
Police are looking for two suspects who robbed a 53-year-old woman in Mililani yesterday morning.At about 12:01 a.m., a woman was walking to her car on Lanikuhana Avenue when she was approached from behind by a suspect.
Police said the suspect showed the woman a handgun and demanded her purse. The victim handed her purse over to the gunman, and a man in a red sedan picked up the suspect and fled.
The first suspect is described as a man in his 20s, 5-foot-9, 160 pounds with a shaven head. He was wearing a green pullover and dark pants. The other suspect is also described as being in his 20s.
