Political redistricting goes to elections office
The state Reapportionment Commission submitted its plan for new political districts to the Office of Elections yesterday.The new district lines will become effective once the office publishes the plan on Dec. 24.
The redistricting plan governs Hawaii's two U.S. House seats and 76 legislative seats over the next 10 years.
Man is charged in 1995 death of 3-year-old son
A 49-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the 1995 death of his 3-year-old son.An Oahu grand jury handed down the indictment Wednesday against Raymond Herring.
Jacob Herring-Kamaka suffered blunt trauma to the head, resulting in a fatal brain injury that led to his death in April 1995.
Second-degree murder is punishable with a life term with parole.
If convicted, Herring could face extended terms of imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 15 years under sentencing provisions for crimes against minors.
The case is one of several baby death cases that were brought to Prosecutor Peter Carlisle's attention after he was elected city prosecutor. The cases were re-evaluated and presented to a grand jury, resulting in indictments.
Traffic backs up after power to signals gets cut
City traffic monitors said Honolulu evening rush hour was worse than usual yesterday because water damage apparently cut the power to traffic signals in several areas.Hawaiian Electric officials said a power failure on Cooke and King streets knocked out traffic signals along Ward Avenue around 4:15 p.m., while another failure on Young Street knocked out traffic signals along Keeaumoku Street between Young Street and Wilder Avenue.
A pedestrian accident at King and Sheridan streets also backed up traffic later in the evening.
The male victim in that accident was listed in guarded condition last night at the Queen's Medical Center.
WINDS TOPPLE LAHAINA LIBRARY'S TREE
|
Feds award state $21 million for justice
The Department of Justice said it awarded more than $21 million to the state of Hawaii in fiscal 2001 to fight crime, help crime victims, train emergency responders and promote public safety."This $21 million demonstrates our solid commitment to Hawaii's significant local efforts," said Attorney General John Ashcroft.
The bulk of the money, $14 million, went to law enforcement for hiring police officers, training emergency personnel and purchasing equipment. About $4 million went to juvenile justice programs; $2.4 million to victims programs; $900,000 to substance abuse programs; and $500,000 to community-based initiatives.
The department said the funding was part of more than $5 billion that it awarded to 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories in fiscal 2001, which ended Sept. 30.
Large grants were awarded by a formula based on population density, and discretionary grants were awarded on a competitive basis to nonprofit and community agencies.
New fire station for South Maui to lower insurance
WAILUKU >> Insurance rates for homeowners and small businesses in Wailea and parts of Makena are expected to drop once a new fire station opens in Wailea in November.County officials broke ground this week at the site of the new fire station along Kilohana Drive in South Maui, below Maui Meadows.
The $8 million Wailea Fire Station will be the second in South Maui.
The other fire station is in central Kihei.
Richard Peters, an official with the Hawaii Insurance Bureau Inc., said homeowners could see their fire insurance rates decrease as a result of the new station.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Managing Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com. Corrections and clarifications
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
NORTH SHORE
Man, 58, accidentally shot in leg at pig farm
Honolulu police said a 58-year-old man was accidentally shot in the leg yesterday at a Haleiwa pig farm.Police said farm workers were slaughtering pigs using a small-caliber rifle when one of the pigs "bucked," causing the bullet to ricochet off the ground and strike the victim's right leg. The victim was taken to Wahiawa General Hospital where he was treated and released.
HONOLULU
2 men caught outside store with burglary tools
Police said they averted an after-hours burglary Thursday at J's Knicknacks when they found two men outside with "burglary tools."At about 3 a.m., witnesses reported seeing two men trying to break into the store at 1869 S. King St. When police arrived they found two men with tools and "signs of recent pry marks" on the door lock, police said.
The two Honolulu men, age 28 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools.
Unattended candle sets Papakolea shack ablaze
A Papakolea fire that destroyed a tin-roofed wooden shack Thursday was caused by an unattended candle, fire investigators found.A woman who had lived in the structure at 417 Hiilani St., was home at the time of the 5:30 a.m. fire but was not injured, said Capt. Kenison Tejada, spokesman for the Honolulu Fire Department. Damage was $10,000 to the structure and $5,000 to contents, he said.
The American Red Cross Hawaii chapter provided the woman with temporary housing and vouchers for food and clothing, said Jocelyn Collado, the chapter's communications manager.
The Red Cross will also offer crisis counseling and other health services if needed, she said.
