Scuba company recalls valves that can stick open
WASHINGTON >> A California company is recalling 3,500 of its overpressure valves that are used with scuba diving equipment sold nationwide because the valve can stick open, creating a potential drowning hazard for divers.Diving Unlimited International Inc. of San Diego has received two reports of the valves sticking open, although no injuries have been reported, according to an announcement Wednesday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The valves are used with a buoyancy control system, which comes in jacket and wing models.
The jacket models have the DUI logo on the pocket, epaulette and weight pockets. On the wing model, the company logo is printed on the epaulette and weight pockets. Both models have the letters "DUI" printed on the permanent hang tags of the buoyancy control system.
The systems were sold by DUI dealers from November 1997 through November 2001, for about $590.
CPSC advised consumers to stop using the valves immediately and contact the dealer for a free replacement. Consumers can contact DUI at 800-325-8439, weekdays between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Hawaii time, or e-mail the company at CustomerServiceDUI-Online.com.
Mental Health Kokua nets $27,500 in grants
Mental Health Kokua has received three grants related to its services on Oahu, the Big Island and Maui County.They include:
>> $5,000 for technical support for a merger between Mental Help Hawaii and Maui Kokua Services.
>> $2,500 from the Hawaii Hotel Association Visitor Industry Charity Walk to extend Respite and Peer Coach training opportunities.
>> $20,000 from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for Achievement in Management in recognition of Mental Health Kokua's services.
The agency offers crisis prevention, case management support, social rehabilitation services and residential placement options for people needing mental health services.
For information, call 737-2523.
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
WAIKIKI
Surfers haul in dead man found floating in water
The body of a man described in his 30s was found floating off Waikiki Beach yesterday morning, police said. Surfers brought the man ashore on a surfboard at about 7:40 a.m., police said. He was seen at 7:30 a.m. swimming alone in the area, police said. He was pronounced dead at Straub Hospital about an hour later. There were no signs of injury or foul play, police said.
HONOLULU
Driver dies in crash on Kamehameha Highway
A 30-year-old male driver was killed yesterday morning when the sport utility vehicle he was driving crashed into a freeway support column on Kamehameha Highway near Puuloa Road, police said.Witnesses said the white 1993 Toyota 4-Runner was traveling west on Kamehameha Highway in the right turn lane when it failed to turn, jumped the curb and struck the column without braking or slowing down, police said. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was the SUV's only occupant, and no other vehicles were involved in the 11 a.m. accident, police said.
The man suffered massive chest and head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. It is unknown if speed or alcohol were factors. This was Oahu's 75th traffic fatality this year as compared with 64 at the same time last year.
Ala Moana Center clerk arrested for fraud
Police arrested a 19-year-old sales clerk at an Ala Moana Center store for computer fraud Thursday after she allegedly charged clothing to a customer's account.The clerk gained unauthorized access to the customer's account using the store computer, police said. Security personnel had been watching the sales clerk when the fraud occurred, police said.
The woman was released Saturday pending further investigation.
Man clubbed and robbed outside bar in Kaimuki
A 40-year-old man was robbed early Saturday morning outside a Kaimuki bar by an unknown assailant holding a large stick, police said.The man had just left the bar and was walking through the parking lot at 910 Center St. when he was hit from behind and knocked down, police said. A man holding a large stick demanded money from the victim, who complied, police said. The suspect then fled, and the victim called police from a pay phone.
WINDWARD OAHU
Men arrested for trying to run over Kahaluu couple
Two 18-year-old Maili men were arrested yesterday for assault for allegedly trying to run over a man and a woman after a traffic incident in Kahaluu.Police said one of the suspects confronted a 32-year-old man after a minor traffic incident. The man and the suspect got into an argument after the man stopped his vehicle in front of his home.
The two ended their argument with a handshake and the suspect drove away. The suspect then stopped his vehicle, police said, and backed up, striking the man and his 29-year-old female companion.
The suspect later returned with the other suspect driving the vehicle. Police said the suspects chased the man in their vehicle and threw beer bottles at him and at bystanders. The suspects drove off as police arrived but were stopped in Kaneohe and arrested. The man and the woman suffered minor injuries.
Homeless man arrested in Kailua blanket theft
A homeless man was arrested for first-degree burglary near a Kailua beach shortly before midnight Saturday after he allegedly stole blankets from a guest cottage, police said.The homeowners called 911 after hearing the security alarm at the cottage go off, police said. Responding officers caught the suspect nearby with items from the cottage, police said.
LEEWARD OAHU
Pearl City man holes up after allegedly hitting wife
A 28-year-old man has been charged with second-degree terroristic threatening and abuse of a family member after an incident in which he allegedly punched and kicked his wife and then barricaded himself in the bedroom of his Pacific Palisades home with his infant son, police said.Felise Tupuola was charged Saturday night, police said.
The incident began around 3:45 p.m. Saturday, when police said Tupuola's estranged wife, a 21-year-old Waianae woman, went to the house with her baby to pick up some important papers for her child. The two got into an argument, and the man punched her in the face and kicked her while she was on the ground, police said. The suspect's family members freed the woman.
When police arrived the suspect then locked himself in a bedroom with his son and refused to give himself up. "Don't make it harder on yourself, or I'll plug you in the head," the man allegedly told police.
A negotiating team from the Honolulu Police Department's Specialized Services Division arrived at the home at 2152 Aumakua St. in Pearl City and talked the man into giving himself up.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Hiker rescued by copter from Kalalau Trail
A 71-year-old woman was airlifted by helicopter off the Kalalau Trail about 1:30 p.m. yesterday after she fell on her hip one hour into the hike.Kauai Fire Department officials said the woman had recently undergone hip replacement surgery. Another hiker went to the trail head to call for help after the woman fell.
Brush fire burns 600 acres in Kona Palisades
KAILUA-KONA >> A brush fire of possibly suspicious origin burned 600 acres on the north side of Kona Palisades subdivision yesterday, the Fire Department said. No property damage or injuries occurred.The fire was reported at 11:42 a.m. near a community center and was declared under control at 6:55 p.m. A brush fire on the south side of the subdivision burned several hundred acres a few weeks ago.
